Thousands raised for charity at Lake Vyrnwy half marathon
[gallery] Hundreds of people raised thousands of pounds for charity by running a half marathon around a lake in Mid Wales.
Athletes took in the beautiful surrounds of Lake Vyrnwy, near Llanfyllin for the annual event which went ahead despite downpours and strong winds.
Last year's event saw £18,000 raised for good causes by the runners and this year was set to match that total.
Janet Roberts, race director, said: "Thank you to everyone who came – runners and volunteers alike. Excellent.
"There was a great turn out at the race despite the weather."
Ben Fish of the Blackburn Harriers won the race for the third year in succession. In the ladies race, Telford Athletic Club's Claire Martin took the first spot ahead of Alison Lavender, an Oswestry Olympian. Runners described the race as being enjoyable despite the rain with many recording personal best times. Leanne Pepper, of Shrewsbury, said: "I completed the half marathon in two hours 23 minutes. Not bad, especially as it was pouring and I have a cold."
Emma Boultwood, also from Shrewsbury, added: "I enjoyed the Lake Vyrnwy half marathon but two hours 14 minutes was no personal best."
The half-marathon has run every year since 1988 except for 2009 which was the year after the death of its founder, Doug Morris.
Mrs Roberts began as the race director in 2011 and said: "I started by helping out at the water station and with clearing up in previous years even though I have never run it.
"There is a 'home-made' feeling about Lake Vyrnwy which runners do not always find in other races. The Lake Vyrnwy Half is regularly voted by runners as one of the friendliest races in the calendar."
