THOUSANDS of spectators lined the route of the inaugural Chelmsford Marathon to cheer on 1,900 runners on Sunday.

The marathon, organised by The J’s Hospice, has been in planning for months, and organisers were over the moon with day, labelling it a “runaway success!”

Over 300 volunteers gave up their time to help out, which saw runners take in Central Park, Admirals Park, Bell Meadows, Tower Gardens, Writtle and Hylands Park in a double-lapped course.

First over the line was Paul Martelletti, 35, who was the last person to sign up for the race. He crossed the line in an impressive two hours, 39 minutes and 50 seconds.

The first woman across the line was Nikki Brockbank, a Chelmsford local, who runs with the Springfield Striders. She finished with a time of three hours and 13 minutes.

All runners received a medal and a goody bag, and the three fastest men and women were presented with a trophy by record-breaking marathon runner Fiona Oakes.

Nikki Perry, from the hospice, said: “The J’s Hospice have been delighted by the overwhelming support we have received from runners, supporters, families and spectators on the day, as well as companies keen to support a local event and through it, a local charity helping young adults in Essex.

“The success of this year means that we are keen to build on this to make it an annual event for the great city of Chelmsford!”