Hundreds boot up for annual Bridgnorth Walk
More than 850 fundraisers took part in the annual Bridgnorth Walk with hundreds more lining the streets to cheer them on.
Walkers aged nine to 90 pounded the lanes to raise cash for charities yesterday.
The bank holiday charity event comprised of three routes – the main 22-mile walk, a senior route and a junior walk.
Now in its 46th year, the 22-mile course was completed first by Andy Rawlings, 48, of Bridgnorth, who crossed the finish in three hours and 29 minutes. It was his 15th victory in a row.
He said: "I doubt I will take part next year but I've said that every year, so you never know."
Mr Rawlings said he had had problems with his foot and had only confirmed he was taking part three days ago.
Andrew Simmons, 22, was close behind, crossing the line in three hours 46 minutes.
The gardener from Bridgnorth said: "This is my fourth year taking part. I came second last year, too. This year I beat my personal best. I am going to take part next year. I was chasing shadows this year, but I'm determined to beat Andy next year."
Mr Simmons was among a team of 14 raising money for Cancer Research.
The first female to complete the 22-mile track was Kelly Woodcock, 35, in four hours 16 minutes.
After much of last year's event was affected by rain, organisers and walkers were pleased the weather stayed dry and sunny until late afternoon.
Walkers started from Bridgnorth High Street and went along Ludlow Road to Cleobury North, where the event split into a 22-mile route and a seven-mile route continuing to the summit of Brown Clee Hill, which at 546m is the highest point in the West Midlands.
Last year's event raised more than £110,000 with money going to a variety of charities. Organisers hope yesterday's event beat that total.
It was a family day for mother and daughter Jayne Seal, 45, and Gemma, 11.
Jayne was the first female over the finishing line of the shorter course in three hours 59 minutes while Gemma took part in the children's seven-mile route with friends from Bridgnorth Endowed school.
Some 132 children took part in the junior event.
Mark Perry was first to finish the 20-mile route in three hours 22 minutes.
Peter Davison, treasurer of the Bridgnorth Walk committee said: "There has been an impressive turnout this year with entrants from further afield, all walking in aid of a range of charities."
