RUNNERS pounded the Esplanade on Sunday morning as the Weymouth 10-mile race took off for the 55th time.

Some 200 runners from across the county, and others from further afield, took part in the annual race, organised each year by the Egdon Heath Harriers running club.

Eager runners gathered in the Pavilion car park before race director Damian Summerscales, kick- started the event at 9.30am.

In spite of the chilly start, determined runners, aged between 17 and 70, completed the ten mile course taking them along the seafront and over the hills at Bowleaze.

Although a mostly flat run, there was a challenging double loop around Bowleaze, before runners headed back along Preston Beach Road to complete the race.

Mr Summerscales said: “All these amateur athletes showed tremendous strength and determination to conquer a very demanding course.”

Coming in first place, with a time of 57mins 9sec, was Julian Rendall of Tonbridge AC, who was holidaying in Weymouth at the time of the event.

Coming in swiftly behind him was Robert Wood, of Basingstoke and Mid Hants, with a time of 57mins and 50 seconds.

In third place was Wayne Loveridge, of Chard Road Runners, who completed it in 58mins and 7secs.

For the women, Sian Thomas claimed the first place title with an impressive time of 65mins and 27secs.

She was followed by Kelly Matthews, of Royal Manor of Portland AC, in 65mins and 27secs, and Tracey Baker of Egdon Heath Harriers in 74mins and 32 secs.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Richard Kosior presented the successful athletes with their hard-won awards.

Bustinskin Triathlon Club were the recipients of the Male Team trophy, whilst Egdon Heath Harriers took home the Female Team trophy.

Mr Summerscales added: “My thanks go to the event’s main sponsor, Sainsbury’s, Weymouth, and the considerable support provided this, and every, year by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

“Particular thanks goes to the many race marshals who volunteered their time to make this event safe and enjoyable for competitors and spectators alike.”

Next year`s race is scheduled for Sunday 15th October 2017.