RUNNERS from as far afield as Essex and Birmingham were in Calne on Sunday for the 27th annual Rotary Club of Calne 10km fun run.

The event, once again held at the Bowood Estate, saw nearly 200 runners raising money for worthy causes with proceeds from the event split between Calne Welfare Charities and Wiltshire Victoria County History.

Lord Lansdowne got the race underway in cool conditions at Bowood House visitor centre before participants ran, jogged and walked the 10km loop around the estate.

Race director Alastair Muir said: "It was a great day and all the runners did really well. Unfortunately we didn't get as many spectators as we usually do due to the race clashing with another event.

"We hope to have raised at least £2,000 although it could be more once all the sponsorship has come in."

Matthew Battensby took the winner’s medal by 44 seconds after finishing the 10km circuit in 33 minutes and 59 seconds.

He was followed in by Henry Hayford-Taylor (34:43) in second and Robin Loftus (35:00) in third.

In the women’s race, Jessica White from London, topped the time sheet for the second year in a row with her time of 39 minutes and one second – over a minute faster than her time last year.

Emma Satchell (42:13) came second and Karen Butler (42:58) also managed a podium finish.

Max Matthews (42.00) ran nearly four minutes quicker than last year to pick up the 16 and under category winner’s medal for the second year in a row.

Each category winner was presented with a Royal Worcester plate commemorating athlete Walter Goodall George from Calne who held the one mile record for 30 years from 1896 to 1924.

Visit www.calnerotary.co.uk for timings and more information or to register in advance for next year’s race email calnefunrun@aol.com