RUNNERS pounded the pavements of Cleethorpes to raise funds to help young people make a difference to their local community.
Staff from Grimsby's O2 shop organised two runs – one 5km and one 10km – in aid of the company's chosen charity, Think Big, which gives youngsters grants to improve their area.
It was free to take part and all participants received a goodie bag, with Nike vouchers and a perfume set also up for grabs for the winners.
Organiser Carl Dennis, who is the manager at the store, said: "I think it's important for local businesses to get involved in organising events for the community.
"We wanted it to be free to encourage as many people as possible to take part and we chose Cleethorpes as there is a scenic view for the runners.
"About half the staff from the store took part, as well as members of the public, so we're hoping to make as much money as possible for charity."
One of the runners hoping to clock up a good time in the 10km was Ryan Phillips, 28, from Grimsby, who works as a driver.
He underwent surgery to remove a slipped disk in his back about seven months ago and has recently returned to running. Ryan, who was cheered on by his wife, Jemma, and children Harley, 5, and Gracie, 3, said: "I spent ten years in the Army so running is ingrained in me.
"I've only recently started running in events again because it's taken a while to recover from the operation.
"I ran the Birmingham half-marathon two weeks ago and that went well, so I'm hoping to do the 10km in about 45 minutes.
"There aren't many running events in Grimsby and Cleethorpes so it's good to have something to take part in."
His wife Jemma, 27, said: "We enjoy coming along to watch Ryan run. It's good for the runners to have supporters to encourage them."
