MORE than 1,600 of runners tackled the St Helens 10K on a glorious Sunday morning, cheered on by hundreds of spectators.

The run was the fourth occasion the event has been held and the first since the death of its founder Steve Prescott, the former Saints player and prolific fundraiser.

Many felt it was the most successful event to date with record numbers of runners matched by an enthusiastic and passionate crowd who lined routes from Langtree Park to North Road.

It was an emotional day for Steve's family, friends and supporters too, as they crossed the newly named Steve Prescott Bridge during the course.

The conditions were a huge contrast to the bitter temperatures runners endured in 2013, with this year's sunny weather adding to the feel good factor that buzzed around the course.

The race was won by young Sale Harrier Jake Littlehales in a time of 32minutes 30seonds but for the majority it was the taking part that counted.

Among the runners was Steve's brother Neil along with many of the SPF charity's ambassadors.

They included former Saints captain Paul Sculthorpe, boxer Martin Murray BBC Radio 5 Live broadcaster George Riley and Andy Reid, the triple amputee former soldier, who completed part of the course on running blades.

At times it was a carnival of colour too, the runners decked out in fancy dress costumes - ranging from the Predator, to nuns and Bananaman.

Speaking afterwards an emotional Neil Prescot hailed a “superb atmosphere”.

He said: “Looking at people’s faces – it’s fantastic.”

Recording a time of 41 minutes Neil added: “Today was personal to me. I had told my brother that I was going to break 40.

“Both me and Scully were a bit emotional as we crossed the finish line and especially crossing Steve’s bridge.”

Following the conclusion of the fourth and biggest 10k so far Neil said: “It’s only going to get bigger.

Steve would be proud of what he’s set up. All he wanted to do was get people running and just look and what’s happened today. It’s fantastic.”
 

More coverage to follow