The streets of Ellesmere Port saw a record turnout of more than 1,100 athletes participating in Sport in the Port 2014 on Father’s Day.

A suite of three running events based in the centre of the town saw young and old put on their running shoes.

Andy White, from the organising team, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local people participating in the  event.

“For many people it was their first race and the fun run gave a chance for everyone to take part.  Also on Father’s Day we had many sons with their dads  or granddads across the three events. This is what Sport in the Port is all  about!”

The 10k race produced an exciting battle up the finishing straight as Nathan Jones of Liverpool Harriers and Christian Prior of Salford Harriers vied  for the top spot on the podium.

Nathan Jones was determined not to be runner-up this year and was first  man over the line by a whisker in 31.44 followed by Christian Prior who was  also given 31:44 and Daniel Weston of  Wrexham AC  third in 33:25.

The Ladies’ race produced a new course record with Amanda Crook of  Southport and Waterloo AC coming in first lady in 35:29 followed by Kelly Crickmore of Chester Tri (35:47) and Emma Crowe of Wrexham AC (38:08).

The 5K was also won in a record time  of 16:40 by Andrew Edwards of Cybi  Striders with Joseph Boden of Wallasey AC second in 16:52 and Dan Harris of City of Stoke third in 17:02.

Amy Gibbons of Warrington AC, third last year, won the ladies race in 21:13 with clubmate Georgia Massey second in 21:14 and local lady Helen  Johnson of Ellesmere Port RC third in  21:29.

Joint race organiser and Great Sutton resident Chris Hulse said: “We have been amazed by the response to this  event and the way the people of Ellesmere Port have taken it to their heart.

“It was fantastic to see the Civic Square bustling with the athletes and spectators being entertained by the Art Brazil drumming and dance group, then the athletes streaming down Civic  Way!”

“We are looking forward to Sport in the Port continuing to grow as more athletes are drawn to the prospect of racing on a course that can help them produce fast times.

“We also hope to involve more local people in the staging of the event as without the hard work and enthusiastic support of our volunteers the event today would not have been able to take  place. 

“The volunteers included many local residents, event sponsors and groups including Ellesmere Port Running Club, the Youth Federation, Ellesmere Port ATC and youth groups from the Churches in Ellesmere Port. 

“A big thank you to all of them!”