Over 100 runners took on the iconic Imber Ultra Marathon this year.
The 11th Imber race took place on 2nd March, starting at the Leighton Recreation Centre in Westbury. Organised by the Rotary Club of Westbury and Avon Valley Runners (AVR), the race was officially started by GB international runner Fiona Price.
Ed Knudsen (AVR) won the race with a time of 4 hours and 50 seconds, followed by Sam Pictor in 2nd place and Tom Simmons in 3rd.
The first female athlete, Ursula Sullivan (AVR), finished 10th overall with a remarkable time of 4 hours and 51 minutes. Michelle Maxwell (Bath) and Jennifer Ford (AVR) secured 2nd and 3rd place in the women’s category.
A total of 122 runners completed the course, with eight retiring along the way.
Organisers reported favourable weather conditions for the race. Although the day began with a chilly start, temperatures steadily climbed, providing a comfortable running environment.
Five checkpoints were positioned along the course in Warminster, Chitterne, Tilshead, Gore Cross and Bratton Vidette Post, each staffed by volunteers from Rotary, AVR and supportive friends and family.
The event raised funds for the Rotary Club, supporting both local and international causes, including the eradication of polio, the Youth Adventure Trust, Westbury Parish Youth Club, Rotary Children’s Fun Day at Longleat, and the restoration of the White Horse at Westbury.
Anyone interested in volunteering and meeting like-minded people can contact Westbury Rotary by visiting https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1231
