THOUSANDS of people came together to run the St Helens 10k yesterday, with many more congratulating their efforts in person and online.

More than 1,800 runners took part in the charity event, which was the first full-capacity race in the town for two years.

Starting at Saints' Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday, March 6, participants were in great spirits after being blessed with glorious sunshine for the race around the town.

St Helens Star: Thousands of runners lining up at the 2022 St Helens 10kThousands of runners lining up at the 2022 St Helens 10k

With many raising money for charitable foundations, local running clubs taking part, and some even taking on the challenge in fancy dress, Mayor of St Helens Sue Murphy and Coronation Street star Jude Riordan marked the start of the race at 9.30am.

Coming in at an incredible time of 31:14, the race was won by long-distance runner Matt Crehan, followed by Stephen Campbell and Ryan Jones.

Nicola Jackson was the quickest woman in the race at a time of 36:23, shortly followed by Carmel Edwards and Taylor Massey.

St Helens Star: The women's winner Nicola Jackson, with Jude Riordan and mayor of St Helens Cllr Sue Murphy.The women's winner Nicola Jackson, with Jude Riordan and mayor of St Helens Cllr Sue Murphy.

With the race finishing back inside Saints' stadium, many runners stopped around to celebrate with their medals and congratulate others on their achievements.

With the Star running a live blog to cover the event, many more from the community sent well-wishes and messages of good luck and congratulations to those who completed the race.

St Helens Star: The race finished back inside Saints' Totally Wicked StadiumThe race finished back inside Saints' Totally Wicked Stadium

After the success of the event, those involved with the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k have started the process of organising the event again next year.

For more information and sign up to the 2023 St Helens 10k visit this link

St Helens Star: Dave, John, Greg, Zack and Paul with their medalsDave, John, Greg, Zack and Paul with their medals

St Helens Star: Danny, Jack, Talitha, Charlie and NeilDanny, Jack, Talitha, Charlie and Neil

St Helens Star: Konrad, Craig, Gillian and Jasmine Konrad, Craig, Gillian and Jasmine

St Helens Star: Liverpool Running Bugs - Dean, Kieron, Tracey, Andy, Kerry and KatherineLiverpool Running Bugs - Dean, Kieron, Tracey, Andy, Kerry and Katherine

St Helens Star: Matthew, Jeanette, Les and PaulMatthew, Jeanette, Les and Paul

St Helens Star: Liz and AmyLiz and Amy

St Helens Star: Runners gathering at the finish lineRunners gathering at the finish line St Helens Star: The top three male and female runners of this years raceThe top three male and female runners of this years race