THE organiser of a popular running event in Weymouth said it was an 'admirable effort' by more than 250 runners that took part amid strong winds.

Runners from far and wide descended on the resort on Sunday for the return of the annual Weymouth Bay 10k run.

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A variety of runners took to the start line - made up of a multi-terrain course, a 122-metre lap around Bowleaze Green before they headed out onto the course along the Esplanade and Weymouth Beach.

Rounding the turn at the water point, the athletes then returned to the finish at Overcombe Corner, 100m before the Oasis Café.

The event is part of the MCC Promotions 10k Run Series.

Mark Caswell, run organiser for MCC Promotions 10k Run Series, said: "Just over 250 runners took part in this year's Weymouth Bay 10k, which was won by Team Bath’s Elliott Avis with a time of 36 minutes, Weymouth’s Martyn Bell came second and north Dorset’s Toby Hood came in third.

"The strong easterly winds made it difficult for the runners, however they all came in within 80 minutes, which is an admirable effort.

"The female winner was Weymouth’s Egdon Heath Harriers Georgia Povall with a time of 42 minutes 32 seconds.

"This year's team winners were Westbourne Running Club from Poole.

"I would like to thank Weymouth Town Council, the Riviera Hotel, and David Mitchell for their support of this popular run."

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 10k run was cancelled in 2020, and was forced to be postponed until May last year - due to strict coronavirus restrictions in place during the month of March.

Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth, said: "The event attracted many people to take part in and watch this scenic run along the seafront.

"Weymouth is proud to host events such as this which help to lift the spirits of people in the town.

"We're looking forward to delivering and supporting a diverse range of events throughout 2022 – something which was very much missed throughout the Covid lockdowns of the past couple of years."

All the results from the Weymouth Bay 10k can be viewed at: www.mccpromotions.com