MORE than 740 people signed up for the second Leigh Community 10k on Sunday.

Kevin Lowe, 69, from Tyldesley, who has motor neurone disease and regularly uses Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s Oak Centre day service, set the race off at 9.30am.

The number of participants at the race, which included two laps of the town centre, increased from 600 to 744 this year

The event was won by Mike Cayton from Horwich, who finished the course in 30 minutes and 53 seconds.

Darren Winrow, 48, was taking part in the race with many people raising money for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

He said: “My mum Jean Winrow had cancer and passed away when I was 25.

"Nurses from the hospice came out to her and offered her support and guidance and were a big help.

"I’ve done the hospice’s Manchester to Blackpool bike ride eight times too.”

Julia Galloway, 78, from Atherton, was involved in the event for the second time.

She said: “I think it’s so important to keep healthy and do what you can to help others in need and I know the hospice does great work.

“I did it last year when it was the first 10K for Leigh and I thought it’s so important to have something like this for the local area.

"Now that I’ve done the Leigh 10K I will write to friends and neighbours and ask them for a donation for either CAFOD or the hospice.

"It’s up to them – I’m raising money for both.”

Elliot Reeder, 15, who ran in memory of his grandad, raised £1,100 for the Hindley hospice and finished the run in 50 minutes and 5 seconds.

Fundraising and lottery manager at the hospice, Maxine Armstrong, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people in Leigh taking part in the event or simply coming along to show their support.

"Last year was wonderful but with the market and even more people taking part this year the town centre has been buzzing with activity.

“The hospice currently has to raise £9,700 every day so that we can continue to care for local people with a life-limiting illness so the support of events such as this one are absolutely vital.”

The Leigh Community 10k is sponsored by Bithells Waste Management Ltd, Leigh Neighbours Project, Eldercare and Intertek.

The event is a collaboration between Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Wigan Council, Inspiring healthy lifestyles, Fylde Coast Runners, Leigh Harriers Athletics Club, the Rotary Club of Leigh, Time2Run Events and Nectar.