Thousands take part in Plymouth Half Marathon

A record-breaking field of about 10,000 people took part in the Plymouth Half Marathon, 10k or Schools Challenge races, organisers said.

The 13.1 mile (21km) half marathon route started and finished on Plymouth Hoe on Sunday, with people raising money for various causes.

The first person to cross the half marathon finish line was Shane McNerney in one hour 14 minutes and 16 seconds.

The student from Ireland said he was in his final year studying medicine at Plymouth University and it would be his last time taking part so "it's a nice way to kind of finish up" his five years in the city.

McNerney said: "I wasn't expecting to win. There was a group of four of us that ran the whole way together and and they kept me going to be honest.

"The last mile down I decided it was all or nothing, so I decided to kick on and just see what happens and thankfully it worked out."

Charlene Matthews, the fastest women in the 10K, said: "My aim today was to go out and run a sub 40-minute 10k.

"I far exceeded my own expectations and I came in at 37 minutes 57 seconds and first female, so really pleased with today's result."

She added: "The crowds in Plymouth are always brilliant and we've been really lucky with the weather today as well."

Suzi Cumberland, Managing Director of organisers Taurus Events, said Sunday's races added up to the biggest running event in Devon.

She said there were 5,000 half marathon runners, 2,000 10K runners and 3,500 children in the schools challenge, all watched by about 40-50,000 spectators.

"We've got over 500 volunteers with us today so it's a really big community event but with a national reach as well, with some of the visitors that we've had in further afield," she added.

Philippa Davey ran the 10k dressed as Plymouth's Smeaton's Tower to raise money for suicide charity Papyrus UK.

She said: "The lighthouse might be last... but people are lovely, they see the lighthouse and just smile. It's been brilliant."

Amy Guthrie-Smith, running as part of the Move Against Cancer 5K team, said: "My cancer journey recovery would not have been the same without these positive people helping to support me."

The group meets on the last Saturday of each month at more than 120 designated parkrun events across the UK with the Plymouth group meeting in Central Park.

"We meet afterwards for some coffee, cup of tea, cake, and just to support each other," Guthrie-Smith said.

"I think events like this are brilliant because it gives us the opportunity and pushes ourselves out of the comfort zone."

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