RECORD numbers turned out for a race to raise money for a Gwent hospice.

A total of 398 runners signed up for the Hospice of the Valleys Six Mile Race which this year celebrated its tenth anniversary.

Runners raced through stunning countryside in the event at Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar as the sun came out for the event on Sunday.

The annual is a key fundraiser for Hospice of the Valleys which supports patients and their families living with a life limiting illness in Blaenau Gwent, and typically raises around £10,000.

This year organisers did not hold the associated fun run, instead focussing the day on the six-mile race.

Amanda Chard, events fundraising manager at Hospice of the Valleys, said the event proved a big success.

She said: “It’s a challenging course for the athletic and experienced runners but also we have all abilities take part including the Couch to 5K runners.

“Everyone involved is really supportive, spectators come out and cheer the runners on. It is a real family affair.

“It is a beautiful surrounding for the course and we were lucky with the weather.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and there were lots of smiley faces.”

Fourteen trophies were handed out to winners at the event, with prizes for the first three male and female runners and in a number of different age categories.

A number of businesses supported the event.

Parc Bryn running club also helped organise the race and many volunteers gave up their time to marshal the course.

The hospice wished to thank everyone who helped out with the event.

Further fundraisers are in the pipe line, with an obstacle course race being planned for later this year.

Hospice of the Valleys supports more than 500 patients every year, as well as their families and carers, through support with life-limiting life-long illness, palliative care and end of life care.

The hospice works across Blaenau Gwent, including in some deprived areas with high levels of deprivation.