The morning run saw the 15,000th runner cross the finish line, marking the halfway point in the campaign which aims to get more than 30,000 children aged five to 10 to take part in one of the GO Run For Fun events in Preston and all corners of the UK.

Michael Rimer said: “It’s brilliant to have almost 800 children here today, all participating in GO Run For Fun.

"Fun events are a great way for your kids to get out and have fun with their mates - running.

“We really must make sure that kids in Preston are given the opportunity to get active from an early age, and GO Run For Fun provides the chance to do just that.

"If they enjoy it you never know where it might end up, we might find Britain’s best talent for the future.”