A runner celebrated 50 years of competing in the Weymouth 10.

Peter Clarke, president of Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers, first ran in the 10-mile event in 1967 and finished this year’s race in the time of 1 hour 38 minutes and 38 seconds.

This year marked the 56th anniversary of the Weymouth 10 with more than 200 competitors finishing the race.

Mr Clarke, 73, was given a special trophy by the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Cllr Kevin Brookes to commemorate his achievement and he received a personalised vest made by the Egdon Heath Harriers, who hosted the event.

Mr Clarke said: “There was a great turnout this year. The support from the Egdon Heath Harriers was fantastic. I was given a special vest and I was delighted to run in it.”

Mr Clarke is adamant that he will continue to compete in future races.

He said: “There is no point stopping now.

“I have managed to keep relatively fit over the years.

“As you get older you pick up injuries which can reduce training, but I was fortunate enough to get by.”

Members of Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers celebrated with Mr Clarke after the event by organising a meal.

He said: “My Harriers club made a thing of it.

“They said we are going for a meal afterwards to celebrate.

“The road running group also got a few people who used to be in the Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers years ago to come down, it was a lovely occasion.”

David Summerscales, race director for Weymouth 10, said Mr Clarke’s achievement made the event even more special.

He said: “It was fabulous to be the race director for his 50th race.

“My heart was in my mouth worrying about Pete, who is 73 years old, but he not only finished the race, he finished it in a very good time.

“It was great to be part of a special occasion.

“We gave him a commemorative vest and he received a trophy.

“Overall it was a very successful day. He is a significant part of the race’s history.”

The winner of this year`s event was Luke Voss of Winchester & District Athletics Club who finished the race in a time of one hour one minute and 56 seconds.

Second place was awarded to Jonathan Cooper of Egdon Heath Harriers, who finished the race in one hour three minutes and eight seconds, and third place was given to Niall Laming of Bustinskin Triathlon Club, who finished in one hour four minutes and two seconds. The first woman to finish the race was Isobel Rea of West 4 Harriers, who finished in a time of 1 hour 4 minutes and 37 seconds.