More than 2,600 runners pounded the streets of Eastleigh this morning for the town’s 31st 10k run.

Runners will be raising funds for the Mayor of Eastleigh’s appeal, Wave 105’s Cash for Kids appeal and WaterAid Zambia.

First to cross the finish line was 26-year-old Southampton Athletic Club runner Matt Bennett, below, in 30min 48sec.

The first woman was Helena Tobin, from Brighton, in 34mins 34secs.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Matt Bennett, who faced off fierce competition to win the race, believes running in a pack helped him maintain his speed.

The 26-year-old run represents Southampton Athletic Club and said windy conditions gave the run an extra level of difficulty.

There were only eight seconds separating the first four competitors and Matt took first at the death after a gruelling final straight.

He said: "I think it's quite a open field and quite a few younger runners are coming through.

"It was really good and I had to work very hard down the very long home straight.

"It was good to break away at the end."

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton was also among the runners. He completed the event in 1 hour 10 mins.

The Liberal Democrat tweeted: "Never run much before! Next year I should train a bit."

Hampshire Chronicle:

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton, Labour parliamentary candidate Mark Latham, and Conservative parliamentary candidate Mims Davies.

He was beaten by Eastleigh seat candidate for Labour Mark Latham, who ran in a personal best time of 1 hour and seven minutes.

Fellow candidate Mims Davies came just behind.

The race, sponsored by B&Q, started outside Fleming Park Leisure Centre at 9am and headed down Passfield Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Shakespeare Road, Twyford Road, and Woodside Avenue.

The runners then went back along Passfield Avenue, Derby Road, Desborough Road, Chestnut Avenue and Passfield Avenue, before finishing in Fleming Park.

Meanwhile, later children will be getting in on the act with a 2k fun run around Fleming Park for four- to 12-year-olds.