THE Downton half marathon attracted scores of fine athletes who braved the cold on a chilly Sunday morning.

First to finish the scenic route was Illford AC’s Kevin Newell (pictured bottom right, race number 177), clocking 1hour and 20mins, with Kevin Blundy a minute slower in second and Owen Harries third, writes Joel Holt.

City of Salisbury’s fastest runner was Lizzie Clapp, recording a personal best of 1.47.39 on the hilly course. Behind Clapp was Christine Gorham, coming close to her best with 1.47.52.

John Gorham was a few places back in 1.48.38.

Also representing Salisbury in the challenging run across the Forest were runners from the city’s triathlon club. Jeremy Adlam was their quickest member in 49th position.

Other strong performances came from Joanne Bailey, Amie Crews and Ellen Cameron.

Away from Downton, City of Salisbury’s Jon Rich continued his current good form with a welljudged outing at the Wimborne 10- mile road race.

On an undulating course where pace judgement counted, he clocked 64mins 3secs to finish in the top 20 – best Salisbury vest on the day.

Next was Adrian Webb, whose 69.26 dead-heated with Clive Smith. Kate Mansfield clocked 75.24, Rosie Adlard 81.45, Jerry Garret 86.27 and club chairman Simon Adlard 88.57. Ali Theobald rounded off the set of results with a personal best 90.44.