THOUSANDS of spectators lined the city streets yesterday to cheer on competitors in the Guildhall Shopping Centre Great West Run.

The half-marathon, comprising two laps around Pinhoe Road, Southernhay, High Street and Beacon Lane, is expected to raise around £100,000 for local charities.

Race director Peter Ferlie said the day had been a huge success, with 2,280 people starting from Exeter Arena at 9.30am yesterday.

"The event went really smoothly," he said. "We are thankful to all the volunteers who offered their help, we could not have done it with out them. It was exciting to have a sprint finish, which was neck and neck between the first two runners."

A record time was achieved by the winner Kairn Stone, 32, a Plymouth based teacher, who finished the race in 69 minutes and three seconds.

Kairn also won the half marathon last year and in 2006.

Running veteran Gordon Seward, 56, completed his seventh Great West Run in 79 minutes and 52 seconds and came 12th.

Last week the Echo reported that if Gordon finished the half- marathon in 78 minutes and 30 seconds, he would get his first hair cut in two years.

"Unfortunately I won't be able to get my hair cut just yet," he said.

"But I really enjoyed the race and am pleased with my time, considering it was quite windy today."

Laura Edgeworth, 26, an administrator from Alphington was taking part for the first time and finished the race in two hours and 13 minutes. She said: "I was really nervous beforehand, but when it came to the actual run it was okay. The atmosphere was great and helped to spur me on."

Laura was running to raise money for her dad who suffers from a muscle wastage disorder called Guillain-barre syndrome. She said: "My dad used to take part in the Great West Run, and is unable to do it anymore. I raised £600 in funds which is amazing."

Sergeant Scott Hodgkinson, 35, from Lympstone, ran the half-marathon dressed in his full Army uniform and carrying a 30lb backpack to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes.

"It was a tough course," he said. "But the crowds kept me going."

Scott, who works at Exeter's Army Recruitment Office, was also carrying a bucket so spectators could donate to the charity on the spot.

"People were being really generous," Scott said. "There were notes as well as coins. I think I managed to raise an extra £100 for the cause. The only problem was that the bucket got quite heavy, which slowed me down a bit."

Exeter Lord Mayor Cllr Paul Smith visited the arena to show runners his support. He said: "I thought it was absolutely magnificent. I was very impressed indeed. The other great thing is the amount of money that goes to charities, both local and national — it's tremendous."

Also taking place was a two-mile fun run. This was part of the Friends Provident Children's Great West Run aimed at getting children to take up running for fun and fitness.

For race details and results visit www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk