SUNSHINE greeted more than 400 runners who took to the streets for the Halstead Marathon on Sunday.

The event, which incorporates the Essex Marathon Championships and is organised by Halstead Road Runners, saw hundreds of runners take to the start line.

Two years ago the race was voted among the top three marathons in the UK by Runners World magazine.

Race organisers were expecting a bumper turnout due to the sunny weather.

In total 486 runners took to the start line on the day as temperatures reached 26c.

The course was changed for the 2015 event and the 2016 event followed the same route.

Runners set off from Halstead Leisure Centre in Colne Road before taking in villages included Pebmarsh and Twinstead.

Started in 1995 the race was the brainchild of Colin Richer and other Halstead Road Runners Club members.

Race director Keith Thorogood said this year’s race had been another success.

He said: “We had 486 starters and it has been a bit warm so there have been a few drop outs.

“The course temperature has been about 26c so it has been mega warm.”

The first man home was Alan Smalls and the first woman to complete the course was Christine Howard.

Mr Thorogood added: “It has all gone very well. It has been a very hectic day.”

He thanked all the participants and the marshals for their work on the day.