Hundreds of people of all ages stretched their legs around Keighley in aid of Manorlands Hospice on Sunday.

Victoria Park, the starting point for the town’s BigK 10k Race, was bathed in sunshine as competitors loosened up ahead of race time at 9am.

The runners, who numbered more than 500, set off to a cheer and gave it their all as they pounded the streets. The 6.2-mile, multi-terrain, circuit linked Keighley’s four parks – Lund Park, Devonshire Park, Cliffe Castle and Victoria Park – via roads and footpaths, before snaking back to the starting point.

Adults paid £9 and 11 to 16 year-olds paid £5. All proceeds go to Sue Ryder Care’s Manorlands Hospice, in Oxenhope, which cares for more than 600 people every year.

Hospice fundraisier Andrew Wood said: “We’ve had about 520 people take part, a little less than last year but we’re happy with that because some people haven’t been able to train because of the bad weather.

“We introduced a junior section this year and we’ve had a good response.

“Last year we raised more than £19,000. It’s hard to tell how well we’ve done this year because we don’t know how much people have raised in sponsorship yet. If we can get £15,000 we’ll be really pleased.”

First across the finish line was Zip Jones who recorded a time of 34 minutes and 40 seconds.

The leading woman was Karen Pickles. The 39-year-old legal cashier trains with Pudsey Pacers Running Club. She completed the distance in 37 minutes and 42 seconds.

She said: “I’ve done 10k events before and I think this is my quickest time. Normally I run between 35 and 40 miles a week.”

Other finishers included Karl Harper of Keighley. The 23-year-old plumber said: “This is the first time I’ve done something like this. I go to a boxing club and compete at amateur level, and a few of us took part. I’ve done this to get into running but I think it’s put me off for life!”

Kirsten Lishman, 38, of Settle, who has previously completed The Great North Run, said: “I’ve not done this race before. It was tough. There was more hills than I thought, and it was warmer as well. It was just a case of keep pushing yourself.”

Chris Burke of Baildon Runners finished in 38 minutes. The 42-year-old drainage technician usually runs 25 miles a week. He got involved after seeing the event advertised while he was working in Keighley.

“I’ve done a few 10ks but I finished this one faster than I thought I would,” he said.