Over 100 people took part in the Alderley Edge May Fair 5K on Friday evening raising hundreds of pounds for charity.
They took to the streets and fields of Alderley Edge running, walking and Nordic walking before returning to the park for celebratory drinks and to watch the open mic session.
First past the finish line was Wilmslow's Tom Dawson in a time of 18 minutes 33 seconds, chased soon after by Matt Creasey and Tim Walton.
Organised by Physiofit, the event has so far raised over £700 for Cardiac Risk in the Young and was supported by local businesses, ensuring that all proceeds went directly to the charity.
Physiofit's Glen Davies, himself a keen runner and triathlete, started proceedings in the park with a warm up before one of Physiofit's youngest running stars, 10 year old, Jack Walton bought everyone to order and the race began. Setting off from Alderley Edge Park they went down Chorley Hall Lane before heading across fields and stiles before heading back via Welsh Row and the fields to the park.
Director of Physiofit, Angie Jackson was asked to take over the hosting of the event at short notice, when it looked to be in danger of being cancelled this year. Keen to change the format slightly to ensure that the entire community could enjoy the event, she introduced walkers and recruited Alderley Edge resident, Mandy Parr to hold some taster Nordic walking sessions - Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing sports in Europe and looks certain to expand in Alderley Edge with regular walks now taking place around the village and beyond.
Angie said "I was very happy for Physiofit to lead and manage the event, the whole Physiofit team has embraced the spirit of the occasion and we have been delighted with the turn out and particularly by the support of the May Fair committee, without whom none of the wonderful festivities throughout the weekend could take place. I am also indebted to locals from the village and, again, to my fabulous Physiofit team, who marshalled the course, ensuring that everyone stayed safe and enjoyed the event.
"The atmosphere and feedback was amazing and I was glad that we were able to encourage all ages and abilities to take part. The youngest runner was 12 and our eldest was 69 which is fantastic. In particular, Glen Davies and I were incredibly moved and absolutely delighted to watch one of our patients cross the finish line after walking the 5km course; this was an enormous feat for him, following a serious car accident last year – next year he has promised to win it!!"
