HUNDREDS of runners flocked to the start line at the fire station to take part in the 17th Salisbury Half Marathon on Sunday.

Competitors made the most of the sunny summerlike conditions as a good turnout raced through the city, clocking a series of impressive times.

The winner of the Total Buzz Events race was Mark Couldwell in a time of 1hour 12mins 54secs, second was James Knight in 1.13.40, third Nigel Rackham in 1.16.35 and Adam Kirk-Smith 1:17:02 in fourth.

City of Salisbury’s speediest runner over 13 miles was Clive Smith, who made light of the hot morning and a testing course around the Woodford Valley to finish in the top 70.

His time of 1.33.47, though, not matching his all-time best came after sharing the pace with Kathy Dudman, steadily returning to form with a good run of 1.33.58.

Nick Willetts was next Salisbury finisher, again clipping time off his previous best with 1.35.45, and he was followed by Craig Murphy in 1.45.29, Melenie Murphy 1.49.37, Brian Stephens 1.56.30, Liz Roberts 1.58.24, Andy Robbins 2.05.37 and Steve Lomas 2.06.25.

Race director Steve Elliot was pleased with the turnout for the run.

“The race this year was a great success,” he said.

“The feedback in general from both local runners and those that had travelled many miles to race in Salisbury, was what a fantastic place it is to race, and the support from volunteers along the route was truly memorable. For me as race director, that is the biggest compliment possible.

“Thanks to all the other road users on Sunday for their patience and consideration.”

Away from the city, Andy Budgell, who after several reverses caused by injury, set his sights for the year on the Abingdon marathon near Oxford.

Reaching the midway point on the flat roads in 1hour 34mins, the City of Salisbury runner stuck to his task in the second half and crossed the line in an excellent 3.12.31, no less than 11 minutes better than he has run previously. He now goes up a level with the elusive three hour barrier - the next major target.