NEARLY 300 competitors took part in the annual Pitchcroft 10-kilometre race hosted by Worcester Athletic Club.

The popular event saw athletes complete three laps of an off-road course, starting and finishing at Worcester Racecourse grandstand.

Independent runner Andrew Hunt was first across the line in a time of 32 minutes 42 seconds, closely followed by Charnwood’s Mark Couldwell in 33.15.

Derek Harrison took fourth overall, and first in the male veteran category, in 34.35, while Tipton Harriers’ Lynne Cox was first female home in 37.33 and 13th overall.

The host club’s first runner to finish was Paul Scriven who was 18th overall in a time of 38.12.

Malvern Joggers’ Nigel Sewell, racing in the male 50 year division, recorded 39.19 for 24th.

Anne Daniel was Worcester’s first woman home as she recorded 42.17 for third female and 63rd overall.

Paul Daniels was the last of the 230 to complete the course in one hour seven minutes 40 seconds.

A further 56 people took part in the 2.5km fun run with Declan McManus winning in nine minutes 35 seconds.

Alex Bennett was runner-up in 10.51.

Worcester Athletic Club vice-chairman Ron Smith said of the day: “It was a success and everyone enjoyed it.

“Since they have tarmaced the surface at Pitchcroft, the times have improved and the entries have gone up.”