THE winners of this year’s inaugural Purbeck Marathon photographic competition have been confirmed.

Purbeck Marathon organisers introduced the photo contest because the race, that takes in the Jurassic Coast and a number of Purbeck beauty spots, has been hailed one of the world’s most scenic by competitors.

Adrian Wright won the best ‘scenic’ photograph for his shot of runners crossing the deserted Tyneham ranges, an area of Ministry of Defence (MOD) land not usually open to the public, pictured right.

Meanwhile, Michael Fry’s winning ‘running’ photograph shows the marathon’s eventual winner, Matthew Bennett, inching ahead of defending champion and this year’s runner-up Steve Way, pictured far right.

An event spokesman said: “This took place at about 22 miles during the long climb up from Corfe Castle. This is one of the toughest climbs on the course but look at the view.”

On Adrian Wright’s winning shot, the spokesman explained the inclusion of MOD tank training terrain helped to make the marathon unique. “Be careful not to deviate from the marked path at this point,” said the spokesman. “The photograph serves to illustrate the remoteness of some parts of the course.”

The two winners were invited to a presentation evening at Swan-age’s L’Artishe gallery.

Race director Rose Clarke said: “The Purbeck Marathon is more than a marathon and we are looking at continual improvement of the event not just from a running perspective but also bringing the race to as many people as possible, allowing greater involvement with the local community.”