RUNNERS braved freezing conditions and a rough, muddy course to take on the challenge of this year’s Pewsey Terminator race on Sunday.

In total, 371 runners took part in the gruelling, hilly 12-mile race and while the conditions had frozen the ground, a thaw left surfaces greasy and downhill sections treacherous, runners also negotiating thigh-deep mud in the swamp at New Mill and the river Avon crossing near the finish in Pewsey.

The winner was Aidan Daniel, from Birmingham University, in a time of on hour, 21 minutes and 51 seconds, while unaffiliated competitor Rebecca Hannah was the first female runner home in 1:33.03.  

Local builder and founder member of Pewsey Vale Running Club Richard Pearce was the first man over 70 across the line with an impressive time of 2:19.41.

He was the only Pewsey runner taking part in the race, having helped organise the event for 30 years.

Other wins were managed by Chippenham Harriers’ Chris Maxwell, who was the first male veteran 40 home in 1:25.04, while clubmate Jon Osman carried off the male vet 50 prize with 1:28.26.

Eastleigh Running Club’s Anthony Wills won the male vet 60 prize in 1:41.22.

In the female sections, Poole Runners’ Melanie Langer won the female vet 35 section in 1:39.12, while Lindsey Smith, of Witney Road Runners, did likewise in the 45 category in 1:42.52.

Unaffiliated runner Fiona Ross Russell won the 55 prize in 1:55.08.