BOYS of all ages, shapes and sizes turned out in force to support the fourth annual Alberto Culver Run4Fun and help raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

There was a record turnout this year, with just under 1,500 dads and lads completing the five-kilometre course at the Down Grange sports complex in Basingstoke on the evening of Wednesday, May 4.

Organisers are expecting it to be a record year for fundraising too, and they are hoping to smash the £50,000 mark.

Serious runners, aiming to beat their personal-best times, were joined by hundreds of fun runners in fancy dress, and more leisurely walkers.

A pirate ship took the biscuit for the novelty entries as it sailed around the course, manned by two pirates. Sam Morris, 25, of Tweedsmuir Close, Buckskin, Basingstoke, and Paul Ralph, 27, of St Joseph's Crescent, Chineham, were behind the pirate masks.

Mr Morris said: "We have done something different for the past three years. First we did it three-legged, then last year we were the 118 men from the directory enquiries advert.

"This year, it was supposed to be a canoe but it went a bit wrong and ended up as a pirate ship."

He said he was running in memory of Simon Robinson, from Basingstoke, who was in his year at school and died of testicular cancer aged just 21.

After the entrants had limbered up in a mass warm-up, borough mayor Councillor Gwen Richardson set them on their way in one of her last appearances as mayor.

She said: "I am amazed at how many people are taking part. They must enjoy it and it raises a lot of money."

Although the event is not a race for everyone, there are always those who want to be first and this year that honour went to Jon Burrell (pictured right), 29, of Camberry Close, Basingstoke, who completed the course in 16min 18sec.

Mr Burrell, a member of the Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, said: "I have run a bit quicker in other events, but it depends on the course and it was a hard race. It's the first time I have done the Run4Fun, but I think I'll be back."

Second across the line was David Meacock, 29, of Knight Street, Basingstoke. He is a member of the Basingstoke Triathlon Club and was running as part of a team from Four Square Ltd, based on the Daneshill Industrial Estate, Basingstoke. David Fry, 17, of Mullins Close, Oakridge, Basingstoke, finished third.

Event organiser Kate MacDougall said: "We were thrilled to see just under 1,500 people taking part and supporting Cancer Research UK - it's a tremendous increase on last year's 938.

"I want to say a special thank you to Jan Lefley and June Balcombe who have been the driving forces behind this event since it started in 2002."

John Price, human resources director at Alberto Culver - the event's main sponsor - said: "It is turning into quite an event now and it is good to see everybody enjoying it so much. We are very pleased to be part of it."

Gazette Newspapers - which entered a team into Run4Fun - was proud to again be the official newspaper sponsor of the event. Editor Mark Jones said: "Run4Fun goes from strength to strength with each passing year and it was great to see so many men and boys doing their bit to support this worthwhile event and cause. It was also good to see so many spectators and supporters turn out to encourage the entrants."

Everyone who took part is urged to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. Those who do so by June 30 will be entered into a draw for a pamper day for two, including lunch, at the top Tylney Hall hotel in Rotherwick.