DETERMINATION and willpower helped hundreds of runners complete a tough running challenge in aid of a Basingstoke hospice.

The glorious sunshine last Wednesday might have benefited spectators at the St Michael's Hospice event, but it made the race even harder for those taking part in the event at Down Grange Sports Complex.

It was a record-breaking year in terms of numbers, with more than 650 people taking part in either a five or 10k run around the fields off Pack Lane.

Runners took part in a warm up with instructors from Beechdown Health and Fitness Club before the 10k runners set off first, followed by those tackling the 5k race.

The warm weather proved particularly challenging for 32-year-old Graham Monnier, who decided to run the 10k course in a He-Man fancy dress outfit, complete with a ginger wig.

The accountant, from South Ham, is running 100 miles this year for charity Endometriosis UK, after his friend was diagnosed with the incurable condition.

Graham agreed to attempt one of the runs dressed as the cartoon character after a friend offered to double their donation if he did one race in fancy dress.

He said: "It was good fun doing the race on Wednesday, although I was slightly disappointed at the lack of people who knew who He-Man was!"

First across the finish line in the 10k race was Marc Sloane, and the first female to win the longer distance course was Rebecca Sleap.

Chris Griffiths, marketing and events manager for St Michael's, said the event was a huge success, with numbers significantly up from the 501 who took part last year.

He added: "We were very happy with the event, it went very smoothly and the atmosphere was fantastic and the energy from the runners was infectious. The sun was out and everyone was happy."

It is hoped that the event will generate £29,000 for the hospice, mainly through sponsorship money raised, which will fund one hospice at home nurse for a year.

Participants are encouraged to send in their sponsorship money as soon as possible.