THE first 5k race and family fun run event in Middlewich got off to a great start last weekend.

The race, organised by RunMiddlewich and sponsored by Revelation Properties, saw 200 runners take to the towpaths for the town’s inaugural 5k race on Sunday, April 22.

Darren Roberts, race director and chairman of the running group said: “It was amazing to see so many people enjoying the race and so many happy faces crossing the line. I’m so proud of my team who have worked incredibly hard to make it happen.

“I would like to say a huge thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, runners and supporters, the event wouldn’t be possible without you. Everybody involved did Middlewich proud and luckily the rain didn’t put anybody off.”

Darren set up RunMiddlewich in 2015 with his friend, Stuart Eustace, with the simple purpose of getting people out running while making friends.

Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength.

For one runner, this was more than just a 5k race. The event was the first 5k race Glen Ramsey had been involved in since being diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2017.

Three on-call firefighters from Middlewich Fire Station were also among those running, while wearing their full fire kit and carrying breathing apparatus to help promote recruitment for the town’s fire station.

All runners were presented with a medal and a goodie bag.

As well as the 5k, a family fun run had 70 children and their parents run three laps of Middlewich Cricket Club, in Croxton Lane.

To find out more about the club, go to runmiddlewich.club/

For more pictures on the day, go to the RunMiddlewich Facebook page