HUNDREDS of runners sprinted around the town centre in an annual sporting event on Sunday.

Around 350 people took part in The Croudace Homes Festival 5k, which saw participants start in Festival Place before making their way to the Top of The Town, through Basing View and Eastrop Park before returning to Festival Square.

Runners were warmed up by Time4Training before setting off on the 5k course, which was marshalled by volunteers.

Crowds cheered the runners across the finish line, where volunteers from Basingstoke Guide groups were on hand to help out.

First to complete the course was Sotiris Karfakis, who works at Nando’s, who finished the run in a speedy 17 minutes 42 seconds, closely followed by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club members Andrew Goddard, Alex Bigg, Marc Soane and John Bigg.

The first woman was Mitch Lloyd from Petra Jewellery, followed by Krissy Lloyd from Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club and Lisa Gottwald from Chineham Park Running Club

Trophies were presented to the fastest running club team, won by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club, a corporate trophy won by WSP, based in Basing View, and a team trophy presented to Team Bigg, made up of a father, son and daughter who all finished in the top 10.

Hosted by Festival Place, runners were treated to a sports massage for their tired legs from staff at Physical Balance, while Nando’s and Waitrose provided water.

Russell Denness, managing director at Croudace Homes, which sponsored the event, said: “Croudace Homes was delighted to support this fun, community event.

“It was especially good to see so many families out both running and supporting – everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and even the weather was kind.”

Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, which organised the race, added: “We love putting this race on, it was the biggest one so far.

“I especially like the fact that it is a chance to showcase the whole town centre – the atmosphere is fantastic and that is down to the help and enthusiasm of so many people that support us – a huge thank you to them all.”