Some walked, others ran (some very quickly), but all were wreathed in smiles when they crossed the finish line in this year’s Medway Mile.

The run reached its capacity of 3,000 well before the start of the race and, in its eighth year, the community event attracted people of shapes and sizes and ages

The first participants crossed the finish line in front of Rochester Castle in just over five minutes.

Jacques Cunningham-Marsh, 14, took first place with a personal best time of 5min 24 sec, closely followed by previous winner 17-year-old Charlie Ward and Marley Godden, 15.

Also taking part was a 17-strong team from Brompton Barracks who jogged around in 9min 30sec carrying packs weighing 16.5kg.

This year’s event had a Commonwealth theme with a big screen showing the Games.

• Don't miss the Medway Messenger tomorrow for three pages of Medway Mile pictures