THOUSANDS of runners of all abilities pounded the streets of Poole as part of the 38th Poole Festival of Running.

Last year the event raised more than £11,500 for cancer diagnosis and treatment equipment for Poole Hospital.

Poole Hospital Charity has been selected again this year.

Bournemouth Echo:

The two-day event, which is one of the most popular on the Dorset sports calendar, is organised by Poole Runners.

On Saturday the children's minithon races took place, with the adults taking part in the 5km event later that evening.

Bournemouth Echo:

Then, on Sunday morning, the main half marathon and 10km events got underway.

The Daily Echo spoke to runners minutes before they took the starting line.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dawn Kenworthy, from Verwood, said: "There are quite a few of us from Verwood Runners here today, of all abilities.

"Some are running the 10km, some the half marathon. We do lots of events together, one does it and we all do it.

"It is better to be overcast, it was really hot yesterday."

Bournemouth Echo:

Sue Sinkinson, from Bournemouth, said: "I'm just running to try and better my time from last year.

"It is a challenge for my, last year was about 1hour 17minutes, but it was really hot.

"This is far better than being hot, I cannot breath when it is hot."

Bournemouth Echo:

Daughter Becky Sinkinson, from Littledown Harriers, was also hoping to put in a personal best.

Meanwhile, Helen Martin, of Blandford Runners, told the Echo: "There's a whole bunch of us, about 15 of us.

"So far conditions are good, we came down to get our numbers yesterday and it was very hot down here.

"This is my first 10km race, I've got dragged along. I'm doing it to keep fit and for a bit of fun.

"If I do well I will consider running for charity next year."

Bournemouth Echo:

A Poole Hospital Charity spokesman said: “This year sponsorship money will be used to support our brachytherapy services as well as radiotherapy delivery and breast cancer detection.

“If your little one is taking part in any of the minithon races then this is their chance to help poorly children of Gully’s Place Trust Fund here at Poole Hospital.”