RECORD numbers turned out for two running events to raise money for a Gwent hospice.

The Lap of the Lake is in its 16th year, and more than 470 people took part in the event at Parc Bryn Bach which is organised by the Hospice of the Valleys.

The first to start was the professionally timed six-mile race. This is the ninth year of the race which was added for elite runners and is organised by Parc Bryn Bach running club.

Around 287 runners took part in the race and it was Matthew Evans, of Aberdare, who finished in just under 34 minutes. He was closely followed by Lee Aherne, of Parc Bryn Bach running club and the first woman to cross the line was Katie Beecher, of Cardiff’s Les Croupiers running club.

The fun run started later in the day where participants could run, jog or walk, two laps of the lake.

Many came in fancy dress, and whole families took part in the family-focused event. Around 189 people took part in this year’s fun run to raise money for the hospice that offers palliative care to people in Blaenau Gwent.

Hospice of the Valleys community fundraiser Helen Morgan said: “It was lovely to see so many people there supporting the hospice and friends and family came along to support the runners.

“We love seeing so many people coming together and supporting their local charity. Lots of local people came to the fun run who have friends and family who have used the hospice.

“Many thanks to everyone who took part and thank you to all the marshals volunteers as well as the people in the car parks and those who managed traffic control.”

Find out more about the Hospice of the Valleys at hospiceofthevalleys.org.uk