MORE than a thousand runners descended on Winchester this morning for the annual 10k run.

The single lap course saw 1350 eager participants set off outside Winchester Guildhall at 8.45am before heading for Kings Worthy, through Headbourne Worthy and back towards Winchester.

Runners ended the race at The City Ground, home of Winchester City Football Club.

Thomas Clark came first, setting a new course record of 00:32:47.

He was followed by Sam Metcalf, who completed the course in 00:33:01 and James Espie who finished third with a time of 00:33:17.

Organisers, Offbeat Events, had concerns before the event that it could be impacted by icy weather.

However, the sun was out, despite the cold,and the event went off without any incident.

Race Director Spencer Wakeling said: “I can’t remember the last time we had blue skies.

"Though it was still chilly they were certainly welcome.”

Mr Wakeling also raised concerns about Winchesters new anti-terrorist barriers.

However, he said that runners managed to zig-zag through the barriers on the high street with little effort.

"They are just a feature of most cities now,” he said.

The first race was held in 1982, however runners took on a 10-mile course instead.

This was changed to 10 km in the mid nineties in line with changing trends in running.

The event also raised money for local charity Wessex Cancer Trust by charging participants £1 to drop their bags off before the race.