FOOT AND MOUTH disease did not stop the Marlow Fun Run from going ahead as around 690 pairs of feet pounded the streets.

The five-mile race, organised by Handy Cross Runners, attracted record numbers as many races around the country had to be postponed due to foot and mouth restrictions.

But runners turned out in their hundreds to take their places on the starting line at Higginson Park and take in some of the sunshine on Sunday morning.

First man back was Mike Simpson, who got home in 26 minutes 35 seconds, and first women back, and second overall, was veteran runner Hayley Yelling.

FOOT AND MOUTH disease did not stop the Marlow Fun Run from going ahead as around 690 pairs of feet pounded the streets.

The five-mile race, organised by Handy Cross Runners, attracted record numbers as many races around the country had to be postponed due to foot and mouth restrictions.

But runners turned out in their hundreds to take their places on the starting line at Higginson Park and take in some of the sunshine on Sunday morning.

First man back was Mike Simpson, who got home in 26 minutes 35 seconds, and first women back, and second overall, was veteran runner Hayley Yelling.

Ms Yelling, a maths teacher at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, in Marlow, took 26 minutes and 58 seconds.

Runners went up Marlow High Street and then round the meandering streets of the town ending up back in Higginson Park.

Peter Edington, who helped organise the event, said that they enjoyed a fantastic turnout.

He added: "Many other races were cancelled because of foot and mouth and many were just desperate to run.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we had runners aged 14 to nearly 80 taking part in the fun."

In fact one of the last runners home was sprightly Bernard Denbo, in his 70s from Maidenhead, who reached the finishing line in one hour 35 minutes.

Proceeds from the event will go to Thames Valley PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club) which desperately needs a new minibus which would help members to meetings and social events.

Kim Rose, from the High Wycombe charity, said: "We are honoured and privileged to be chosen. We have raised £35,000 already and need another £10,000 so hopefully this event will go some way to reaching that total."

To donate send a cheque to Kelly Clayton, at the Bucks Free Press, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, payable to Thames Valley PHAB