With the Winchester Marathon quickly racing into sight, the Echo looks back at the event in 1982.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets as an army of athletes invaded the ancient city on March 14.
Of the 950 who set out on the 13 mile half-marathon only 45 didn’t finish.
More than 1,000 entered the stamina-sapping full marathon and 781 crossed the finishing line.
Winner of the marathon was Barry Watson who finished in a time of 2hr 22min despite suffering a calf muscle strain after only three miles.
Winchester Marathon - March 14, 1982
He was pushed hard by a dark horse, Alan McGee, who was neck and neck with him up until the 12 mile mark and finished only one minute behind.
Fastest female runner was Barbara King with a time of 2hr 58min. Celia Catt finished second 18 minutes later.
Winchester Marathon - March 14, 1982.
Winner of the half-marathon was Ian Ray who took 65 minutes to complete the race.
There were no hospital casualties - although one competitor had to be directed back onto the track after losing his way.
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