Wargrave 10k Run 2012

Magician Paul Daniels inspired runners to personal best times when he started the 30th Wargrave 10km run.

The popular villager got the race under way at Wargrave Recreation Ground yesterday and also thrilled children in the brownie tent with some magic tricks.

Speedy Chris Bradfield, of Datchet Dashers running club, took the honours in the men's category - storming round the demanding course in 34.13minutes.

He failed to break the course record of 31:32, set by Phil Wicks of Belgrave Harriers in 2006, but still posted a fast time in a competitive race.

First woman home was Samantha Amend from Belgrave Harriers in a time of 36.39, while the over 60s section was won by Pat Twoney in 41.47.

More than 500 runners took part in the 10km race and 106 juniors aged five to 14 ran in the mile-long course.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the event and the Olympic Games - medals were given out rather than t-shirts to participants.

Race director Mandy Doward, said it was a 'great success' and starter Paul Daniels was on good form.

She added: "It is up there with the best we have had and has been very successful and the first ever junior one-mile fun run was a big success."

More than £3,000 was raised this year, which will be split between national cancer charities and good causes in the area.

Charities set to benefit include Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

See photos from the event in our slideshow above