Hundreds took to the streets of Warwick to help raise funds for local charities by competing in the AXA XL Man on the Run event on Sunday.

In the main 5K, which started and finished at Warwick Academy, top honours went to Adam Prunty, who beat 224 other runners in a time of 17min 20sec.

Thomas Mills claimed second place, crossing the line 24 seconds adrift of Prunty, with Jake Smith rounding out the podium places a further six seconds behind.

“A few of the younger guys went out really quickly and so I just tried to stay within striking distance, then picked them off gradually as the race went on and thankfully hung on for the win,” said Prunty.

“I would not say there is such a thing as a nice course in Bermuda, but this had a good mixture of hills and flat sections, and that suited me.

“It was also important to come out and support the race. There is a great running community here and these type of events highlight that.”

In the Junior 2.2km race for boys aged 7 to 10, Khaleef Daley claimed victory in an impressive time of 10:38, just seven seconds ahead of runner-up Cyme Dowling (10:45), with Kenzo Pitcher-Wade (10:52) rounding out the top-three places.

The event also included a 5K competitive walk with Paul Hayward triumphing in 34:18, more than two minutes clear of Junior Watts with Dorian Astwood finishing third.

Azuree Williams, of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, was on hand at the finishing line to speak of the vital significance of staging the men’s only race, with 100 per cent of all funds donated to the organisation to support initiatives such as free men’s health screening events and an equal access fund, providing financial subsidisation for prostate consultation, ultrasounds, biopsies, and radiation therapy.

“First and foremost this event is so important for us because it helps raise awareness and enables men to come out and get together in support of one another,” she said.

“It gives them an opportunity to share stories so others can understand the journey they have been on, because so many of the men here will have had prostate cancer.

“That awareness is so vitally important because it allows other men to see that it is OK to get checked, because prevention is key. If you get an early diagnosis, you have a much better chance to combat it sooner.

“Having hundreds turn out today is really good, because not only is this event about raising awareness, but also fundraising towards the centre’s equal-access fund. That allows us to subsidise those men who may not have the insurance to get the services they require.

“Kudos to all the men that have turned out in force. It really does help support the work that we do and we are thankful for that.”