RUNNERS tackled sweltering conditions to take part in a charity half-marathon.
The scenic Run the Res event took place around Abberton Reservoir, in association with the Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex and Suffolk Water.
About 90 runners took part in blistering heat, starting at the reservoir visitor centre.
Organiser Craig Mitchell has his own events company, Craig’s Events, and, since starting three years ago, his fundraisers have led to charity donations totalling more than £8,000.
Give us a wave - Paul Connell, from Great Bentley Running Club
He said: “It was the second time we’ve hosted this half-marathon, raising funds for the Essex Wildlife Trust.
“Once again, it was a big success, with lots of runners saying how they loved the challenging, scenic route before a cup of tea and biscuits served by the visitor centre staff and volunteers.
“People travelled from far and wide to take part and a cheerful group from Fordy Runs Running Club came up from Southend.
“Everyone had a cracking time on one of the hottest days of the year.”
Friends reunited - old school pals (from left) David Clark, Martin Carr, Mark Sparling and John Croghan enjoyed meeting up in Langham
The first male home was Richard Heath, from Colchester Harriers Athletics Club, in a time of one hour, 26 minutes and 36 seconds.
Victoria Wadley-Smith, from Leigh-on-Sea Striders, was the first female home in 1h 40m 56s.
Mr Mitchell is now looking forward to his next event, on July 5.
The day will begin with the NHS Big Tea - a tea party at Layer-de-la-Haye village hall, from 11am until 2pm.
First male - Colchester Harriers' Richard Heath
Visitors can pop in for a cup of tea and slice of cake, in exchange for a small donation, and all proceeds will go to the NHS.
The NHS Big Tea narrative trail run, a five-mile multi-terrain run, is taking place later that day in Layer, starting at 6.30pm.
There is only a limited number of places.
The cost is £7.50 and every finisher will receive an NHS mug.
Hats off - marshal Jo Nightingale strikes a pose during the Run the Res event
“It’s a way of saying thanks, on behalf of myself and my team, who have had family members well looked after by the NHS in the last year,” said Mr Mitchell.
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Jumping for joy - John Hillier, from Fordy Runs Running Club
Keep going - Jennifer Kaye, from Running Colchester
Hard at work - Magdalena Komorowska, from Great Bentley Running Club
Big smiles - Jackie Taylor, from Running Colchester, and Jennifer Dickerson, from Lonely Goat Running Club
Making a stand - Chris Ford, the founder member of Fordy Runs Running Club
Thumbs up - the visiting Fordy Runs Running Club members. Pictured are Chris Ford, Toby Frost, Julian Ebanks, Marian Rolls, Helen Tabor, John Hillier, Dean Blackwell, Joanne Costello and Dan Lee
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