Hundreds turn out for fun runs to raise a grand charity total

BRANSGORE Rotary organised its sixth annual fun run over the weekend which attracted a record turnout as 241 competitors took part in the 5km and 10km runs raising over £1,000 for charity.

In ideal running conditions, runners warmed up with professional trainer Gym Tin before setting off on the revered course that starts in Bransgore and passes through the nearby hamlets of Neacroft and Waterditch in the mid-morning on Sunday.

With numerous keen running clubs entering, the organisers wanted to keep the family-fun theme which has made the event so popular with the local community over the years.

Entrants ranged from young children to over 70-year-olds running for their chosen charities. Rotary members, family and volunteers marshalled the race with Jack and Jill Pre-school on hand to create a small race for the under five-year-olds.

Peter Doughty won the Men’s 10km race while Zoe Rainbird took the Ladies 10 km. Andrew Raynor was the first over the line in the 5km Men’s race and Elinor Staddon won the Ladies 5 km for the third year in a row.

Youngster Harry Dolman finished first in the U16 boys 5km race, and Poppy Pennington won the U16 girls.

Bransgore Rotary Fun Run organiser, Martin Bowles was thrilled to see all the runners having fun in aid of charity. He said: “We had another record turnout and it was great to see so many under-16s.

"I always take great delight in seeing families running together. It’s a great community event in Bransgore, and we raised over £1,000 for various charities.”