AROUND 350 runners took to the roads of the Vale for the 31st Blackmore Vale Half Marathon.

The event, on Sunday, February 4, is organised by the BV Lions Club and is a major fundraiser for the group, with entry fees bringing in around £8,000, which will add around £6,500 to charity coffers.

The numbers were boosted by being selected as a Dorset Road Running League event and by preselecting The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance as a recipient of some of the proceeds.

The reinstituted Fun Run, which joined the main races starting and finishing in Bishop’s Caundle, also increased participation, said race director, Tim Otter.

First across the line, Tom Hole, right, gets a prize from Adam Vincent, of Dike & Son

“Held on a perfect day, apart from a cold wind which wanted to cut you in half, the times were quick, but not quite the record, and we raised a lot more money for charity,” he added.

“For the runners, many achieved personal bests and were able to check their preparation for the London Marathon on a testing course.

“I would just like to publicly thank the Lions members, friends, volunteers and officials who journeyed from far and wide to help deal with this huge increase in competitors and the residents for welcoming us so warmly.

“Obviously, thanks to the runners too, every one of whom made a big charitable contribution. Thank you all.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL RESULTS LIST FROM THE BV HALF 2024 (opens in new window)

First across the line was Tom Hole, of Ealing Southall & Middlesex Athletics Club, in a time of 1hr 11mins and 14s, followed by Johnny Suttle, of Bristol & West AC, with Charlie Williams, of Egdon Heath Harriers, in third place.

The first female across the line was Vicki Ingham, of Poole Runners, in a time of 1hr 23mins 5s.

For more information visit https://bvlhm.yolasite.com.

Molly Rasch, of Poole Runners, was the second female to finish