Newcomers, and many people who have taken part before were among the 70 runners who took on the Big Dipper 10K challenge on Sunday. And ages ranged from 15 - 70.

The course has some serious hills and a personal best is unlikely but everyone seemed to enjoy the event and the tea and cakes at the finish.

Neil Laurenson of Black Pear Joggers stormed home in a new course record, followed by Felix Rusby of Penryn Plodders and Andrew Stephens of Monross Trailblazers. Isobel Rosie, who previously worked locally as a veterinary surgeon, returned to win the ladies’ race, after a close tussle with Claire Sims of Wye Valley Runners. Suzette Botha was third.

Monross Trailblazers were the first men’s team and Malvern Joggers first ladies. Seventy-year-old Phillip Howells intends to run 70 races this year and this was his 50th. He has been voted Britain’s most active pensioner and is well on the way to his target of 333 marathons.

Upton Bishop Sports and Social Club are grateful for the support of Ross First Responders, Chaseview Veterinary Clinic, Chicory Crops, Newent Auto Centre, RP Joinery and Fleetcare Services.

Full results will be available via the website www.uptonbishop.org

Ist Man Neil Laurenson - Black Pear Joggers – 36mins 27secs, 2nd Man Felix Rusby – Penbryn Plodders – 37mins 27 seconds, 3rd Man Andrew Stephens – Monross Trailblazers – 38 mins 1 second. 1st Lady Isobel Rosie – Unaffiliated – 44mins 26 seconds, 2nd Lady Claire Sims – Wye Valley Runners – 44mins 38 seconds, 3rd Lady Suzette Botha – Unaffiliated – 47mins 5 seconds. Ist MV40 Jon Newey – Malvern Joggers – 39mins 38seconds, 1st FV40 Joanna Eddy – Unaffiliated – 48mins 26seconds.

1st MV50 John Featherstone – Newent Runners – 42mins 35 seconds. 1st FV50 Alison Priest – Malvern Joggers – 52 mins 15 seconds. 1st MV60 Tony Champken – Wye Valley Runners – 47mins 20 seconds. 1st FV60 Pauline Dable – Kenilworth Runners – 62 mins 33 seconds. 1st MV70 Phillip Howells – Tewkesbury RC – 66mins 8 seconds.