This weekend saw 400 runners take part in the Bassingbourn Brainstrust Half Marathon – the event attracted a host of runners from Royston and South Cambs, with many also travelling across the country to take part.

Royston Crow: Matthew Slater was the fastest man in the race. Picture: Paul HoltomMatthew Slater was the fastest man in the race. Picture: Paul Holtom (Image: All rights reserved)

The event was created by Ash Hawkins in early 2014 who lost his father to a brain tumour the previous December and nominated the Brainstrust charity for the half marathon.

The race raises awareness for the trust with a percentage of the profits being donated. Many runners also ran to raise sponsorship for Brainstrust, as well as other charities.

Matthew Slater – of Cambridge & Coleridge Athletics Club – was the fastest male runner, finishing in a time of 1h 17mins and 53 secs.

Susan Chesher was the fastest woman, crossing the line with a time of 1h 26m and 13s.

While members from the 57 running clubs added a competitive edge, the half marathon saw a large number of social runners – including parents running with their children, couples running together and first time participants, with the oldest runner aged 82.

Following the success of the race, Ash was keen to thank everyone involved.

He said: “The event was a great success once again. I would like to thank all the runners for taking part – all my superb marshals, the various scout groups who helped with car parking, the baggage area and co-ordinated the refreshments and cake stand, and Bassingbourn Youth Girls FC who manned one of the water stations.

“Finally I would like to thank all the race sponsors who either provided financial support or in-kind support to this year’s event. Without your support these events do not happen.”

For more on the Brainstrust see www.brainstrust.org.uk