MORE than 150 runners pounded the streets of March for a five-mile fun run – and it turned out to be a spud-tacular race! Runners from across Cambridgeshire took part in March Athletic Club s first Spud Fun Run, held on Sunday. It was a great success, s

MORE than 150 runners pounded the streets of March for a five-mile fun run - and it turned out to be a spud-tacular race!

Runners from across Cambridgeshire took part in March Athletic Club's first Spud Fun Run, held on Sunday.

"It was a great success," said Gena Jackman, the club's results administrator. "We are now hoping we can run the event next year."

A five-mile course - starting and ending at Elm Road Sports Field - took runners past Whitemoor Prison and through Whitemoor Nature Reserve.

A total of 156 runners took part in the five-mile race, with everyone receiving a 5kg sack of potatoes for finishing. Sponsors, timekeepers and marshals also received a bag of spuds, supplied by QV Foods.

The men's winner - John Herbert of Werrington Joggers - came home in 29 minutes, 18 seconds. The highest Fenland finisher was Robin Parker, of Fenland Running Club in Wisbech, who came fourth in a time of 30 minutes, 33 seconds.

In the ladies' race, March AC's Debra Wait and Karen Patterson took second and third places, behind Ruth Jones of Nene Valley Harriers.

The prizes were handed out by March AC member Jamie McGarvie, of JMC Construction; and June Warrington, whose daughter Samantha Hale runs Advance Performance in Peterborough and Cambridge. Both businesses sponsored the event.

Earlier in the day, 55 runners took part in a one-and-a-half fun run. They all received a medal for taking part.

The winner, Tristan Smith from Thorney Running Club, completed the course in eight minutes, 35 seconds.

Prizes for the fun run were handed out by Mr McGarvie's son, Bradley.

A host of other attractions included a bouncy castle and a raffle. The proceeds from the event are for club funds.