As many as 18,750 professional and amateur runners laced up on Sunday morning for the annual Perth Running Festival, with up to 57 countries represented.

The event was split into several categories, including the 21.1km half marathon, the PerthNow 10km race, and Burswood Park 4km dash.

Runners tackled a scenic course, passing some of Perth’s most iconic landmarks, including Matagarup Bridge, Burswood Park, the CBD and the Swan River, with the finish line waiting for them inside Optus Stadium.

Pre-race favourite Dominic Ngeno fell agonisingly short of setting a course record in winning Sunday’s 42.2km main event.

Including spectators, roughly 50,000 hit the streets to immerse in the spirit of the day, which is expected to raise $300,000 for Telethon.

Among them was Channel 7 broadcaster and Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes, who has taken on a gruelling challenge of running two marathons in the space of just five days.

Following Sunday’s effort, which he completed in under three hours, Cornes will board a ferry to Rotto to complete another 42km for the Rotto Run for Telethon on Thursday October 15.

“I’m staying at Crown, so I think they’re going to look after me with a few massages and things like that, but I’ll take it easy today,” Cornes said after Sunday’s race.

“I’ve got to work tomorrow, but Rottnest on Thursday is going to be incredible, we’ve got a lot of crew coming over and there’s going to be some good fun games and activities and lots of kids, I’m looking forward to it.”

The public can financially support Cornes’ efforts at telethon7.com/kaneschallenge

SEE GALLERY FROM PERTH RUNNING FESTIVAL BELOW