SOME 1,000 runners and walkers conquered an epic charity challenge.

The 17th Clarendon Marathon attracted a wide scope of people who took on Sunday's Salisbury to Winchester trek for the cathedral cities' rotary clubs.

Autumnal conditions suited the competitors traipsing through the off-road marathon course, which encompassed picturesque countryside, climbing Farley Mount and eventually finishing at Kings’ School, Winchester.

First home was environment agency worker Neil Martin in a time of 2hrs 56mins and 31secs, while the women's event was secured by physiotherapist Jo Meek in 3.08.40.

Leading the way for City of Salisbury running club was Fiona Pengelly.

She took a splendid third place among more than 50 finishers in the women’s event with a great run of 1.46.09, not far down on winner Jessica Rosa from Clapham.

In the men’s half marathon, David Osment was the club’s sole representative and, in the 50-59 age group, he finished 16th with a time of 1.58.51.

Over the full marathon distance, Stuart Holloway took a break from road running and finished in a good ninth place with 3.14.45. Iain Rutherford clocked 3.56.08 and Phil Smith 4.02.07.

Just a few days before, Smith completed another of his ultra-distance challenges, the similarly hilly 102mile Cotswold Century race which he finished in 29hours 43mins.

Elswhere, Rithy Hy succeeded in his quest for a faster marathon time, travelling to Chester where he put in an excellent performance over the 26.2mile distance to cross the line in 3.01.39, slicing no less than 13 minutes off his previous best at the distance to move well within reach of the elusive sub three hour barrier.

At the Bournemouth 10k, Aly Sloane did well to clock 45.44.