Two runners from Ely laced up their boots to tackle the 2018 Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon – with one coming in fifth place.

The annual event took place on Sunday, despite the plummeting temperatures and snowfall.

An impressive total of 7,040 runners crossed the finish line of the spectacular 13.1-mile route around Cambridge’s most important landmarks, cheered on by crowds of spectators.

Alan Darby from Ely Runners came in fifth place at 1:09:57 with Paul Waggitt from Ely Runners and Ely Tri Club coming 28th at 1:15:18.

The race saw runners line up at 9.30am at Victoria Avenue alongside runners from all over the UK.

The seventh edition of the race, sold out within hours of entries opening last October.

Contributing to the lively atmosphere were hundreds of runners raising money for Cancer Research UK, the official race charity.

The winner of the 2018 Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon’s men’s title was William Mycroft, of Enfield and Haringey, who crossed the finish line in a time of 1:07:03.

James Straw took second place in a time of 1:07:42, and third place was closely fought with Aaron Scott securing it in 1:09:40.

In the women’s race, local club Cambridge & Coleridge claimed the top two spots, with Georgina Schwiening taking first place in 1:15:32 and Victoria Knight following one minute later in 1:16:30. Third place went to Sara Bird of Ipswich Jaffa RC in 1:20:03.

The race also saw 50 participants take up Individual Corporate VIP Entry, which gave them access to extra facilities such as separate toilets, bag storage and refreshments in the VIP marquee.

Adam Moffat, race director, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout for the 2018 Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon, which proves what a key event the race has become for the UK’s running community.

“The atmosphere this year was incredible, from the supporters cheering on at the side lines to the runners themselves, who put in an outstanding effort.”

The one-lap route of the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon gives runners a spectacular whistle-stop tour of the iconic city.

The race starts and finishes at Victoria Avenue and passes by The Backs and King’s College before taking runners through picturesque Grantchester, Market Square and the Round Church.