DOWNPOURS throughout the morning did not deter thousands from taking part in the fourth Winchester Half Marathon yesterday.

A stream of runners ploughed their way around the 13-mile route, setting off and finishing in front of the Guildhall. The track took entrants round areas of the countryside along the way, passing through Hursley, Oliver’s Battery and Badger Farm.

The first male finisher was Pete Concannon, while Frances Liddell was the first female to complete the race.