THE CHANCE to run through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes attracted more than 2,000 entries to the New Forest Marathon 20 years ago.
The popular event gave runners two options – a shorter 13-mile course for the less energetic or the standard 26-miles for the super fit.
The majority of the course on September 22, 2002 took runners down leafy lanes with only a tiny section off road.
Both courses shared a common start and finish in New Milton town centre.
First time runners jostled with the more seasoned marathon runners, representing groups and individuals both locally and from overseas.
Organised by the New Forest Marathon Association, the proceeds for 2002’s marathon will go to the Meningitis Trust, the NSPCC and the Oakhaven Hospice.
The New Forest Marathon first ran in 1983.
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