When penguins, firemen, little old ladies and bumblebees charge down the Promenade in a sea of fundraising runners.

And there was a tremendous buzz at the Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k Fun Run as the Promenade took a pounding from 3,690 people – the third-highest figure in the 27 years the event has been held.

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch as the runners crossed the finish line in front of the Hilton Hotel and received their medals, many of them in fancy dress.

But they weren't just running for fun – the Beaverbrooks race has raised over £1m for charity over the years and this year's chosen cause, Cancer Research UK, will benefit from thousands of pounds of sponsorship money.

It was a day for fresh faces, with first-time winners in the men's, women's and wheelchair races.

Ian Grime of Manchester won the men's race in 31mins, 32secs.

The 38-year-old said: "I've won other 10ks but never this one, so I'm really pleased. I train twice a day and do 70-100 miles a week, so I feel like it's paid off!"

Women's winner Gemma Unsworth, 28, brought prestige for Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Athletic Club.

Gemma, who lives on Arundel Road in Bispham and clocked 35.53, said: "That's a good time for me, I normally do 10k in around 36 minutes and I've never done this one before, so I'm really pleased."

Wheelchair winner Chris Beveridge of Princeway, South Shore, knocked nine minutes off his previous time but said he had never thought about finishing first.

The 55-year-old said: "I'm raising money for Brian House and I wasn't thinking about my placing, so it's nice to find out I won! I did it in 50 minutes last time, so 41 is a big improvement."

Younger runners gave seasoned athletes a run for their money, with Collegiate High pupil Jamie Midgley, 13, managing an impressive 38 minutes.

He said: "I've never won my age category before but I've been training hard three times a week and I'm really pleased."

For a full round-up, pictures and finish times, don't miss Monday's Gazette.