MORE than 300 runners laced up their shoes and pulled in the pounds for a Basingstoke charity.

St Michael’s Hospice, celebrating its 20th birthday this year, hosted its third 10km run last week and the runners raised in excess of £15,000.

In total, 317 people took part in the event, at Down Grange, in Kempshott, completing two circuits of the sports complex’s playing fields. For the first time, there was also a shorter 5km fun run for families to take part in.

A warm-up was led by personal trainers from Beechdown Health Club, in Winchester Road, and runners set off under a giant inflatable banner near the clubhouse of Basingstoke Rugby Football Club.

The races were started by The Right Reverend Peter Hancock, the Bishop of Basingstoke, who also completed the 5km run himself.

Iain Cameron, director of income generation at St Michael’s, said: “We are delighted with the phenomenal turnout for the St Michael’s Hospice 10K and the newly launched 5K family fun run.

“With over 300 runners taking part, it truly demonstrates people’s affinity with the hospice, and the atmosphere on the night was quite overwhelming.

“With runners ranging from serious club runners to young families, it highlights the broad appeal of the overall event. A huge thank-you must go to all the runners, families, supporters and volunteers who helped to make this event a great success.”

The winner of the 10km race was Matt King, from Winchester, while Krissy Lloyd, senior media relations and communications officer at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, was the first woman across the finishing line. Jason Bigg, from Chineham, won the 5km run.

Unfortunately, a “printing error” meant some entrants of the 5km run paid £15 per person, rather than the intended price of £10. A new letter was sent out advertising the correct price, but those who had already paid for their place were not offered a refund.

Last year’s event raised around £8,000 for the hospice, in Aldermaston Road, and organisers were hoping to nearly double that total by the time all sponsorship money had been collected.

* To see all the pictures from the run visit basingstokegazette.co.uk/photosales.