HUNDREDS of energetic runners crossed the starting line as the Bournemouth Bay Run Half Marathon got underway in the glorious sunshine.

The date was May 1, 2000 when the starting pistol was fired on Bournemouth Pier and more than 500 runners raced away. Their route took them 13 miles along the promenade to Alum Chine, up to Boscombe before looping back to the pier, where crowds were waiting to cheer them on.

First among the men was Mike Grist who romped home with a time of 1hr 12mins and 57 seconds, while the winning lady was Denise Mellor of Chase Manhattan Bank who came in at 1hr 32 mins and 22 seconds.

For the less energetic there were fun runs of one and three miles and for those who really wanted to take it easy, organisers arranged a gentle three-mile walk.