RUNNERS took to the streets to raise money for charity when they supported the annual Felixstowe road races.

RUNNERS took to the streets to raise money for charity when they supported the annual Felixstowe road races.

The event marked its 28th year yesterday with a bumper turn-out for nearly 650 runners and they enjoyed a one-mile route in fine weather.

The aim was to complete as many laps as possible in an hour in the event organised by the Rotary Club of Felixstowe. Many runners arrived in fancy dress costume and were feeling hot under the collar in the sunshine.

David Hedges, organiser, said: ''It has been a great success and everybody has really enjoyed themselves. We have had a lot of cooperation from the councils, St John Ambulance and local businesses.

''We have had approaching a record number of runners with 640 which, in recent years, is the most we have had. Ten years ago we had that sort of number and then it dipped to about 300.

''We are advertising the event better now and the children seem to enjoy it, dressing up and raising money, and the Felixstowe and Walton football club always support us very well and we had 150 runners from them.

''We will raise about £3,000 from entries from the runners and advertisements and we estimate the runners will raise £12,000 for their own choice of charity.''

The money raised by the Rotarians will pay for new equipment at Felixstowe hospital. A foetal heart monitor and a device to support a broken ankle are on the shopping list.