RUNNERS of all ages took to Bournemouth promenade today as Run Bournemouth returned to the beachfront.

Saturday’s races saw children as young as three take to the start line to compete in the annual event.

Beginning at 12.30pm, runners aged 3-6 took on the kids’ kilometre, before juniors aged 6-8 took on a route along the prom and finishing in the Lower Gardens in the 1.5km race at 1.30pm.

Then, racers aged 9-12 challenged themselves with the junior 2k race at 2.30pm.

Bournemouth Echo: Lucy Auger took on the 2k race.

One such runner was Lucy Auger, whose brother Isaac was also taking on the 5km race.

“It was very hot but I’m pleased I did it,” nine-year-old Lucy said.

Ten-year-old Amelia Sulecka from Shaftesbury also took on the 2k race for the second time.

“It was quite easy at the beginning, but it got harder when it got warmer,” Amelia said.

“It was quite fun.”

Bournemouth Echo: Amelia Sulecka from Shaftesbury ran the 2k race.

The final junior race of the day saw runners aged 11-18 pounding the pavement in the Junior 5km race.

The race began by Bournemouth pier, headed along the promenade to Boscombe pier, before returning and finishing in the Lower Gardens.

Callum Person, aged 12, set a new personal best of 22 minutes and 38 seconds in the race.

“I may have started off a bit fast, but near the end it was a bit lighter and easier,” Callum said.

Bournemouth Echo: Callum Person got a new personal best in the 5k.

“Going across the pier was quite easy so overall a very nice run.

“It’s got a lot of people doing it and they’re all very supportive while you’re running it. There’s a lot of people who cheer you on and they’re all very nice at the end when you collect everything.”

Oliver Canavan from Bournemouth Athletics Club (BAC) took home the win in the 5k race on the day.

He said the event was ‘really good’ despite the heat, with everyone ‘cheering you on’.

“I wasn’t happy with the race, obviously I won it, but it was too slow for me,” the 15-year-old said.

Bournemouth Echo: Isabel Cherrett and Oliver Canavan, winners of the 5k race at Run Bournemouth.

“I started off too quick. It’s difficult because it’s like a time trial, running against yourself, but I’ll take it, it’s a win.”

Isabel Cherrett, 14 and also from BAC, won the female race.

“It wasn’t my fastest time today, but I’m still happy with how it went,” she said.

“I came first and I’m really happy with how it went, I went fast and it was good.”

Bournemouth Echo: Members of Bournemouth Athletics Club

The event continues with the supernova 5k race this evening at 7pm. Tomorrow, runners will tackle the supersonic 10k and the half marathon, beginning at Hengistbury Head and finishing in the gardens.