THOUSANDS of runners tackled a freezing Epilepsy Action Bradford 10K course this morning.

This year's event was the biggest yet as 3,000 people - 500 more than last year - started and finished the race in Centenary Square.

The men's race was won by Joe Sagar, of Spenborough & District Athletic Club, who romped home to victory in a time of 32minutes and 25 seconds, beating his personal best on this course by 20 seconds.

Second was Jonathan Walton and third was marathon supremo Marcin Soszka of Saltaire Striders.

Joe told the Telegraph & Argus: "It was a really good run and I'm glad the wind died off.

"I've won it four times now and it's a really quick course.

"The first year I did it there was 1,000 people doing it and now there is 3,000.

"The number of people doing it seems to be doubling each year."

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The first woman home was Jemima Elgood, of Ilkley Harriers, in 36 minutes 27 seconds, followed by Sophie Martin and Kate Archer in third.

Many of the athletes were running to raise money for the Yeadon-based Epilepsy Action.

Since it began in 2008, runners have raised over £450,000 for the charity.

One of those fundraiser was Jon Newsholme, 29, from Queensbury.

His family have been supported by Epilepsy Action after his two-year-old son, Oscar, was diagnosed with the condition aged eight weeks old.

Mr Newsholme, who raised £600, said: "The charity has been there for advice and support when times were difficult.

"Oscar was born with a brain malformation which caused him to have epilepsy.

"He is not a normal two-year-old.  His development is delayed and he isn't walking or talking.

"I have twins who are seven months old now and he is at a similar development stage to them."

Also taking part was Paul Allen, from Bingley.

The 43-year-old, who now lives in Beverley, in East Yorkshire, said he signed up for the race so he could run round his home city.

"I'm a City fan so it was great to run past Valley Parade and get cheered on by everyone," he added.

"I did it in 50 minutes and 30 seconds.  It was my first one of the year and I was expecting my time to be in the late fifties, to be honest."