There was Superman, a Star Wars character, The Stig - and around 3,000 other participants and supporters at Maccabi's fifth annual Community Fun Run in Barnet on Sunday.

A record 32 charities were represented and the organisers hope that the fundraising total will reach £150,000.

The hardiest entrants were the 270 who completed the 10 kilometre challenge. One and five kilometre runs were the other options. Nicola Webber, who did the 10k in aid of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, was hoping to raise £400. The Edgware 24-year-old ran alongside two veterans, and said it had been a privilege.

"I am in awe of these fantastic and inspiring people. The race was certainly a challenge, but seeing the community come together for such great causes really gave me a sense of pride."

For Jewish school headmaster and fun run veteran Joel Sagar, completing one kilometre in aid of Jewish Child's Day should not have posed any great difficulty.

But Mr Sagar, accompanied by his seven-year-old son Zachy, decided to up the stakes and run in the full body armour of a Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper.

The movie buff said the outfit had attracted a great deal of attention. "But it was hard work - towards the end I thought I wouldn't make it. It's not the most comfortable thing in the world."

Josh Kleiman, who is expecting to reach his target of £1,500 for the US Project Chesed, opted for a bright purple lycra "morphsuit" left over from Purim. "I could see, breathe and drink in it fine," he said. "So it was perfect for a run and I thought I'd get more sponsorship for an important cause that way."

Kisharon service user Debbie Rosten was pleased give something back through her sponsorship. "I am very proud of myself," she said. Maccabi GB's Elizabeth Fishel, who organised the event, was delighted by the turnout. "To see so many communal charities working together is an incredible experience.

"All the participants had smiles on their faces as they came across the finish line and the atmosphere really was electric. The event continues to get better and better."