RECORDS were smashed and fun was had as Cleobury Mortimer Running Club held its second annual 10k race.

Altogether, 250 runners signed up to tackle the undulating route through the Shropshire countryside including the now infamous ‘Ron Hill’ climb.

This year, no-one could match the speed of Will Richardson of Birchfield Harriers - he smashed last year’s record, set by Ludlow Runners’ Jamie Shingler, by more than six minutes.

Richardson stormed through the course in 31.23mins, with Todd Quiney second in 36.38mins and Shingler finishing third.

The ladies’ race was won by Sarah Benson of Telford AC in 40.30mins, also beating the record time for last year.

Second position was taken by Amanda Wright-Smith of Birchfield Harriers in 40.41mins and third was Claire Thomas of Ludlow Runners.

Ian Steele, race director, said: “This was our second year, with more runners participating than last year and it’s great to see so many people from different clubs and areas coming to Cleobury.

“It was a fantastic day for our club with such a huge amount of our members helping us organise it and without them we couldn’t have put on such an event.

“We have had so many compliments from runners about how much they enjoyed the race and particularly about the support of the club members who marshalled around the course.

“The club would like to thank all the locals that supported the race and for embracing this event by cheering on the runners and being patient during the road closures which were kept to a minimum.”

All the runners received a goody bag, including a finisher’s medal, supporting the Dementia Friends programme as part of Cleobury’s initiative to become a ‘Dementia Friendly’ town.