See pictures from Colchester Half Marathon 2018

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

The event this morning attracted more participants than ever before, with 4,000 runners signing up for the race around the Essex town.

Race director Liam Austin said all of the runners managed to turn up on time, remembering to turn their clocks forward an hour last night.

“It was a concern but we mitigated that by putting out lots on social media about it,” he added.

When asked what the atmosphere was like during the event, Mr Austin said: “I had a number of people saying it was buzzing. Spine tingling was the word some people used. It was brilliant.”

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Mr Austin said the event brought together thousands of spectators who cheered on the runners as they made their way around the route.

The course record was also smashed this year by Ramadan Osman, who crossed the line in one hour, nine minutes.

Fastest woman was Helen Davies, who completed the 13.1 mile trail in one hour, 17 minutes.

As is standard with mass running events, Mr Austin said a few participants took to the streets in fancy dress such as dinosaurs.

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

The half marathon was open to anyone over 17 and Mr Austin said runners of all ages and abilities took part.

Starting and finishing at Weston Homes Community Stadium, competitors were taken along Colchester High Street, past the town hall and castle, before turning north up Ipswich Road and heading out through Langham and Boxted.

There were fears a police incident at the junction of Severalls Lane and Newcomen Way may have impacted the race.

However, having taken guidance from safety advisors and council bosses, Mr Austin said the route did not need to be changed.

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

The year’s Colchester Half Marathon raised money for multiple sclerosis charity MS-UK and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Mr Austin said the final count had not taken place, but organisers were hoping to match the 2017 total of £60,000.

The Colchester Half Marathon is in its eighth year.

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Nikki and Anna Spurling with Andy Langsdon at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Emma Cumings, Louise Cster and Claire Minns at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

James Dewar, Luke Holmes, Andrew Kenealy with mascot at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

James Dewar, Luke Holmes, Andrew Kenealy with mascot at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Richard and Isaac Sillett at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Michelle Morrcroft, Lee Stearn and Silvana Adwent at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Helen Gilson, Rachel Izzet and Jennie Beard at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Rachell Harle, Sophie Verhoeven and Luca Sesposito at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Lee Stephenson warming up for Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Keeley Doo, Allan Smith, Lianne Belcher prepare for Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Paul Galbraith in fancy dress at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

James Marshall ready to take on Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Jo Rumbelow and Tina Southgate at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Helen Davies, first woman across the finish line of Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Helen Davies crossing the finish point at Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Second place was Angus Holford. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Winner Ramadan Osman beat the course record for Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Dinosaur attempting Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Colchester Half Marathon 2018. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)