Hundreds of avid runners from businesses across the Midlands ditched the suits for running shoes as part of a 10k running challenge aimed at raising thousands for charity while encouraging a healthier lifestyle in the workplace.

The Cooper Parry 10k Business Team Challenge saw over 520 runners take part in the quest to find the fastest team in the region. 

The challenge, part of the Derbyshire Building Society 10k run, saw teams of four to 10 runners from different companies around the Midlands compete against one another in the run. It was organised by business advisory firm Cooper Parry, with offices across the Midlands, and aims to promote a healthier lifestyle within the workplace.

The overall winning team was Lubrizol while second place was awarded to PricewaterhouseCoopers - A Team with PricewaterhouseCoopers - B Team coming in a respectable third place. The team who raised the most money for charity was Fluid Ideas who raised a fantastic £1,865 for the Alzheimer's Society.

Over 70 teams from the Midlands entered the challenge, now in its 2nd year. This year the total amount of money raised for charity is £7500, which will go to various charities throughout the region including the event charity, Sporting Futures and the Cooper Parry 2011 nominated charity, the Alzheimer's Society.

The road race is organised by Derbyshire charity Sporting Futures, and started and finished at Pride Park Stadium.

Race organiser, Melanie Campbell said: "It was a great day in what has become a firm fixture in the calendar for businesses across the Midlands. Over 72 teams took part which was an increase on last year and we would like to thank all those who participated."