AROUND 2,000 runners took over the Severn Bridge for the annual half marathon and a new 10K.

Serious club runners were joined by charity fund-raisers for the event which took participants into the area around Bulwark in Chepstow as well across the Grade II-listed bridge.

Among the clubs taking part were Forest of Dean Athletic Club, Chepstow Harriers, Spirit of Monmouth and Caldicot Runners.

Katherine Matthews of Chepstow Harriers was the first woman home in 1hr 26mins 59 secs. She was 21st overall.

The first man home for the club was Martyn Winser in 1hr 22mins 09 secs, placing him 12th overall.

The first Forest runner home in the half marathon was Cory Sherwin in 1hr 32 mins 52 secs which placed him 160th overall. The first Forest woman was Melinda Ruck in 1hr 47 mins 14 secs, placing her 333rd overall.

Robert Clarke of Caldicot Running Club finished in 1hr 29mins 58secs and was 42nd overall. First woman home for the club was Katie Luff in 1hr 45mins 06 secs for an overall placing of 273rd.

Among the charity runners were Chepstow Round Table chairman Kevin Jordan and vice-chairman Kevin Hicks.

They were hoping to raise £500 for Children’s Wish, a group that give life-changing gifts to children with terminal conditions.

They have a page on the justgiving.com website. Search for little and large to make a donation.