Three Romsey Road Runners headed off to the Gower peninsula in Wales for the second event in Endurance Life’s coastal trail series.

Despite an overcast, chilly start, the sun came out over the glorious south Wales coastline – the first area in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

The course led over bogs and beaches, through sand dunes and up sharp ascents – more than 2,300ft of climbing in the half marathon – with rocky descents.

The scenery was stunning, the route crossing Rhossili Down, passing through Llangennith village and with views over Worm’s Head.

It was a successful day for the club. Becks Marriner was the second woman home in the marathon in a time of 5hrs 05min 43sec.

Jo Weguelin was the first Romsey runner home in the half marathon – and 175th overall – in 2:24:48, while Di Cross finished in 2:39:37 and was second in her age category.

Closer to home, four Romsey Road Runners took part in the Gosport half marathon.

Heavy rain stopped just as runners had to take off their warm clothing and prepare to start the race, so luck was on their side!

This year marked a new course for the Gosport half; consisting of two flat laps along the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent. The outward leg was mainly run on cycle-paths and pavement, the return leg was more exposed along the esplanade.

Winds were slight, making for good finishing times.

Tamatha Ryan clocked a personal best 1:33:09, while there was also a PB for Rio Brookes-Gibbs (1:50:11).

Brenda Topliss clocked 1:51:00 to come first in her age group and Becky Tovey finished in 1:54:46.