Several hundred enthusiastic runners took to the streets last weekend to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice.

A total of 423 people set off on their chosen route from the Cornwallis Academy at Linton on Sunday, completing either a half marathon, a 10k, a 5k race or a family-friendly 1k race.

The 10k was the most popular distance with 216 runners taking part in this year’s event.

Among those competing was Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch.

The elite runners were quick to finish the half marathon with the first five runners completing the 13.1 mile route in 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Many of those taking party in the family run did so in fancy dress, with characters including Pocahontas, Spiderman and unicorns spotted among the entrants.

It was the seventh time the road race has been held and this year's event raised £16,435 for Heart of Kent Hospice.

The run was sponsored by the Civil Service Insurance Society (CSIS).

Events manager Erica Snow said: “It was incredible to see such a fantastic turn out this year after not being able to host the event last year due to the pandemic.

"We want to congratulate each and every one of the runners who took part, whether they were trying to beat a personal running best time or taking part with family and friends to remember a loved one.

"We’d also like to say a special thank you to the many runners who raised sponsorship through the event and made a donation in additional to their race entry."

She said: "More than 60 volunteers generously gave their time to park cars, register runners, lead the warm-up, marshal routes, hand out medals, take photographs and drive sweeper vans."

"Without them, it would not be possible for the event to take place. Everyone was truly amazing!”

All the photographs are courtesy of Steve James.

To learn more about Heart of Kent Hospice, click here. www.hokh.org