Olympic star Jonathan Edwards among the runners at Much Wenlock event
Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards hailed Shropshire's role as the inspiration behind the modern games when he visited the county for a half-marathon.
The triple jump world record holder, who jumped 18.29 metres (60ft) in 1995 and took gold at the Sydney Games in 2000, said he was thrilled to return to Much Wenlock yesterday for the event.
Jonathan, who is president of the Wenlock Olympian Society, was asked to start the race and present winners with their medals.
He said: "This is a great place to come. I first came here prior to London 2012 as part of the roadshow and I have also been to the Wenlock Games, so you could say I am becoming a bit of a regular.
"Before 2007 I had no idea about the Olympic heritage that this place had. Obviously the Olympics have been a big part of my life so to learn about it has been fantastic.
"I think London 2012 has done a lot for Much Wenlock and made people realise the importance it has to the foundations and history of the modern games."
Although admitting he isn't a great starter of races, Jonathan added he was pleased to be asked to get involved in an event like this.
Spokeswoman Helen Cromarty said the event was a big success and attracted runners from Sweden, Germany and California.
She said: "It was a brilliant day and a very good race. The man who won it broke the course record by 10 minutes."
The race was won by Peter Flewitt, of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex AC.
