THOUSANDS of runners laced up their trainers - and donned their tutus - for the 35th Bournemouth Bay Run today.

Many of the joggers taking part in this year's races wore leg warmers and neon sweat bands in a nod to the 1980s.

The event, organised by Bournemouth Tourism, has already funded millions of pounds of research at Southampton University for the British Heart Foundation.

John Rose, 74, ran the 5k with wife Margaret, 66.

The couple, of Worcestershire, first began running around eight years ago after Mr Rose had a stent fitted.

Last year, they collected 16 medals for 10k and 5k races around the country.

Mr Rose said: "I had angina and the doctors fitted a stent.

"I've had no trouble at all since - it was amazing.

"I was doing rehabilitation sessions at the local hospital and that's how we got into all of this."

He joked: "A lot of races divide runners up by age group and I tend to be the oldest, so I always win my group."

Lower Parkstone couple Diana and Andy Leggott both placed in the 10k, with Mr Leggott winning the race.

Mrs Leggott, who was in third place after running the distance in 41 minutes and 35 seconds, said: "We're both so pleased.

"Andy was in second place last year and I was fifth.

"I usually finish in the top 10, but this is the first time I'm in the top three, so I'm really happy."

Mr Leggott ran the 10k in 35 minutes and 35 seconds.

He said: "I'm so chuffed to win.

"The conditions were great - there was hardly any wind at all, so it was perfect.

"I really wanted a personal best, and now I've done that I might think about trying a half marathon."

Danielle Rossingh, who lives in Westbourne, took part in the children's race with daughter Zanna, nine, and son Leo, three.

She said: "It's been really nice.

"It seemed like a fun thing to do for the whole family. We've enjoyed taking part."

Around 3,500 people took part in one of four races, with half marathon, 10k, 5k and 1k children's fun run distances available.

Race director Emily Weaver said: “We’ve got a good following of runners who enter the half marathon and the 10km each year and one thing that draws them each time is the stunning view of the beach as they run along."