MORE than 2,000 runners took part in the annual Forest of Dean half marathon.

The annual event is organised by the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean, supported by the Forestry Commission, and proceeds go to local and national charities.

The first Forest man home was Stephen Hale of Lydney and Fiona Turner of Longhope was the first Forest woman. Both won cups sponsored by the Rotary Club.

The first Forest man aged 60 or older was John Jackson of Lydney and Margaret Ellis of Newnham won the women's cup. Both trophies are sponsored by the Forest of Dean Council.

A canicross half marathon along the route of the main race also took place on Sunday morning.

Canicross is a sport where runners run with dogs who are harnessed to their owners.

The Forest of Dean canicrossers are based at The Miners Arms in Whitecroft and have organised runs on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.