THIS year's Jurassic Coast Run was the most popular event so far - with a local athlete taking victory in the 10km race.

The annual dash around the Jurassic Coast saw Adam Gale take first place in the 10km race, who jumped over the ribbon at the finish, recording a time of 47 minutes and 25 seconds.

Ruth Barnes from Affpuddle, took first place in the 13-mile run - the first female winner of the event. Ruth completed the course in 1 hour, 35 minutes and 16 seconds - almost seven minutes quicker than the next athlete.

A total of 154 runners took part in the two events, an increase from last year's tally of 117 runners.

The Bridport Jurassic Coast Run is organised by local community groups Bridport Runners and Brit Valley Rotary Club.

Chairman of Bridport Runners, Brian Shelley, said: “With a record number of participants, such a strong field of competitors and many positive comments of runners, our latest edition of the Bridport Jurassic Coast Run has proved that the race has established itself as a tough but attractive race for runners of all ages.

"We’re looking forward to next year’s event.”

The races started with the famous East Cliff at West Bay in the background, leading runners all the way up to the second highest hill on the south coast of England, Thorncombe Beacon, down to Seatown for the half-marathon runners, and back through Downhouse Farm, Eype and back to West Bay. The half marathon consisted of two loops of the course.

One athlete flew in from Malta and raised money for the Faces charity while two deaf runners were accompanied by a guide on their 10k run.

Stephen Forrest from Massachusetts and Beate Lechenmeier from Winnerden in Germany, both on holiday in Dorset, signed up for the race - while Brian Grierson, 77, completed the Jurassic Coast Run for the second successive year.

Now in its fifth year, the Bridport Jurassic Coast Run, has become a community event and a recommended race among club runners from all over the Southwest with runners from 31 different running clubs entering this year's race.

The spectators at Bridport harbour, visitors to West Bay and friends and families of the runners, cheered

the competitors on when they reached the finish line near The Old Salt House.

For more information, visit bridport-runners.co.uk