Thousands of runners descended upon the Norfolk Showground this weekend to take part in the rescheduled 26th Norwich Half Marathon which had to be postponed last November because of the arctic weather.

There was however no threat of the weather playing havoc with the 2010 Larking Gowen sponsored race for second time, with parts of the 13.1 mile course, which started and finished at the showground in Costessey, bathed in glorious sunshine on Sunday.

A total of 3,250 places were snapped up for the sold out race which this year has Macmillan Cancer Support as its official charity.

But as well as raising money for Macmillan, participants helped provide a financial boost to hundreds of other charities across Norwich, Norfolk and beyond by taking part in the event in aid of their own good causes.

And while the elite athletes battled it out at the front of the field the rest of the chasing pack were made up of a variety of competent club runners wanting to set personal best times, to half marathon debutantes and fun runners dressed in a variety of weird and wonderful outfits - even Elvis Presley made an appearance.

Former Norwich City footballer Paul McVeigh was among the runners, completing the event in a gun time of 1hr 46mins 21secs.

Hugh McGill, race director, said the fact it was dry - for the morning at least - helped swell the numbers coming to watch.

He said: 'March is a little bit nicer than November with the snow and the ice and the weather has been kind to us and everything has gone well.'

One of those offering her support to colleagues at Coltishall Jaguars Running Club was Sarah Jay, 44, from Stratton Strawless.

Mrs Jay, who is an assistant manager at a plumbing merchants, said: 'It was superb - excellent crowds and the event was really well run. I've run it before but unfortunately I'm injured this year but would like to do it again.'

For full story see tomorrow's Evening News or log onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk and for elite athlete results see Evening News sport.