More than 250 runners took part in the inaugural Hardy Half Marathon in Dorchester on Sunday.

The trail race took runners from the start line at Dorchester Rugby Club to Hardy's Monument and back.

Entrants from all over the county and beyond embraced the warm weather and set out from Holmead Way, through Martinstown and up along the Ridgeway.

Their return wasn't any less treacherous as they headed down Hells Bottom, back up the Ridgeway and down through Maiden Castle, before heading to the finish line at the rugby club.

Supported by residents, families and friends, as well as a large number of volunteers, the runners passed local bands, Stealing Whiskey and the Durnovaria Silver Band along the route, and posed for photos from DorsetBays.

The event was the culmination of a two-year project, a joint effort between Dorchester RIOT running club, Dorchester Lions, Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club and Dorchester Rugby Club.

The aim was to raise funds for local causes, as well as encouraging participation in running, and sport in general.

The event could not have gone ahead with the contribution from sponsors National Grid and Parkers Properties, as well as National Farmers Union and Dorset Brewing Company.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for local causes with the final figure still being counted, and this will support The Farming Community Network as the main beneficiary.

The winner of the men's race was Egdon Heath Harriers member Chris Peck, in 1 hour 27 minutes and 22 seconds. The winner of the women's race was Ruth Tuthill in 1 honour 47 minutes and 58 seconds, just edging out RIOT's own Virginie Morries and Jasmin Evans in second and third respectively.

Overall, 257 runners crossed the finish line to receive a medal, a T-shirt and free beer.

Both the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Janet Hewitt, and town crier Alistair Chisholm were on hand to hand out medals and trophies.

The Hardy Half not only provided participants with a challenging, athletic endeavour but also fostered community spirit and supported local causes.

It is anticipated that this event will continue to grow in popularity and become a much-anticipated fixture on the running calendar of Dorchester and beyond.