Sun shines on 1,000 in Market Drayton 10k

More than 1,000 people took part in Market Drayton's 10k in glorious sunshine, organisers said today. They said the run was "perfect" with 1,150 people taking part in the event.

But, organisers said it was marred by people verbally abusing stewards – many of whom had been brought in from other towns – to help with road closures.

Tim Beckett, race director, said he did not want the incidents to cast a shadow over the event's success.

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He said: "The race was superb and we all had a marvellous time, including seeing the course record time broken – and it all took place in beautiful sunshine.

"But sadly some motorists have really put a dampener on it for us this year as they hurled foul and abusive language at the stewards who were at the road closures. The road closures were only brief and for little more than an hour, but the poor stewards have been shouted at."

But Mr Beckett added: "We help bring a lot of money into the town from this event ."

He said the winner of the race was Ryan Holroyd in a course record time of 35m 36s, with the first female being Laura Gray on 39m 31s. The first local runner to pass the line was James Bennett of Market Drayton Running Club with a personal best time of 35m 31s.