OVER 200 runners took to the streets of Hereford in the Jon Ward Hereford 5k on Sunday.

The race was held in memory of ex-Hereford Courier Jon Ward who sadly passed away in June 2020.

Jon was a decorated runner, competing across every distance from 5k to Ultra Running.

He was a proud member of the 100 Marathon Club and many people locally knew him well.

Starting at Hereford Racecourse the race saw competitors complete two laps of a 2.5 kilometres loop through Bobblestock and back through the racecourse.

Western Tempo duo Dominic James and Jemma Cooper took the men's and women's victories respectively.

It was the first time runners returned to competitive race action since lockdown with the event having a host of Covid-19 safety measures in place.

After the opening lap a group of front runners were still together which the leaders completed in seven minutes and 36 seconds.

James made his winning move on the second lap and pulled out a winning margin of five seconds- completing the course in 15-03.

Western Tempo took the top three men's podium places with Ben Price second (15-08) and Rhys Park finishing third (15-13).

In the women's event the leaders were also together completing their opening of two laps in 8-51.

Cooper made her winning move on the finishing lap completing the course in 17-33 to win by 11 seconds.

A sprint finish for second saw Katie Synge-Curtis (Hereford Couriers) edge out Natalie Hackett (Hallamshire Harriers) with both runners finishing on 17-44.

All profits from the race will be donated to The Samaritans.