THOUSANDS of spectators turned out to see running heroes from across the country and the world compete in the Worcester City Run.

Athletics legend Paula Radcliffe took part in the event, finishing third, and was joined by other professional runners, competitive runners and people doing it for charity in both the 10K and the Run-Bike-Run races.

The day saw the possibility of "the next Paula Radcliffe", as Worcester Athletics Club's Jenny Nesbitt won the female 10K race.

The 19 year-old of Barbourne, who is currently on a gap year from university, said: "I am ecstatic to have won. I had no expectations in terms of times, as this is my first ever 10K race.

"I wasn't looking behind me but at one point when I was coming across Worcester Bridge I saw Paula on the other side and I thought, 'I've got her beat'.

"The support was great, I did not expect that many people here, but Worcester was rammed.

"I train six times a week all across the city, and although I'm thinking of university at the moment, running full-time is what I want to do. I'm going to try to represent Britain in the Olympics."

Proud dad Peter Nesbitt, 53, said: "I am very proud of her, to say she beat Paula on her very first 10K isn't bad is it?

"She could very well be the next PAula Radcliffe."

Kenya's Reuben Chumba came first in the male's 10K race. He said: It was a good race and Worcester is a nice place."

Radcliffe said: "Thanks to all the people who supported us.

“It was really good to see."

Other sporting heroes competing in the events were fastest man over 40 years old, Anthony Whiteman and bronze medallist Vikki Sivertsen.

Around 2,500 people were expected to compete across the events, including the 10K, Run-Bike-Run and two junior races.

Among them were charity runners James Underwood, Callum Davies and Olly Chanot who took part in the 10K dressed at Batman characters, to raise money for a new sensory garden at care home, Greenhill Lodge.

Callum Davies, 24, said: "It was very hot ,I was glad to have finished.

"The race was good fun and people were cheering us on which was appreciated. We have raised around £2,000.

The eagerly anticipated event, which was the first to be hosted in the country, went down extremely well with spectators.

Stourbridge resident Gemma Short, 37, watched her husband Paul take on the Run-Bike-Run event.

She said: “The atmosphere was really good and everyone has been really supportive."

Alyson Anstey, 55, from Kempsey, competed in the 10k, while her brother Tim took on the Run Bike Run.

Mrs Anstey said:“It’s great to see such a good turnout in Worcester and people have really embraced it.

“There’s been lots of support, people were all along the 10k route. “

Rees Bonham and Elise Blake won the boys and girls under 16 race, while James Vaughan and Holly Fox won the under 11 races.

Video by Worcester News reader Adrian Bailes