ON your marks, get set, go!

Bournemouth’s first-ever running festival got off to a flying start today with four races along the seafront.

Children aged six to 10 launched the event in fine style with the 1.5k race, while those aged between 11 and 14 followed shortly afterwards in the 3k competition.

Despite it being her first-ever race, 10-year-old Abbie Lovering, who attends St Michael’s in Colehill, dashed around the course to be crowned fastest girl.

She said: “I didn’t think I was going to do well at all, but I came first.

“It was amazing.”

Brave Ava Lee, nine, who suffers with rheumatoid arthritis, completed the 1.5k for Arthritis Research UK.

The youngster, who is from Suffolk, was unable to run ahead of the race, and trained by swimming.

She said: “I have arthritis in my ankles and knees.

“It was quite painful but I’m so happy to have done it.”

Brother and sister team Piers and Grace Copeland came in first and second place in the 3k event.

The siblings were met at the end by their Labradoodle puppy Boomer, given to Grace by dad Mark following a summer competition.

Mark said: “Grace has always wanted a puppy, and I told her that if she got a time, she could have one.

“She actually went on to win, so then we had to get her a dog!”

Deanne Jupp and her friends from the Havering 90 Joggers in Essex took on the 10k for charity Blood Banks as husband Mike is a volunteer.

Ahead of the race, Mrs Jupp said: “We all feel quite sick, but I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Rachel Gill, 41, of Salisbury, was battling a similar case of nerves.

She took on the race for the Macular Society as she has started losing her sight.

“It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart,” she said.