RUNNERS, cyclists and walkers from as far away as Hong Kong took part in Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Sarsen Trail and Neolithic Marathon on Sunday raising more than £15,000 for the charity.

Despite the rain more than 2,000 people took part in the annual fundraiser which saw people crossing the Salisbury Plain between Avebury and Stonehenge.

The event, in its 27th year, now has seven different options with competitors able to walk, cycle or run the route.

Derek Gard, event organiser, said; “It was fantastic to see so many people taking part this weekend and enjoying the Wiltshire countryside. With their support we are able to raise important funds for the trust to help us continue protecting Wiltshire’s natural environment.”

Due to the event's uniqueness and the variety of courses on offer, participants came from across the world.

Dr Cheng, who travelled all the way from Hong Kong to take part in the Neolithic half marathon, said: “The course is challenging but the scenery is spectacular and the event is really well organised. I’ll be trying the full marathon next year.”

The first over the line in the Neolithic Marathon was Mr MacLean from Andover in a time of 3 hours, 10 minutes and 47 seconds.

Also taking part was 32-year-old solider Ricky Lafford, who is stationed at Bulford Garrison, who is running ten marathons in ten days to raise money for Matthew Seren Trust and Beating Bowel Cancer.

He said: “This was marathon number two of ten and it was great to have a single lap course so you can take in plenty of beautiful scenery across the Plain.

“It’s the second time I’ve run it and I’d definitely recommend it.”

The event’s route takes in some of the most impressive views in Wiltshire, across MoD-owned land that is only open to the public on this one day of the year.

The course sets off from Avebury and winds its way over Marlborough Downs to All Cannings and then on to Redhorn Hill at Urchfont, the 11-mile mark, before heading over Salisbury plain towards Stonehenge.