MORE than 1,000 marathon runners trekked to Winchester on a countryside route used by England’s ancient royalty.

Record numbers ran the cross-country Clarendon Marathon from Salisbury to Winchester on Sunday (Oct 5).

The 17th annual run, along 26 miles of the old Clarendon Way, was complemented by a relay and a half-marathon starting in Broughton.

The race was almost entirely off-road and followed some country paths which have not changed since they were travelled by ancient kings and queens.

It was marathon number 100 for veteran runners Steve Goodwin and Bob Maguire.

Steve, 59, of Gorings Field, Teg Down, said: “If someone had told me I would run 100 marathons, I would never have believed them.”

He told family “never, ever again” after his first marathon in 1987.

Race organiser JJ Heath-Caldwell, of Winchester Rotary, said: “It was a fantastic day for it. Well done to all the runners who took part and to the 250 marshals and volunteers who helped to make it all happen.” Marathon winner Pere Capdevila, of Harlow, crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 43 minutes and 41 seconds.

James Webster, of Winchester and District Athletics Club, won the male half-marathon. Club-mate Francesca Eddy was the third fastest woman in the full marathon.