Parents of Madeleine McCann join Claudia Lawrence's father at missing people fundraiser

Kate and Gerry McCann, who earlier this month marked the seventh anniversary of their daughter's disappearance, ran the Miles for Missing People race.

The horn to start the race was sounded by Peter Lawrence as the investigation into his daughter, who went missing in 2009, continues.

The race on Clapham Common in London came days after North Yorkshire Police arrested Michael Snelling, 59, on suspicion of murdering the missing chef.

The former lab technician was questioned by officers and released on bail.

Speaking after the 10km and 3km races, Mr Lawrence said: "A lot of people are here with a poster of their missing loved one, and it's right to display it, show what the charity is for.

"I think it's always a poignant event coming here because you see all these people with missing shirts on them with posters and you just think this really needs to be out there.

"We all need to be together, we are all a big family.

"It [Missing People] is an absolute lifeline.

"Both for people who are missing, but most importantly the families of the thousands of people who are missing.

"Most people you talk to of course don't know what it's like to have a family member missing."

The annual event, run by charity Missing People and now in its fifth year, raises money for the organisation.

Mr Lawrence added that even if his daughter is found he will continue to support the charity.

He said: "I regularly meet other people with missing members of their family, and it's just being able to be together in the knowledge we all talk the same language.

"Even if Claudia is found I will still be here for the sake of other people and the sake of the charity."

The event was also attended by Rachel Elias whose brother is missing Richey Edwards, the former guitarist and vocalist of the Manic Street Preachers.

Mrs Elias, whose brother went missing almost two decades ago, said the charity has provided vital support for her and her family.

She said: "My brother Richard has been missing for 20 years next year, so it is an especially poignant time for us.

"We're in exactly the same position now as we were 19 years ago, and we still have absolutely no information as to his fate. That is such a difficult thing, living with that constant uncertainty.

"We keep going through the support of the charity."

Mrs Elias, from south Wales, added that she is unable to listen to music by the Manic Street Preachers as she finds it "too difficult".

Around 500 people took part in today's races, with starters including the McCanns. Children could complete a 1km course.

Jo Youle, Missing People chief executive, said: "We're all here in solidarity with other families facing unimaginable heartache when someone goes missing.

"But also today is a day of hope. It is so important to keep the search alive and know that one day their lovely, special person could be back with them.

"We have some families today who were here last year, and that's hard to think that they've had to face another year without knowing.

"But I think there is some comfort in families being here together in solidarity."

• To support families of missing people donate £3 by texting HOPE to 70707