THOUSANDS of people ran their socks off in front of cheering crowds on Sunday as the Bournemouth Bay Run made its much-anticipated return to the seafront.

For the first time in person since 2019, scores of trainers pounded the ground around Bournemouth Pier as families, friends and strangers all took part in one of the town’s biggest events of the year – all while raising money for good causes.

Runners of all abilities and ages sprinted, jogged or minced their way through either a 1k fun run, 5k, 10k or a half-marathon event.

Most were unanimous in their enjoyment of the event, which was sponsored by AXA Health and raised money for the likes of the British Heart Foundation.

Matt Goode ran the 1k fun run with his two sons Joseph and Samuel. The 1k followed the prom past the turnaround point by East Cliff before runners retraced their steps by returning to Pier Approach along the promenade.

Bournemouth Echo: Matt Goode with his sons Samuel (left) and Joseph (right) at the Bournemouth Bay RunMatt Goode with his sons Samuel (left) and Joseph (right) at the Bournemouth Bay Run

“It’s a great event, isn’t it?” said Matt. “We did the 1k kids race – I’m a little bit old for it but to be honest it was still a challenge. It’s just good to see the kids out and getting some exercise.

“The little one (Joseph) absolutely steamed off, I think he was probably in the top ten and then me and the rugby player (Samuel) in the last five.

“Beautiful location, sun shining, air’s cool, great support. What’s missing? Nothing really.

“There are some disabled runners here today as well which is awesome to see, literally it’s for everyone and the more the merrier.”

Arguably the busiest event was the half-marathon, for which hundreds left Pier Approach at 10am for a 13-mile trek west along the seafront to Durley Chine and eventually returning from the loop east of Pier Approach.

Keen runners Helena Bastable and Megan Gardner took part in the 10k and finished in around an hour.

Helena said: “The view and scenery was amazing. It’s nice when we had so many people running with you – it becomes a little family of runners almost.”

Megan added: “They said 2,000 people were running but I’m pretty sure there were more than that, a hell of a lot more actually, which was great.”

Megan also conceded she found some of the hill running “a real challenge” and that she was “still out of breath” in the minutes after passing the finish line.

Her friend Helena meanwhile said she felt “really pumped”.

The positive atmosphere was aided by hot food, encouragement from a host of stewards and volunteers, fun music and up to date commentary piped through speakers around Pier Approach.

According to announcements, one woman was celebrating her 36th birthday at the event by running an astonishing 36 miles – around 10 miles longer than a full marathon.

Since 2010, Bournemouth Bay Run has raised more than £250,000 from sponsorship alone.