THE return of the New Forest Marathon has been hailed a mighty success as more than 4,000 runners pounded the courses through the stunning landscape.

Following the cancellation of the 30-year-old event last year, the marathon made a welcome return on Sunday, with new organisers at the helm, and a change of base from New Milton to New Park in Brokenhurst.

With the full marathon, half marathon, 5k and 10k events, as well as a 6k walk and a 1.5k event for children, there was something for everyone.

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Former sports college director Andy Daish and Chris Farr, who used to work for Sport England, were two-man team behind the new event and set out to inspire people to get moving and get healthy.

Andy told the Daily Echo: “We’ve spent our whole lives trying to inspire people to be active - this was an opportunity to do something big and give the New Forest a Landmark event. The response has been brilliant - it just shows it was needed here.

“The number of people we have had here has been phenomenal and the feedback has been amazing.”

More than 600 volunteers from clubs and community groups helped as marshals and behind the scenes.

“It would have been impossible to do it without them,” added Andy.

Ian Fisk, 38, a bank worker from New Milton, completed the 5k event having never run before until three weeks ago.

“My goal today was tor run the whole course without stopping and I did that. I really enjoyed it - I’ll definitely be back - maybe for the half marathon next year!”

Alan Yan from London was the first man home in the marathon in just over three hours - part of his training for the Chicago marathon.

His verdict: “It was hilly, but I loved it.”

Paul Pallister, 43, a process project coordinator from Dibden Purlieu who came home first in the half marathon, said: “It’s fantastic for the local area, with great support. I can only hope it grows from here.”

Money raised will go to the New Forest Marathon Charity Fund, supporting community groups in the New Forest with projects to get people active.

“The idea is that this one day will continue to inspire activity all year,” added Andy. “We hope that is something which will be embraced by the whole community.”

Among those taking part were 800 running for Allegra Ambitions, a charity founded in memory of Winchester schoolgirl Allegra Whittome, 16, who died earlier this year. They raised £25,000.