THE popularity of the Orange Colour City Running Festival failed to wane over the weekend, after last year's event smashed attendance records.
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In the 2013 festival, 1701 runners hit the pavement - 912 more than the previous year.
This year's festival did not disappoint, with 1730 entrants, according to co-ordinator Kim Roweth who described the weekend as “incredible”.
“Every event has had increased numbers, except the five kilometre. The marathon had an extra 20 runners which is a big increase,” she said.
"Everything has run smoothly, and the runners have been very appreciative and pleased with it.”
Mrs Roweth said the changed format, with presentations held after each event, had proven popular with entrants.
“It seemed like they prefer it this way, and the races are spread out a little bit more too,” she said.
Mrs Roweth was also pleased with the response to Saturday’s Pete’s Car Wash 2km junior dash, with more than 60 extra young runners taking part this year.
“It is absolutely fantastic,” she said of the 183-strong field. “And every child who took part gets to go away with a medal.”
Parents with babies and toddlers in their prams also ran in the event - introducing their children to the sport of running at a young age.
The Dean family was glowing of the festival.
Mum, Sue Dean ran in the marathon, dad James ran in the 5km event and the couple's children Lucy, Jack, Maeve and Billy ran in the 2km race with their cousins.
“It was a perfect running day,” Mrs Dean said.
“Nice and cool to start off with.
“It's good to get the kids out and active.”