The Dorset Doddlers’ had a huge entry in both the marathon and relay races when they held the North Dorset Village Marathon for the first time since 2019 – and rain could not dampen a great atmosphere around the course.
The 26.2-mile course, which starts and finishes in Sturminster Newton, takes in some of Dorset’s most picturesque villages such as Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber, Margaret’s Marsh and Child Okeford before coming back along the Trailway.
First male was Stuart Nicholas (Bournemouth AC) in 2h 40m 30s, followed by Martyn Bell (Egdon Heath Harriers) in 2h 44m 42, with third Male going to Graham Sherwin (Egdon Heath Harriers) with 2h 45m 10s.
Daisy Baker (Millfield Tri Club) was first female in 3h 04m 59s, followed by Tracy Cook (Dorset Doddlers) 3h 15m 05s and Alexandra Door (Egdon Heath Harriers) placing third in 3h 15m 27s.
The relay races were a sell-out, with 40 teams lined up at the start. First male team over the line were Chard Road Runners with a combined time of 2h 34m 20s. The first female team were R4T1 (2h 58m 23s) and the first mixed team were Hamworthy Harriers Aces (2h 59m 35s).
The Doddlers would like to thank everyone involved, including the runners and spectators around the course, who provided incredible support.
Local businesses provided sponsorship and prizes which means Dorset Doddlers can make donations to local charities. They would like to thank Dorset Vehicle Rentals, White Hart Ale House, Twisted Cider, Running Free, Stalbridge Linen, Farnfields Solicitors, Dorset Dairy, Spar (Marnhull), Wriggle Valley Brewery.
Further details and full results can be found at www.dorsetdoddlers.co.uk