MORE than 100 runners took part in the first Jurassic Coast Run to start and finish in West Bay.

This year, the annual event coincided with West Bay Day and featured a half marathon distance for the first time.

The event is organised by local club Bridport Runners, as well as Brit Valley Rotary. Almost 120 runners gathered at the Salt House on Sunday morning to take on the 10km route along the South West Coast Path, or enjoy another loop on the circuit to complete a half marathon.

Organisers were pleased this year's event went ahead with the support of Bridport Harbour Master and the West Bay Committee, as part of West Bay Day.

Brian Shelley, chairman of Bridport Runners, said: “It was a great race day and we are very happy about the good turnout and the positive feedback that we received from all sides.

"As a local club, we take our responsibilities towards the community very seriously, so we would like to thank everyone living along the race course for their patience and support.”

Nigel Gates from Litton Cheney finished in first place in the 10km race, clocking in at 46 minutes and one second. The 63-year-old was also the first male veteran to cross the line. Lydia O'Donoghue was the first woman to cross the line - completing the 10km route, which included Thorncombe Beacon, Seaton, Downhouse Farm and Eype, in 54 minutes and 54 seconds.

Spectators and organisers were very excited about the second event, the half-marathon, as it was the first time that this longer distance race was part of Bridport Jurassic Coast Run. Bridport Runners were nervous to find out how big the interest in this race would be. It exceeded all their expectations as almost 50 participants took on the challenge, the majority of them coming from running clubs all over the country.

The winner of the half marathon was Edward Knudsen, 28, from the Ipswich Jaffa club. He conquered the two loops in one hour, 33 minutes and 21 seconds. The fastest female on the course was Jessica Bennett, 29, in one hour, 46 minutes and nine seconds.

The Jurassic Coast Run attracted participants from across the globe, including Taniya Smith and Annette Barnett, who travelled from Moore in the United States to visit friends and relatives in Dorset.

The youngest runner to compete the race was Kieran Dunning, 17, from Bridport, who finished in eighth place in the 10km category.