AROUND 250 runners laced up their trainers as they took part in the inaugural Chard Chaser 10km run.

The athletes set off from the 1610 leisure centre on Jarman Way and took on the scenic one-lap route on Sunday which included two challenging hills for participants to tackle.

The route then travelled through Cuttiford’s Door and Chardleigh Green. The Chard Chaser 10km is a new event in the 1610 Race series.

1610 fitness and development manager Joe Philip handed the winners their medals.

After the event, he said: “We were really delighted with the turn out for the race as well as the support the first Chard Chaser received from the local community.

“There was a great atmosphere and the runners were lucky to have such good running conditions for this first event, as the weather was kind to us. It has been a great success with 250 runners taking part in the race which I am sure will go on from strength to strength to become a very popular fixture on the South West endurance race calendar.”

Winner of the men’s race Wayne Loveridge, from Chard Road Runners, led from start to finish, with an impressive time of 36 minutes and 21 seconds.

Caroline Norris won the women’s race with a fast time of 44 minutes and 26 seconds, which gave her 11th overall.

In the men’s race, Mark Bungay finished second with a time of 38 minutes and 22 seconds. Thomas Little came third with a time of 40 minutes and 26 seconds.

Kirsty Norman of Yeovil Town RRC finished second in the women’s event with a time of 49 minutes and 22 seconds, and Clare Brun came third in 49 minutes and 47 seconds.

The Chard Chaser 10km was sponsored by Refresco Gerber, J2X Fitness, Buy with Confidence, Blue Sky Running and Xpressofix.

For further info on the Chard Chaser 10K, please contact ewarr@1610.org.uk or at 01823 410124.