THE Rotary Club of Westbury, in conjunction with Avon Valley Runners, organised the sixth annual Imber Ultra Marathon earlier this month.

Starting from Leighton Sports Centre in Westbury, runners set off on the challenging 33-mile route around the Imber Range path, calling at manned checkpoints at Scratchbury, Chitterne, Tilshead, Highland Cottage and Bratton Gate, before returning to the Sports Centre.

This year, weather conditions were difficult, with winds gusting up to 50mph and intermittent driving heavy rain.

Runners came from all over the UK, from Cornwall to Newcastle, with Ed Knudsen first home of the 115 finishers in 4hrs 3mins 17secs – 11 minutes ahead of his nearest rival.

Mervyn Harris, president of Westbury Rotary Club, said: “Along with AVR, we want to thank the participants and helpers, acknowledge generous sponsorship from Elkins Motors and Middleton & Major, and thank White Horse Pottery for their special presentation mugs and Leighton Sports Centre for hosting the start and finish.

“It was a challenging but memorable day.”