More than a thousand runners put their best feet forward at the weekend

The Weymouth Half Marathon got underway at Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday morning.

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Alan Rose, Managing Director of organisers Just Racing, said: “This is the fifth year we have held the event. We have had more than 1,000 starters today. This year has been one of the biggest so far. We have all been watching the weather, yesterday there were 50 to 60mph winds. But to get up to some sun and a bit of wind is great. I think the runners are really grateful for the conditions.”

This year Weymouth Rotary Club was chosen as the event’s charity partner. Runners were given the opportunity to have their entry fee refunded if they managed to raise more than £130 in sponsorship money.

Jacek Cieluszecki from Bournemouth was the first man across the finish line. He said he entered the race after seeing the medal on the event’s website.

He added: “That’s why I came here, I saw the medal and I thought I have to get it, because it looks so nice.

“I’m pretty happy with my time. I wasn’t expecting the weather to be so good. Last week there were 50 to 60mph winds, but it hasn’t been too bad today.”

Matt Papa from Weymouth came second in the men’s half marathon. He said: “It was a good race, the marshals were great and there was a fantastic atmosphere. I am happy with my time and finished at around 1 hour 13 minutes and 30 seconds.”

Laura Trimble from London came first in the women’s race and said: “I didn’t expect to win. I haven’t done the race before but my parents actually live on the course. I decided to do it last week. I thought the weather would be terrible but it was fine, a bit windy, but good.”

Will Sawtell from Weymouth said: “I loved it. I have come from London back to Weymouth for my home half marathon. I also managed to get a couple of minutes off my personal best.”

For a full list of the winners and finishing times visit justracinguk.com