AS he crossed the finish line Neil Prescott fell to his knees and had tears in his eyes as the raw emotion of the occasion overwhelmed him.

Moments later the brother of the late, great Steve turned to the former Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe and embraced him.

Both men had given their all in memory of the cancer battler who had founded the race in 2011.

And their efforts were matched around the circuit by many more of Steve’s friends, admirers and loved ones, including his wife Linzi.

More than 1,600 runners took part – a record for the event – with glorious March sunshine ensuring there were large crowds cheering everyone on.

Speaking to the Star after completing the course an emotional and proud Neil, who recorded a time of 41 minutes, said: “Today was personal to me. I had told my brother that I was going to break 40...but I just missed out.

“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: “Look at people’s faces today – it’s fantastic.

“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.”

Boxer Martin Murray, and SPF ambassador, who completed the course in 42 minutes, said it was an “amazing day”.

“This year felt really special,” he told the Star. “It was more sentimental with Steve not being here and it did feel a bit strange without him. I was thinking as I was running round that everybody is here because of Steve. He’s such a special fella.

“He has left a massive mark in St Helens and I am just happy to be taking part and getting involved.”

Martin said he also has every confidence that the event will continue to be successful.

“It will only get bigger and better over the years. Seeing all the families in the stadium was brilliant and it was a great atmosphere. I saw a few people crying with emotion.

“It really brings all the community together.”

Young Stockport Harrier Jake Littlehales won the race in a time of 32 minutes 30 seconds.