ATHLETES of all ages and abilities had fun in the sun at the Poole Festival of Running yesterday.

The annual event saw races from ages eight upwards, culminating in a 10k adult race.

Actress and impressionist Debra Stephenson, who lives in Poole, was on hand to start some of the youngsters’ races, as were Parkstone-based double-Olympian Liz Yelling and Poole councillor Judy Butt.

The event also saw a host of family fun in Poole Park throughout the day, including food, crafts, activities, live music and a beer tent.

Race director Steve Wardman said: “The essence is to get people active and come and have a race.

“Children of eight years old love it; they just want to have a run.

“This year we have an under-eights race where they have to run with a parent, it’s only half a mile but some of the parents can’t keep up.”

Liz added: “The Poole Festival of Running is great because it just brings the whole running community together.

“You have the kids’ races, you’ve got the adults’ races, with the 5k, which is great for beginners and those who really want to test themselves, and you’ve got the 10k as well.

“There’s also the fete going on and the kids’ bouncy castle, so there’s so much to do and it’s really nice for people to come out and have a good day.”

Girls and boys competed in one-mile minithons for eight and nine-year-olds and 10 and 11-year-olds, while there was a mixed 1.5-mile race for 12 to 14-year-olds.

IN the 10k race, 18-year-old Kenyan Peter Emase – who was running his first race in the UK – broke the course record to win in 29 minutes 37 seconds, while Poole Runners athlete Helen Dyke won the women’s race in 38 minutes 34 seconds.

The 5k run saw Gio Moravcik win the men’s race in 16 minutes eight seconds, while first woman was Joanne Dominey in 19 minutes 35 seconds.

The winners in the adult races

IN the 10k race, 18-year-old Kenyan Peter Emase – who was running his first race in the UK – broke the course record to win in 29 minutes 37 seconds, while Poole Runners athlete Helen Dyke won the women’s race in 38 minutes 34 seconds.

The 5k run saw Gio Moravcik win the men’s race in 16 minutes eight seconds, while first woman was Joanne Dominey in 19 minutes 35 seconds.