SWAMPED runners stayed the course and made the Royal Manor of Portland AC Silver Jubilee Races an outstanding success.

The 10k route could have been described as a paddling pool in the hilly parts and the only dry person in the whole event was a toddler, snug in a pushchair being pushed around in the 2.5k fun run by his very sodden mum.

Due to the appalling weather, the race number cards parted company with the runners' vests, making it impossible to give a list of age category winners at this stage.

RMPAC chairman Dave Sanderson, who has recently been appointed President of Dorset Athletics, and Eddie French started off the 134 runners in the 10k race and the 33 entrants in the fun run were started by Becky Alford who organised the Silver Jubilee event along with Bill Hicks and Wayne Smith.

Egdon Heath Harriers claimed the first three places in the men's sectionwith postman Dave Caddy, 39, winning with office administrator Ian Habgood, 23, second, followed by teacher John Broom, 38.

In the ladies' section, fitness instructor Steph Slade, 24, led the field, tutor Dawn Broom, 41, was second and legal secretary Jacqueline Goldsmith third.

Overall winner of the fun run was 15- year-old Jackie Morris and first boy and second overall was Callum Dukes from Portland Boxing Club.

At the end of the event, Alford said: "Despite this awful weather, it did not succeed in damping the enthusiasm and enjoyment of all taking part."

RESULTS Men: 1, Dave Caddy, Egdon Heath Harriers, 34.04; 2, Ian Habgood, Egdon Heath Harriers, 34.13; 3, John Broom, Egdon Heath Harriers, 34.31.

Ladies: 1, Steph Slade, Egdon Heath Harriers, 38.51; 2, Dawn Broom, Egdon Heath Harriers, 40.09; 3, Jacqueline Goldsmith, Littledown Harriers 43.04.

Fun Run: 1, Jackie Morris, 11.52; 2, Callum Dukes, 12.05.