JUNE 24: THE sun shone when more than 600 runners set off for the first Swindon People's Marathon in May 1982. Thousands of spectators - many of whom offered runners drinks and damp sponges to help them through temperatures reaching the mid-70s - thronged the roads for the race.

The race started and finished at the County Ground and the 26 mile route took runners around Coate Water, Stratton St Margaret, Penhill, Rodbourne and Toothill.

One of the biggest cheers of the day was for Swindon Town's boss at the time, John Trollope, who completed his first marathon.

The race was won by 19-year-old Michael Bowering, who ran it in two hours and 36 minutes.

Almunth Prowse, 46 at the time, was the first of the 20 female participants to cross the line, with a time of three hours, 53 minutes and 31 seconds.

The Swindon People's Marathon became one of the most popular events in the local sporting calendar throughout the 1980s with, more than 900 runners taking part by 1988.

Funds raised from entrance fees were donated to good causes such as the Prospect Hospice and Princess Margaret Hospital.

The event first ran into trouble in 1985 when organiser Dave Roberts did not have time to stage it because of his commitment to another charity venture.

The Evening Advertiser stepped in to save the marathon with a sponsorship package.

However, a lack of sponsorship prevented the race from taking place for the next three years.

The marathon was last held in September 1990, when 235 runners took part but the low turnout led organisers to believe the event had run its course.

It was nearly resurrected in 1995 when Rover agreed to sponsor it, but the plans were abandoned amid organisational problems.