Centenary Square was a hive of activity and adrenaline today as hundreds of runners limbered up for the inaugural Bradford City Run.

The sky was bright and the air was crisp and cool as the runners set off on the ten-mile circuit.

It was a true family event with several variations on the route so there was something suitable for everyone. There was the full ten-mile race, a five-mile option, a junior run of two miles and a team relay event with each member running 2.5 miles.

The event, organised by Bradford Council and the Bradford Athletic Network, was a precursor to the Bradford Marathon, which will be held next October, and will consist of five loops – a nod to the Olympic rings.

Today’s ten-mile race consisted of two of those loops, one of which took runners to Lister Park and back from Centenary Square, and a second loop to Bowling Park and back.

The Lord Mayor Coun John Godward said: “It’s gone very, very well and it is a great boost for Bradford. It’s a tremendous way to bring a lot of people into the city.”

Claiming first place and setting the record for the Bradford City Run was Ian Fisher, of Bolton Woods, Bradford, who runs for Otley Athletics Club, with a time of 52 mins 50 secs.

He said: “It is a very hilly course but I know the area well. Bradford is a great place to run. It feels great to win, especially as I’m a local lad.”

The first woman to cross the finish line for the ten-mile runners was Katie Teague, in one hour, seven mins 57 secs.

The five-mile race winners were Christopher Burke for the men in 28 mins 52 secs and Jann Smith for the women in 33 mins 42 secs.

The City Run was also an opportunity for people to raise money for good causes.

Shaun Duffy, 43, of Lister Avenue, East Bowling, Bradford, alongside daughters Sammy, 23, and Casey, 14, ran in memory of his wife, Jeanette, who died in May, aged 41.

The family was raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, because of the support Mrs Duffy received at the Bradford Marie Curie Hospice.

Mr Duffy said: “They gave her two weeks to live on Christmas Eve, and she lived until the summer. For me and my family they were brilliant.”

The main beneficiary of the run was the newly-merged Age Concern and Help the Aged charity.

*For more on this event, see Monday’s T&A