HUNDREDS of runners took to the streets of Devizes on Sunday to raise money for charity and to test themselves over the fast half marathon course.

Among the fun runners was Kirsty Hyde who works for Specsavers in Devizes and had originally planned to run the Bath Half Marathon. But when that became a casualty of the snow she did not want her fundraising to be wasted and set her sights on Devizes.

She completed the 13.1 mile challenge in two hours and three minutes and raised £507 for Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley. She said: "I was so disappointed when they cancelled the race, although it was clearly the right decision given the awful weather. I was just pleased that I found an event I could still take part in."

A few months ago, I lost a family member to cancer. After spending four weeks in the peaceful surroundings at Dorothy House, my family benefited from the incredible and tireless work of the team, which is why the charity is so close to my heart."

Runners supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance were also out in force on the roads while others from the team manned a stall selling cakes that had been provided by Haydens Bakery, Devizes.

The event which started and finished on The Green also included a fun run for children which gave even tiny tots the chance to complete a 1.5k course and get a souvenir medal.

In the main event Corsham Running Club member Jamie McBrien was first home in 1.14.58 which was a course record while Calne Running Club's Mike Rose came third and Simon Gilbert from Devizes Running Club came fourth. But the local men did not have it all their own way as Alasdair Leslie from South African running club Stella Athletic, who was in the over 40 age group, finished second in the overall standings and first in his category.

Luke Shipway from organisers LPS Events said: "The event was great, we had a record turn out with 668 runners for the half and 54 for the fun run.