Nearly 2,000 runners took to the city’s streets for the annual 10k.

This year’s City of Preston 10k was the first to be organised by Sports Tours International who took on the rights for the race after Ste Ashcroft stepped back from organising it.

Heading out from the city centre by the new markets the pounding of pavements followed the traditional route down into Avenham Park, along the Ribble and then back up Broadgate and returning into the city centre.

Runners, many doing it for charity, had perfect running conditions with a gentle chill for the 9.30am start but this was soon blown away by the warmth.

The start and finish return to be by the Flag Market and Markets area after being in Friargate for 2017 due to the markets building work.

And there off @cityofpreston10k set off by the Mayor @cllrtrevorhart @blogpreston @lep @ThatsTVLancs @prestoncouncil 1800 runners pic.twitter.com/Z0kQhkYmoF

— Cllr Peter Kelly 💙 (@cllrPeterKelly) September 30, 2018

Mayor of Preston councillor Trevor Hart was on the finish line to clap and high five runners home while Beat Radio broadcast live from the Flag Market during the race.

A fun run took place around 11.30am with families taking on a 1.5k route in the city.

Like to run in the city? You can join our dedicated Facebook group for running in Preston

Paul Melling was in position in the city centre and then in Avenham Park to capture some great shots of all the running effort that went in.