IN the seventh running of the Highworth Running Club’s Wickstead Wander there was a record number of entrants for the 5.3-mile event. With horse jumps to leap over and water to wade through, 142 runners embraced Wiltshire’s rural delights on a bitterly cold morning.

Characters from computer games, comic books and the annals of history slipping and sliding their way around the course.

Chippenham Harriers’ Paul Gardiner emerged first from the muddy mayhem to take the win ahead of Royal Wootton Bassett’s Simon Rawlings who improved on his fifth position from last year to finish runner up.

First to finish for the ladies was Lucy Kershaw ahead of Swindon Strider Fiona Gordon. Doug Stimpson was first home for the hosting club finishing in eighth position, 40 places ahead of the winner of the best fancy dress costume, Slinn Allstars’ Richard Mayneord who ran as a Roman centurion.

All profits from the event will be donated to the Riding for the Disabled charity and the Highworth Running Club would like to thank all participants for their support. The next event will be a five-mile road race held in the spring; details can be found on the club’s website www.highworthrunningclub.co.uk