THE St Helens 10K Run is now a match for any similar event across the UK, says the Steve Prescott Foundation’s general manger, Martin Blondel.

He revealed that it will have amassed more than £50,000 for the SPF and other good causes supported by the run.

Martin also spoke of what the reaction of the public meant to the charity in what was its first major public event since Steve’s death at the age of 39 last November.

He said: “It was an emotional event for all concerned. The atmosphere was incredible, a perfect celebration of Steve’s life.

“Along with the announcement the week before of the Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award, the support from the rugby league and St Helens community, along with the great work of the 16 SPF ambassadors, reinforces Steve’s wish for the charity to continue to inspire and support those less fortunate than ourselves.

“We believe that the 10k run will raise in excess of £50,000 for the SPF charity and thousands more for the other charities involved.

“It is now a permanent fixture in the St Helens calendar. With Steve’s guidance, we now have a run that will match, if not better, any 10k run in the country.”

SPF ambassadors such as Martin Murray, Paul Sculthorpe, Shaun Briscoe, Chris Joynt Barrie McDermott and George Riley all tackled the course.

Martin added: “The SPF is proud to be able to put on a run of this stature, but we cannot do it alone and have the support of so many people and organisations, who are all committed to maintaining the phenomenal progression of the 10k run.

“By the end of this week, the public will be able to take advantage of our early bird special and sign up for next year’s run.”