HUNDREDS of runners braved atrocious weather on Sunday to take part in the annual Leigh Sports Village Legacy 10k event.

The run began at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium and followed a route along the Liverpool to Leeds canal towpath, before passing through Pennington Flash country park.

The event first took place in 2010 and has been described by Runners’ World magazine as ‘one of the best up and coming events in the north west’.

Michael Murray, event co-ordinator at Legacy Events which organises the run, said: “It is a great opportunity for local charities, clubs or voluntary groups to raise funds.

“It also allows the public to make a difference and create their own legacy in their area.”

In the men’s race, the winner was Steven Boyton, who finished in 33 mins 41 secs, with Daniel Weston second and David Hamilton in third.

In the women’s race, Heather Jackson won in 40 mins 9 secs, with Louise Blizzard finishing second and Sarah Mackness third.

Legacy events do not charge fundraisers ‘partner fees’, which means that all profits go directly to the charity, club or voluntary group.