RUNNERS and rowers refused to let bad weather sink their pirate-themed fundraiser in Weymouth.

They battled their way along the Esplanade and across the bay in Weymouth Rowing Club’s Beat the Gigs Pirate Fun Run.

Entrants aimed to run from the Jubilee Clock to Overcombe Corner and back before rowers made it on the water.

Scores of runners donned eye patches and bandanas, while rowers hoisted the Jolly Roger before setting off.

Main organiser Elsa Hirst said that bad weather deterred some entrants but that the fundraiser still went well.

“Quite a lot of people dressed up as pirates and the sailing club came down with some miniature cannons, which they fired to start us off.

“Despite the weather it went very well and we hope that it has raised the profile of the rowing club.

“We want to attract some new younger members.”

Just two runners managed to beat the gigs, Dave Parker and Simon Davies, who finished in joint first place.

Mrs Hirst said: “They just beat the gigs.

“They did very well.”

Mark Matthews came second in the run and Alan Rogers came third. The first woman to finish was Pauline Loveless.

The best dressed male pirate was Richard Jeffries and the best dress woman pirate was Natalie Davis.

Mayor Tim Munro presented medals to the winners.

Mrs Hirst hopes to have raised about £200 from the fundraiser. She said she wanted to thank local businesses who donated prizes as well as main sponsor Stuart Barnes Ltd.

Others to help included youth volunteers from the ‘v’ organisation who acted as marshals, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s beach control office, canoe lifeguards and firefighters who displayed a banner outside their station.

Mrs Hirst said: “Everybody mucked in and pulled their weight.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part and everyone who helped out.”

GIG RACERS

Joint First: Dave Parker and Simon Davies Second: Mark Matthews Third: Alan Rogers First woman: Pauline Loveless Best Male Pirate: Richard Jeffries Best Female Pirate: Natalie Davis