Mini event proves popular at Lynn's 10k

The start-line of the Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR) was filled with 300 excited youngsters for the first ever mini-race at the event.

The Tuesday Market place in King's Lynn was packed with thousands of spectators for the annual 10k run, and they lent vocal support to the young runners who set-off five minutes after the main pack.

The 1.2 mile course round the town centre was designed specially for mini-GEAR and the numbers who took part impressed event director Harry Collins.

'It is fantastic - we have 300 children taking part and more than 2,000 in the main race. It has been a monster to organise, so complex, but the crowds are brilliant,' he said.

Young runners on the short course were joined by some parents and fun runners - including a pyjama-wearing team and Captain America running with the Easter bunny.

Meanwhile the main race was won by 24-year-old Aaron Scott, of Stamford, in a time of 31:25.

Running the Lynn event for the first time, Mr Scott said the strong winds added a bit extra to his time.

'It is a fast, flat course and really nice. I was hoping to be around a minute quicker,' he said.

Gemma Steele, of Charnwood AC, won the women's event in a new course record of 32:51.

Charity runners and fun runners joined club athletes for the race and thousands of pounds was raised for a variety of charities.