THE first autumn Forest of Dean Half Marathon (previously just a spring event has been run) set competitors some challenging hilly sections for a change.

It was also all off-road for the first time, following problems last spring when runners were made to hold back at some roads to let motor cars past.

Directing the autumn event were Bob Boulter and John Matthews, taking the place of Chris Hammersley who directs the spring event.

"We thought it was not fair to have Chris directing both events," said John.

On a cool but largely dry day more than 300 runners took to the course from 500-plus registrations, the entry money going to Rotary Club-supported charities.

"It was a little muddy here and there and one or two runners managed to fall over but apart from that it all went smoothly with no serious problems," said John.

First man home was Mark Hopkinson of RAF Running who came in with a time of 1-19-32. He was followed by Stephen Hale (independent) and Luke James (Hereford Couriers).

First female was Claire McBride (independent, 1-35-29) followed by Fiona Carter, independent, and Kate Browning, Dursley and District AC.

(Full results are available on the website www.

forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/autumn/rfod-hm

-results.shtml)

Also run on the same day, the autumn 5k Fun Run attracted nearly 100 runners who benefitted from the same chip timing system as the half-marathon. Results are posted at: http://www.rotary-rfod-events.org.uk/funrun-results.shtml">www.rotary-rfod-events.org.uk/funrun-results.shtml

A Rotary spokesman said they especially wanted to thank Peter Hands of Speech House for the free use of his field.