MORE than 1,000 people braved chilly weather to take part in the annual Keighley 10K race today.

Men, women and children ran - and walked - with big smiles on their faces as they were cheered on by hundreds of well-wishers at the family-friendly race that starts and ends in the town's Victoria Park.

Keighley-based Jamba Samba - a samba, reggae and Latin percussion band - provided a tub-thumping carnival atmosphere as they played the drums for the runners as they set off and as they neared the finish.

Held every Mother’s Day, the race is organised by the Sue Ryder charity in aid of its Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, which offers end of life care for people throughout the district.

It attracts both serious runners and people who just want to raise money for the charity.

Organiser Andrew Wood, a senior fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said 1,053 people took part, out of more than 1,300 entrants who were signed up. Last year there were about 1,300 people signed up to take part.

He said: "It was a good morning for running and the organisation went well. It was a new route this time, so it was a bit different for everybody. The feedback has been positive so far.

"Everyone has enjoyed having a good time whilst raising money for a good cause."

Mr Wood, who said it was not yet known how much money had been raised, added: "I would like to thank all the volunteers, without who we could not manage. We had more than 70 out on the course and more than 20 in the park.

"Also, thank you to our sponsors - Airedale Shopping Centre, Convenience Hire, Skipton Volkswagen, and Trumin sports timing."

Craig Shearer, 26, of Keighley, won the race in 34 minutes and 30 seconds.

The Keighley and Craven AC member said: "I am buzzing. It was all about a win for me today. I have been over a year-and-a-half without any injuries and I felt strong today.

"It means a lot to me. It was this race that made me start running in 2012. I love the course, it's full of hills and is one of the toughest 10k courses."

The first woman to finish was Leeds-based student Staav Bremer, of Headingley Harriers. The 20-year-old, of Newcastle, said: "I feel amazing. I am so grateful to my coach for pushing me.

"It is the first time I have done this race. It is an amazing course and the hills give it a twist."

Among the other runners was a 30-plus-strong team from Steeton-based Acorn Stairlifts. Five of the group - Nick Wilson, Dave Belmont, Ian Holmes, Martin Dyson and Jodie McAlister - managed to raise about £4,500 between them prior to the race.

Mr Wilson said: "It was absolutely brilliant. There's something about this race that captures everyone's imagination."