THE sixth annual Clarendon Way Mara-thon on Sunday was the most successful in the event's history, attracting almost 700 runners for the three races.

This year there was also almost perfect running conditions. The full marathon and relay races were started by writer and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who also ran the marathon in preparation for his forthcoming seven marathons in seven continents in seven days challenge.

Sir Ranulph, who ran with his expedition colleague Dr Mike Stroud, said: "We greatly enjoyed the Clarendon Way course, including the hills, and were most impressed with the entire organisation. We look forward to doing it again." The marathon started at Winchester College Sports Grounds and took runners cross country through King's Somborne, Houghton and to the halfway point at Broughton, where they were joined by the half marathon runners.

They continued onwards to Laverstock and the finishing point at the Wyvern College Sports Fields.

The first of the marathon runners to cross the finish line was Neville Baker of Headington Road Runners, who completed the course in two hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds. The first woman home was Nicola Yevko from City of Salisbury ARC in three hours, 24 minutes and 33 seconds.

Adam Irving from London won the men's half marathon in one hour, 19 minutes and 26 seconds while Clare Donald of Reading and Maidenhead AC finished the ladies race in one hour 31 minutes and 41 seconds.