HUNDREDS of runners put their best foot forward and braved the rain for the Ron Hill 10k race.

The athlete, who is 76, took part in the run around Accrington yesterday morning, keeping his record of running every day since December 1964 intact.

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Almost 500 people braved the downpours to complete the course, which started off near the town hall.

Families also took part in a 1k challenge before the main race got underway.

Ron said he was planning on taking the miles slowly, but not for fitness reasons.

He said: “It was great fun. I have been ill since the middle of December so I had to take it really easy.

“The atmosphere was a little bit dampened because of the cold and the rain, but there were lots of friends taking part and we had a lot of fun.

“I have run every day since December 20, 1964, and I weigh the same as I did when I was 20. Running is good for the mind and it is good for the body.”

Among the racers were Neil Thompson, 33, and Mark Jackson, 44, who are members of Accrington Road Runners.

Mark said: “The run was great for Accrington and for the community.

“Ron is a legend.”

Neil added: “I compete against myself when I am running and it is about keeping fit and getting the miles in.”

The race was started by Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Munsif Dad, who said he was considering taking part next year.

The runners were also cheered on by Graham Jones, who is campaigning to keep his Labour seat as MP for the borough.