RUNNERS, riders and fundraisers joined forces for a day of sport at Priory Park this weekend.
Darth Vader, Super Mario Bros Mario and Luigi, Batman, The Stig and a number of mini Where's Wally characters were among the 400-strong field of competitors who took on the Reigate and Redhill YMCA Fun Run.
Thanks to the sunny weather, there was a record number of last-minute entries for the one-mile and five-mile races at the event, now in its 15th year.
First home for the men in the adult five-mile run was Alister Moses, deputy head teacher at Caterham's St John's Church of England Primary School, who finished the course in 27 minutes and 48 seconds – one second off the record which he set last year.
Natalie Wilson, of Reigate Priory Athletics Club, celebrated her birthday in style by making it a hat-trick of wins in the women's five-mile event.
"The fun run always falls on my birthday weekend, so it can sometimes be a bit of a struggle," she said.
"I was out last night but I've enjoyed the run today and it's very satisfying to come in first."
Unicyclist Duncan Wardley joined the field in a unique fashion – he completed the five-mile course on one wheel.
The buzz at the park was heightened by the Festival of Sport hosted by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the Reigate and Banstead Sports Council.
Martial arts, gymnastics, climbing and mountain biking were among the sports on offer, as clubs offered free taster sessions to hundreds of residents crowded into the Reigate park.
Young athletes got involved with the races, with a large team from the Federation of Earlswood Schools taking part.
Where's Wally impersonator Samuel Brooks and Milly Gobson, who was decked out as a giraffe, shared the Fun Run fancy dress prize, with while Emily Stowe took home the Perseverance in the Face of Adversity Award for completing the one-mile race on crutches.
YMCA chief executive Ian Burks said: "We've seen some amazing achievements here today which have inspired us all."
The YMCA's final fundraising total had not been calculated when the Mirror went to press, but the funds will help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in East Surrey.
