SCORCHING conditions did not stop hundreds of determined runners from completing the Stour Valley Marathon.

A total of 271 people started the marathon at Nayland Village Hall on Sunday.

But with temperatures climbing up to a sizzling 28 degrees, only 242 managed to complete the 26-mile run around Nayland, Dedham, Boxted and Bures.

Organiser Kevin Payne said: “It was very hot and I was told it reached 28 degrees at one point.

“A lot of people could not finish due to the heat, but many still completed it without much of a problem.”

The winner of the marathon was Charlie Harpur who finished the run in 2h 53m 58s and the fastest woman was Jackie Stretton.

The oldest person to run the race was 74 and the youngest was 23.

Kevin said: “It was mostly friends and family members of the runners who came out to watch the marathon.

“Although, the race did go through the Anchor’s car park so people who were eating and drinking could watch too.”

Kevin thinks about £4,000 was raised from the marathon which is being split between Suffolk Wildlife Trust and SOS Children.

To find out more visit stourvalleymarathon.co.uk.