THOUSANDS of runners pounded miles of roads on one of the hottest days of the year to complete the Plymouth Half Marathon.

While nearly 4,000 people took part in the annual race, thousands more lined the streets around the course to cheer them on.

Runners from elite athletes to a competitor in a penguin suit took part in the 13.1-mile race yesterday, which started and finished on the Hoe.

But as temperatures soared, many struggled to the finish line with water shortages at the four water stations placed through the course.

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesman said that a 40-year-old man was resuscitated after collapsing near the Morrisons store in Billacombe Road, and was taken to Derriford Hospital where last night he was still receiving treatment.

Race director Nigel Rowe said: "The hot weather certainly tested us. At some point there were runners who didn't have enough water, but we had back-up vehicles to get to them as quickly as we could.

"Unfortunately some of the runners took too many water bottles and sponges when it had been limited to one per runner. Some casualties had to be taken to hospital."

Despite this, 3,889 people completed the race out of 3,916 runners.

Mr Rowe added: "It was our biggest-ever race with 400 more entrants this year. The athletes must have got a real buzz because we've never seen so many people up on the Hoe."

Jamie Evans, 28, from Saltash was running in memory of his 24-year-old wife Jo, who died of cancer.

He said: "It was hard work but I was never going to give up. I kept thinking of Jo and no matter what pain I was in, I kept going."

He carried a banner in honour of his late wife and crossed the finish line with Jo's brother, Craig.

Plymouth Half Marathon start - part one.

Plymouth Half Marathon start - part two.

Start of Plymouth fun run on the Hoe.

Plymouth fun run on the Hoe - part two

Plymouth fun run on the Hoe - part three

Plymouth Half Marathon - finish line.

Phil Stallard, 58, from Thornbury, was running in a group of nine in memory of family friend Jerry Jones who died of leukaemia.

"It was a superb day. We all completed it together in about 2 hours 20 minutes and managed to raise an extra £200 to the £4,000 we've already got for Leukaemia Research. It was very hot but we just all made sure we were well topped-up on fluids."

Organisers estimate around £200,000 will be raised for charity. Children from the city's primary schools also had the opportunity to take part in a one-mile fun run.

Katy O'Brien, 44 from Plympton was on the sidelines supporting her daughter Lily, aged eight.

She said: "She was so excited. It's a great idea getting all the children to participate after seeing the main runners. It gives them all the atmosphere of the real thing and creates a lot of excitement."

Full results in Tuesday’s edition of The Herald.