Hundreds of runners flocked to a park in Ramsbottom for the return of an annual mile-long summertime race.
More than three hundred runners lined up for Ramsbottom Running Club’s Summer Mile at Nuttall Park, with many hundreds more turning up to cheer them on.
The event, sponsored by Bury based accountants Horsfield and Smith, also featured a festival atmosphere with Manchester band Pressure Drop bringing a vibrant reggae and ska soundtrack.
Food and drink stalls ensured everyone was fed and watered in the sunshine.
The summer mile, which started in 2017, is a fixture for many local clubs included Prestwich AC, Radcliffe AC, Burnden Road Runners.
There was something for all the family as the main racing was preceded by a one-kilometre Fun Run for the juniors.
The event has been hailed as a success by Chairman and organiser Rowan Ardill.
Rowan said: “The event was really well-received and we’re grateful for the support we receive every year and the numbers of people who enter the event and come down to join in, spectate or just enjoy the atmosphere.
“We’re really lucky to have so many volunteers who all pitch up and do so many jobs to put on an event of this size. We couldn’t do it without them, and likewise the support of our fantastic headline sponsors, Horsfield & Smith.
“They’ve been great and their encouragement has allowed us to put the race on.
Jane Hawarden from race sponsor Horsfield & Smith said: “We’ve been based in Bury since 1889 and we just love supporting the local community.
“It’s a real pleasure to sponsor the Ramsbottom Summer Mile which has grown over the last few years to become such a brilliant local community event.”
Among the participants this year was a runner who completed the distance while juggling, and runners who’d travelled from as far afield as Nottingham and Brighton.
Rowan continued: “In many ways, the race forms a backdrop to an evening of entertainment, inclusion and community spirit and we try to deliver that festival feel to ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
“The club, like the event, has grown year on year and it’s such a welcoming group of people, all of whom offer support, encouragement and positivity to others, both inside and outside of the club, wherever they go.
“We’ve been proud to host the Summer Mile every year - apart from a short break due to Covid - since 2017, to really show off everything that’s great about Ramsbottom, the club and running in general.
“I’m really pleased the event continues to be so popular with our friends at local clubs, as well as those people who’ve travelled far and wide to be with us.”
Ben Coop of Bury AC took first place in a time of 4:36.26, with Andy Mellor of Rossendale Harriers & AC in second (4:42.31) and Martin Clark of Prestwich AC in third (4:42.63).
Rebecca Concannon was the first lady in 5:42.11, ahead of Heather Tomlinson of Bolton United Harriers & AC (5:42.13) and Alia Braithwaite of Prestwich AC (5:44.56).
Rowan said: "We’d like to offer a special thanks to the Friends of Nuttall Park for their help and support in allowing us to use the space as well as our various supporters - Orbital, Brewsmith, BigTank, Do Sport and ISM for helping us to make the event as brilliant as possible.
‘We will be back next year, hopefully bringing more sunshine, for an even better, even bigger and even more friendly event. In the meantime, we are hoping to see lots of new faces at our weekly runs each Tuesday."
Ramsbottom Running Club meets at 7pm every Tuesday night, with runs ranging in length and duration to suit all levels and abilities.
Visit www.ramsbottomrunningclub.co.uk find out more about the club, or search ‘Ramsbottom Running Club’ on social media.
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