Apperley’s annual quarter marathon proved to be a huge success with more than 400 runners taking part.

Runners and supporters came from all over the county and enjoyed not only the countryside course but also the superb refreshments, goody bags and unique, handcrafted, runners’ medals.

Local running groups, including Huccelecote Harriers, Almost Athletics, Kingsway Runners, Tewkesbury Athletic Club and Lonely Goat Club joined individuals and family runners to create a family friendly event, which was raising money for both SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) and Apperley Cricket Club.

Anthony Wilkes, chairman of the cricket club, said: “It was a massive, community-based event. We rely on the goodwill and support of hundreds of local volunteers, landowners and sponsors. The money raised will support an important local charity and help the cricket club.”

The first elite runner back was Teklay Gebrekidan who was closely followed by James Bingham and Steve Kenyon, while the first female runner back was Apperley-based runner Shona Crombie-Hicks who said: “The course is an interesting mixture of road and countryside, while the friendship among the runners and the post-run atmosphere is superb.

“It is a lovely event, I even got to model for the giant Angel poster!”

And it was just the main event that was a big success because the Kilometre Kidathlon proved just as popular with more than 70 juniors taking part

This year’s theme was the Angel, inspired by the sculpture on Deerhurst Church, and was a complete sellout. Next year’s events event will again be in late September, date to be confirmed, and will have a butterfly theme.