Thousands of runners have put on their running shoes this morning to pound the streets for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Runners took to the streets of Colchester for the 13 mile half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONRunners took to the streets of Colchester for the 13 mile half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

The annual event, which is in its eighth year, started at 9am on Sunday March 24 and is set to raise thousands of pounds for MS-UK and Headway Essex.

The popular race began this morning at the home of Colchester United FC - The Jobserve Community Stadium - where friends and families gathered to warm up and take photos ahead of the 13-mile race.

Fou thousand people took part in the race in 2018 - an extra 250 participants compared to 2017’s line-up - with even higher numbers expected this year.

The race, which is organised by Colchester Colne Round Table, takes participants around the town.

East Anglian Daily Times: Runners took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONRunners took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

Ben Sutton, who was watching the race, said: “This was such a fantastic turnout for both the participants and spectators.

“What a great event for Colchester - well done to everyone involved in the organisation.”

People have already began sharing their photos in Colchester Community Group with many adding that the race had a “great atmosphere and turnout”.

Runners are expected to be returning to the stadium around 12.30pm this afternoon and a rolling road closure is in place throughout the race.

East Anglian Daily Times: People gathered at Colchester United FCs ground ahead of the half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONPeople gathered at Colchester United FCs ground ahead of the half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

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East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium ahead of the 13 mile race. Picture: BEN SUTTONCrowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium ahead of the 13 mile race. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium ahead of the 13 mile race. Picture: BEN SUTTONCrowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium ahead of the 13 mile race. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: People gathered at Colchester United FCs ground ahead of the half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONPeople gathered at Colchester United FCs ground ahead of the half marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Friends and families gathered to cheer on the thousands of runners who took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONFriends and families gathered to cheer on the thousands of runners who took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium. Picture: BEN SUTTONCrowds gathered at Colchester United FCs The JobServe Community Stadium. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Friends and families gathered to cheer on the thousands of runners who took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTONFriends and families gathered to cheer on the thousands of runners who took to the streets of Colchester for the Griffin Chapman Colchester Half Marathon. Picture: BEN SUTTON (Image: Archant)