Runners once again flocked to Portland to take part in the twenty-first annual Dumble Bimble run to raise funds for Weldmar Hospicecare.

The weather held out just long enough for runners of all ages an abilities to rush around the isle competing in either a five-mile run or a shorter 2km course.

Hosted by the Royal Manor of Portland Athletics Club (RMPAC), the annual event is held in memory of original club member Alan Dumble and his son Andrew who both lost their lives to cancer.

The race got its name from Alan who would to say to his wife Jan when he was going for a run, “I’m just going out for a bimble.”

Alan’s widow, Jan Camp said: “It was raining all day so my stomach was in knots but by the time we got up there and were ready to start it was nice and dry.”

“It was a fantastic evening. It was definitely our best year yet both entry wise and financially.”

Jan said the event had the most entrants ever with more than 250 runners taking part and just over £1,000 was raised for Weldmar, topping last year’s total of £750.

“The people of Portland were so very generous. If you think, we only charged a pound for children but they just kept giving and giving. We had the most runners we’ve ever had with over 250 people entering, and raised just over £1,000 for Weldmar,” she said.

Representatives from Portland United Football Club senior and junior teams attended the event and RMPAC were joined by runners from Egdon Heath Harriers Running Club and Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers and Athletics Club.

Emilia Lewton, nine, took first place in the girl’s 2km race and Harry Falconer, 10, took first place for the boys.

RMPAC’s own Steve Wiles won the five mile men’s course and Josie Wait from Edgon Heath Harriers was the women’s champion.

Father-daughter duo Bruce and 14-year-old Charlotte Campbell took second in the men’s five mile and girl’s 2km respectively.

Both races were started by community champion for Tesco, Debbie Lindoe who said: “Everyone worked so tirelessly in organising the event which brings the Portland community together.”

“I’m proud to be a part of it and through Tesco, continue to support events organised by RMPAC.”

Weldmar Hospicecare is a charity that provides end of life care for people living in Dorset who need specialist support.