THOUSANDS of people will no doubt already be training hard to pound the pavements during the Winchester Marafun this September.

The Daily Echo looks back at pictures of when thousands lined the streets like an army of athletes invading the ancient city on March 14, 1982.

Only 45 of the 950 runners failed to finish the 13-mile half-marathon.

More than 1,000 entered the stamina-sapping full marathon with 781 crossing the finishing line.

Winchester Marathon - March 14, 1962..

 

Despite suffering a calf muscle strain after only three miles, Barry Watson went on to win the marathon in 2hr 22min.

Alan McGee, a dark horse, kept pace with him until the 12-mile mark and finished only one minute behind him.

Winchester Marathon - March 14, 1962..

 

Barbara King was the fastest female runner, clocking 2hr 58min. Celia Catt finished second 18 minutes later.

The winner of the half-marathon was Ian Ray, who finished in 65 minutes.

Winchester Marathon - March 14, 1962..

 

There were no hospital injuries - although one competitor got lost and had to be guided back onto the track.