FOREST runner Martha Hamilton was the first local woman home in the Rotary Forest of Dean half marathon — the first time she has competed in the event.

The Forest of Dean Athletic Club (FoDAC) runner completed the course — which is run entirely off-road — in 1hr 45mins 51secs.

John Russell was the first Forest man home in a time of 1hr 27mins 40secs.

The overall winner was Jarlath McKenna of Bristol who set a new course record of 1hr 15mins 12secs.

The first woman was Marianne Britten in 1hr 33mins 05secs.

The FoDAC 'green army' was out in force with nearly 40 runners and there were also personal bests for James Dobbing, Stephanie Francis, Ian James, Dan Sanford and Sue Shergold.

Benjamin Bingham won the 5K fun run in 22 mins 23secs and Gemma Collier was the first woman in 23mins 16secs.

A race spokesman said: "This was the third time we've run the autumn half marathon and the weather was superb.

"We had nearly 500 for the half marathon and 120 for the fun run.

"We'd like to thank Peter and Gill Hands at the Speech House, the Forestry Commission, the Forest of Dean Motor Club who kept radio contact through the Forest and the 90-odd marshals and helpers."