More than 3,000 hardy souls braved arctic conditions on the city streets yesterday (17 January) for the first ever Cancer Research UK Liverpool Winter Run.

BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin and local Emmerdale actor Kurtis Stacey joined competitors on the 10 km run which raised money for life-saving research.

Friendly ‘snowmen’ met the runners on arrival at the Echo Arena , which hosted a winter themed event village for the competitors. A giant snow zone located on the waterfront coated everyone in a flurry of snowflakes before they returned to the arena to cross the finish line in front of hundreds of spectators.

Ian Moran was first home, completing the course in 34 minutes and 36 seconds. He was greeted to cheers from the waiting crowd and a congratulatory hug from the Winter Run Series polar bears. Hayley Jones was the fastest female finisher in 41:09.

Clive Sanders, head of events at Cancer Research UK, says: “Every day, nearly 110 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West, so hosting the Winter Run here in Liverpool has been a great opportunity to raise much-needed funds and help give cancer the cold shoulder.

“We’re delighted to have seen so many people from Liverpool come together and run for such a good cause – their support is invaluable. For participants wanting to give their fundraising efforts an extra boost, there’s still time to share their JustGiving pages with family and friends for any last minute donations.”

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