Crowds lined the street as fifteen teams smashed it over a half mile potato race course in Ely.

Cambs Times: Ladies Race winnersDawn Lamb Fitness running on behalf of J Gilbert & Sons.Barbara Freser, Dawn Lamb, Karina Tharp with John and June GilbertLadies Race winnersDawn Lamb Fitness running on behalf of J Gilbert & Sons.Barbara Freser, Dawn Lamb, Karina Tharp with John and June Gilbert (Image: Archant)

A two-man Atrium gym team were crowned worthy champions powering away from runners-up Garret Farming in the dash to the line.

The Littleport Lions Basketball Club came in third.

The fourth annual potato race is organised by Isle of Ely Produce to celebrate the region’s potato growers and the local harvest festival.

Isle of Ely produce director Oliver Boutwood said: It was lovely to see so many people coming out to support the teams today.

Cambs Times: Men's race won by Atrium Club running for Fred Hartley Estates. Pavel Kolasa and Anthony Barnes with cup.Men's race won by Atrium Club running for Fred Hartley Estates. Pavel Kolasa and Anthony Barnes with cup. (Image: Archant)

“We are happy to play such an important part in the community and will continue to invest in these types of events in the future.

“The event underlines our pledge to support the journey of the potato from the field to the fryer.”

More than £1500 was raised for local charities some of which will go to the Ely Hereward Rotarians who helped steward the event along the high street.

Alongside the three winning teams were twelve other teams who competed in what was hailed the most keenly contested race yet, according to organisers.

New for 2015 was the Pretoria Energy Fillies and Mares 10kg ladies race.

Local farmer J Gilbert and Sons provided the potatoes with Dawn Lamb Fitness the winning ladies.

Isle of Ely Produce came second.

A fiercely contested children’s race between St Mary’s, St John’s and The Lantern primary schools saw the St John’s team lift the Corkers Crisps trophy.

The three schools share the £500 prize for their endeavours.

Austen Dack, of organisers Isle of Ely Produce, said: “It was a fantastic set of races and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.”

The winning duo from this year received a £100 cash prize and a trophy plus a special bottle of potato vodka donated by Anglia Wines of Ely. All competitors got to keep their potatoes as part of their entry fee.