IT was the day when the streets flowed with camaraderie and community spirit.

A day of joyful smiles, pained grimaces, aching legs and waves of cheers.

A day of triumph, not just for the 1,189 who crossed the finish line but for the GPW Legal Services St Helens 10K itself and its team of organisers.

Some people ran their hearts out, others jogged or walked. Some ran in memory of missed loved ones or to raise as much as possible for charity. Others simply wanted to say they did it.

Club runners, novices and charity champions all merged in to a blur of colour that snaked its way from Langtree Park, across the Saints Way bridge, through the town centre, up North Road, around Victoria Park and back again for the grand finish at Saints magnificent £30m stadium.

You could sense the invisible bond of togetherness among those who were up bright and early to tackle the gruelling course, which started at 9am.

And if the first group of runners needed any inspiration, they needed look no further than triple amputee Andy Reid, who ran 4k on specially designed blades.

Focused and determined, he was met with heartfelt cheers and applause, when he crossed the finish line.

Pockets of spectators dotted North Road as wave after wave ran by, cheering on well known runners including Steve Prescott, ex Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe and boxing champion Martin Murray.

And inside the stadium, runners who went on a lap of the Langtree Park pitch were urged on by enthusiastic supporters, who packed the North Stand.

One repeated sight that sticks in the mind is of friends holding hands as they crossed the finish line together, epitomising the day’s wonderful spirit.

Hundreds may have been nursing sore legs this week, but each walked away from Langtree Park proud of their own achievements.