THE Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon saw nearly 700 runners take on the challenging woodland course on Sunday, starting and finishing at the Speech House.

Ben Rawlins of Westbury Harriers was first home in 1 hour 12 minutes two seconds, winning by 2.42 from Forest of Dean AC's Liam Trigg who took the over-35 men's class.

Third and fastest over-40 was Simon Hughes in 1.16.22, who just pipped Ludlow's Matthew Yapp by seven seconds.

FoDAC's Marcus Bennetto also impressed in sixth in 1.18.43, with MonRoss Trailblazer Rob Nicholls ninth and second over-35 in 1.21.47, 49 seconds and one place up on Chepstow Harriers' over-35 Mark Gillett.

Jessie Sanzo of Bristol & West AC was quickest woman in 1.25.21, placing 15th overall and fastest over-45 female, followed by Poole AC's Emily Hilliar in 1.29.37 and Melanie Bate in 1.31.37.

Spirit of Monmouth's Katie Adams had a great race finishing fifth fastest woman and third fastest over-45 in 1.34.56, three minutes quicker than five years ago when she last ran it.

Katie Adams and Linsey Holt at the Forest Autumn Half Marathon. Photo: Spirit of Monmouth
Katie Adams and Linsey Holt at the Forest Autumn Half Marathon. Photo: Spirit of Monmouth (SoMRC)

Two other Spirit runners followed the trails, which included some interesting hill challenges amid the late-summer leaf canopy.

Linsey Holt was excited to take on a half marathon trail race again, and despite the tough climbs on cobbled paths, finished in 2.07.51 to take 17th place in her age category.

Chris Baber also ran and described it as a "hard hilly half marathon", pacing himself well throughout to finish in 2.17.31.

Dickie Hudd of Chepstow Harriers took second in the men's over-50 class, crossing in 1.28.37, while FoDAC's Julian Boon took second in the over-55 category in 1.39.35, and club mate Gary Burley crossed third quickest over-60 in 1.48.11.

Paul Dowling of Newent Runners won the over-65 class in 1.41.39, with club mate Ruth Hayden-Cox third fastest over-40 woman in 1.48.08.

FoDAC's Annette Canning also raced home in 1.51.46 to take second in the over-60s, with her club mate Jacqui Wynds first over-65 woman home in 2.11.45.

Other Trailblazer runners were Martin Turner in 117th (1.44.15), Elle Lumley 131st (1.45.24) and fourth in her age category, Andrew Beechey 174th (1.48.39) and Adam Gray 479th (2.14.58).

The event was organised by The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean and supported by the Forestry Commission, with monies raised to support charities locally and nationally.

Further afield, Spirit’s Sally Williams and Trish Bicknell took part in the Windsor Women's 10k on Saturday, on an undulating route that passed through beautiful countryside and by the Royal Lodge, which was the Queen Mother’s residence.

Sally Williams and Trish Bicknell ran the Windsor Women's 10k.
Sally Williams and Trish Bicknell ran the Windsor Women's 10k. (SoMRC)

They also passed the statue of Queen Elizabeth II, erected in celebration of her Golden Jubilee.

The route finished with a downhill to the line along the top of the Long Walk with Windsor Castle as the backdrop.

Both ran the event together crossing in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes 26 seconds.