ROADS were closed across Middlesbrough on Sunday as thousands of runners pounded the streets in the September sunshine.

The well-established Tees Pride 10k and associated 3k fun run started in the Acklam area, with people of all ages and abilities taking part.

The race is popular with running enthusiasts as it offers a flat, fast course for those seeking their best time, and also for those looking to compete in their first running event.

It is the 14th year that the Run Middlesbrough 10k event has taken place, with the Acklam Hall summer festival immediately afterwards, meaning families could enjoy a complete day out.

There was music, entertainment and food on offer at the festival for runners and their families to relax after the race.

Hundreds also took part in the 3k race, with the first three places going to youngsters from the same family.

Tens of thousands of pounds are also raised each year for various charities in the Tees Pride 10k and in its sister event earlier in the summer, the Ali Brownlee 5k Riverside Run.

Some amateur athletes use the event as a training session ahead of next week's Great North Run half marathon on Tyneside.