Five hundred runners congregated on Sunday to take part in Run Falmouth, the town's half marathon that is organised by Cornish charity Cornwall Hospice Care, and this year saw a new record set.

Now in its fifth year, the race was part of Falmouth’s Spring Festival, and was a guest event in the Cornwall Glass and Glazing Grand Prix Series. The vast majority of runners were local, but they were joined by others from out of county and even abroad.

This year saw the introduction of a new 13.1 mile route, which took in Pendennis Castle, Gyllyngvase Beach, Swanpool and Maenporth beaches. Runners then headed inland to be cheered on as they passed through Mawnan Smith and the outskirts of Budock Water, before turning back to the finish line at the Falmouth Hotel where they were greeted by well-deserved cheers and refreshments.

Jordan Morant from Hayle Runners was first over the finish line, in one hour, 17 minutes and 25 seconds, setting a new course record. Tom Carthy of Falmouth Road Runners was second and Andrew Martin of the Mile High Running Club, was third.

The first female over the line was Jessica Buscombe, from St Austell Running Club, who completed the course in one hour, 30 minutes and 32 seconds, followed by Emma Murray and Alexandra Payton also of St Austell Running Club.

Falmouth Road Runners came first in the men’s team competition and St Austell Running Club won the ladies' team title.

Among those taking part were Michelle Bray, her niece, Jenna Stivey, both from Falmouth, and friend Natalie George, who were running in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care in memory of Michelle's daughter, Sasha Watson. The three ladies will be running the London Marathon next month so saw Run Falmouth as perfect training. Jenna, completed the course in two hours, 18 minutes and 25 seconds while Michelle and Natalie crossed the line together in a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 40 seconds.

Rose Beattie, from Cornwall Hospice Care, who was in charge of the event, said: "It’s been lovely to see this event grow over the last five years and with a new venue and route we welcomed more than a hundred more runners than last year. What’s more, we’ve already raised £12,000 for our charity through registration fees and sponsor money, a big increase on 2015.

"I’d like to thank everyone who supported the race, including the Falmouth Road Runners and Falmouth BID and town council and the Falmouth Hotel, for allowing it to happen. We also had amazing support from Exeter University, Devon and Cornwall 4x4 response, Cornwall Resus, Cornwall Bike Training Penzance and At your Pace Helston.

"The success of this event was down to this dedicated band of volunteers who certainly went the extra mile to ensure everything went smoothly for the runners on the day. A big hoorah too to the crowds who turned out to cheer the competitors on, I know it will have meant a lot to them all."

Full results from Run Falmouth are online at cornwallhospicecare.co.uk in the "events and challenges" section.