The overcast, drizzly weather failed to deter more than 600 runners, joggers and walkers who took part in a popular Good Friday race.

East Anglian Daily Times: Seasonally dressed walkers taking part in the Good Friday Sudbury Fun RunSeasonally dressed walkers taking part in the Good Friday Sudbury Fun Run (Image: Archant)

Participants in this year’s Sudbury Fun Run were officially sent on their way around the five-mile course by town mayor Robert Spivey and Paralympic shot-putter Jonathan Adams.

Starting from outside the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Great Eastern Road, the course took in a circuit of Sudbury, finishing at Belle Vue Park.

Sudbury Joggers running club organised the event, which kicked off bright and early with the runners leaving at 9.15am and the walkers – some kitted out in seasonal fancy dress – following shortly after.

Race director, Jonathan Price, said the full complement of 500 runners and just over 200 walkers had signed up to take part.

He added that money raised on the day will go to this year’s two chosen charities, The Kernos Centre in Friars Street which provides counselling services, and Action on Hearing Loss.

On the starting line, the mayor Robert Spivey described the fun run as a “great event” for the town.

He added: “Whatever the weather, there’s always a big crowd that turns out in support which is great for the wellbeing of Sudbury because it brings so many people into the town.”

Meanwhile Jonathan Adams, 22, who is originally from Great Cornard, said it was good to be back home, lending his support to the popular sporting event.

He said: “I’ve been asked on many occasions to start the fun run but other engagements have always kept me away.

“Because of my condition (cerebral palsy) I have never been able to take part, but I felt it was really important for me to come here today to give something back to the community.

“I always remember my roots because it set the foundations for my future.”

First across the line yesterday was Ryan Prout, of Chelmsford Athletics Club, who completed the course in 26:09.24. The first woman back was Kate Hodgkiss of Harwich runners in a time of 31:18.8.