DOZENS of local runners took part in the 35th running of the Bishops Cannings 5,000 metre dash last weekend at the village fun day.

The 5km run took place on Saturday 8th July and saw Calne runner Simon Nott win the race and match the records for both the fastest time and the most wins in the race’s history.

The race was held, as always, as part of a village fun day to raise money for the parish church. Visitors enjoyed a steam engine, farm vehicles, an animal petting area and pony rides.

Simon finished the race in 18:21, matching the record time set by Alasdair McClean-Foreman in 2005, and bagging him first place for the eighth time, to match Mark Anderson’s record. Mark this year finished in 4th while competing as a veteran.

Denise Nott won the women’s race, making it the third consecutive year the husband and wife couple have taken gold together.

Race organiser Francis Goddard said: “Many thanks to all who took part in this gruelling but satisfying event. All deserved the medals which went to each runner.

“There were some 60 runners attacking the 5,628 metre course, said by Wiltshire runners to be the most challenging 5km category race in the county. Much of the course is off road and it involves a 1km climb over the hills to the Wansdyke.”

This year the first three overall were Simon Nott, Stephen Huggins and Gary Hughes. Gary also won the first 50 plus veteran's cup and the first super veteran - 60 plus - was Richard Pearce.

Natalie Burke and Caroline Horn came in second and third in the women's section, and Susan White won the women’s veteran cup.

The 12-and-under boys’ race was won by Harvey Swain, followed by Ed Trowbridge and Kallum Harris. The first girl in 12-and-under was Olivia Harris with Molly Pitfield coming in second.

First-time runner Steve Criddle was pleased to finish in the top half despite breaking his hip last year.

He said: “The race had a good turnout and it was a lovely hot day which made it all the more enjoyable.”

All the race details, history, records and yearly times can be found on the race web site www.bishopscannings5000m.org.uk.