HUNDREDS of runners put their best foot forward at the Boscombe 10K this morning.

Amateurs, professionals and one festive runner dressed as Santa Clause gathered at King's Park Athletics Centre for the start of the race at 11am.

Almost 600 runners turned out to run the 10K course which took in Kings Park, Littledown and Queens Park and the surrounding areas.

But Bournemouth Athletic Club came top on the day with member Peter Thompson crossing the finish line first with a time of 33 minutes and 40 seconds.

He was closely followed by fellow club member Emma Dews who was the first female to cross the finish line after 37 minutes and 46 seconds.

Now in its 28th year, money raised from the annual event organised by the Bournemouth Joggers Ladies Running Club will go to the Bournemouth Hospital Charity.

But that didn't stop individuals trying to raise a bit of extra cash for their chosen charity.

Jacky Newcombe was running in memory of her husband Mike who died of a heart attack in November last year.

She was joined by friends Rachel Buller and Rachel McGregor-Robb and between them the trio had raised an incredible £5,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Race director Suzy Charman said: "We had a great turn out and the weather was kind to us. 

"As a club we have raised a substantial amount for Bournemouth Hospital Charity and we hope this continues.

"We had the help of over 60 marshals that gave up their time and I'm sure the runners would agree that were all brilliant.
"We would very much like to thank our sponsors Crown Paints, BC Autos, Message Direct, Running Memories, Cheddar Water Ltd, Bournemouth Podiatry and Anglo European College of Chiropractic."