A WORCESTER hospice praises participants of the Full and Half Marathon that took place this weekend in it's 10th year running.

St Richard's Hospice, on Wildwood Drive, have praised the 372 people that participated last Sunday (May 16).

Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “It was fantastic to see everyone taking part in the Tempo Events Worcester Full and Half Marathon on Sunday. We are so grateful to all the amazing runners who ran and raised funds for our care to patients, and their loved ones, across Worcestershire."

She added: "Thanks must also go to the wonderful volunteer marshals, who gave their time to support the event, and race organisers Tempo Events for its continued support of St Richard’s".

The winner of the half marathon, Ben Kruze, came in at 1:12:54 and the winner of the full marathon, Tomasz Pokorniecki, came in 02:53:32.

The marathon was organised by Tempo Events and got underway over the road from Sixways in Offerton Lane at 9.30am. The full marathon took in two laps of the loop around rural lanes. The half accompanied the full for the first lap before splitting away at 11 miles and heading back where both races finish in front of the Worcester Warriors ground.

All finishers received a bespoke medal and a T-shirt.

A statement from Tempo Events said: "Once again we are delighted to be the organisers of this event, and would like to thank all the establishments that have greeted us enthusiastically and made it possible – Worcester Rugby Club, British Waterways and Wychavon District Council. We are very lucky to have them. Our partnership with St Richard's Hospice is now in its seventh year, and as the race’s charity partners, they have worked tirelessly to get lots of you to enter, and to raise money for them, as well as supplying lots of the wonderful marshals that will be around the course cheering you on. Over the years you have now raised over £45,000 for them.

"Like all charities, St Richard's has had a terrible year and this will be the first fundraising event for them."

A post on the hospice's Facebook page said: "Thank you to Tempo Events for its continued support of our care, and to all the volunteers and marshals helping out today!"