Thousands of runners donned their trainers to support good causes as the annual Marlow 5 race returned at the weekend.

Handy Cross Runners, which organise the race, said there was a massive increase in entrants as more than 1,500 runners coursed up Marlow High Street on Sunday in an “amazing spectacle”.

Spectators lined streets to watch the athletes take part in the iconic five-mile race, sponsored by Grant and Stone, winding their way through the streets of the town.

Rob Corney was first past the finish line with 24 minutes and 26 seconds, with Jill Collett being the first female runner with a time of 29 minutes and 8 seconds.

Hundreds of runners, some running the distance for the first time, enjoyed the support of spectators and marshals all around the course, some bringing their own entertainment with them and playing music to their fellow runners.

The Handy Cross Runners’ next event will be Hell-Fire Half and 10k starting from Adams Park in High Wycombe and running through the grounds of West Wycombe Park, home to the infamous Hell-Fire Club.

All proceeds from the races will go to this year’s chosen charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance.