Thousands of runners took part in the Havens Hospices annual Southend Half Marathon.

Runners took on the 13.1 mile route on Sunday, June 10 along Southend’s coastline, starting at Shoeburyness East Beach.

There was also a three kilometre family fun-run in a bid to raise £100,000 for the charity.

Havens Hospices care for seriously ill children, young people and adults within the home, in the community and at its two hospices Little Havens and Fair Havens.

Jane Hopkins, events fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said: “The day couldn’t have gone any better and it was great to see so many south Essex people not only taking part but lining the route to cheer runners on.

“Every runner who has trained for this event and crossed that start line has helped our hospices to continue caring for adults, children and families when they need it most, and with their help we are well on our way to our £100,000 fundraising target.”

Among those that took part in the family fun run was George Palmer, ten, whose father, Nick, died shortly after taking part in the marathon in 2014.

George said: “It was an exhausting run but great fun.

"I wanted to take part in memory of my Dad, but to also have fun with my friends.”

His friends from Leigh Ramblers joined him to help The Finish Line Fund set up in Nick’s memory.