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The first ever Gary Speed Memorial 10km race took place yesterday, attracting more than 300 entrants.

The runners set off from Colwyn Bay Football Club’s stadium in Llanelian Road at 11am before heading to the Promenade and through the town.

The 42-year-old star’s parents, Roger and Carol, posed with a banner bearing the dates of their hugely popular son’s life and, poignantly, many entrants swapped running vests for the football shirts of Wales, Everton, Newcastle and other clubs where Gary played.

Gary’s father Roger told the Daily Post how grateful he was to Colwyn Bay FC for organising the event.

He also spoke about his family are bearing up in the aftermath of the Wales and ex-Everton star’s death in 2011.

Mr Speed said the event was “fantastic”.

“John Martin (the comedian) had the microphone at the start, and we also had a minute’s applause in memory of Gary,” he said.

Many of the runners were raising funds for the Gary Speed Trust Fund as well as other charities. They included groups helped by staff and customers at Dukes Bar and Grill in Queensferry.

The male winner of the inaugural event was Darren Blazier from Abergele while 67-year-old Chris Birch from Conwy took the ladies' honour.

On dealing with their son’s death, Mr Speed said: “My wife still struggles a bit.

“I’m OK. We’ve got Gary’s two boys and they keep me busy.”

Mr Speed said that last week he and Carol went to Swansea to receive a £5,200 cheque for the Trust Fund from Matty Jones, the former Wales and Leeds Utd star.

He had been joined in a sponsored run by ex-Wales striker John Hartson.

Today, charity golfers will also boost the Trust Fund in a Gary Speed golf day at Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club.

Gary, from Mancot, died at his Cheshire home on November 27, 2011. The coroner concluded the inquest with a narrative verdict.

The Colwyn Bay memorial run is due to take place every year.