A record number of runners braved the fog and turned out for the Marlow Half Marathon and the introduction of the new race, Marlow 7 yesterday.

The annual race organised by the Marlow Striders saw 1036 complete the 13.1 mile course on Sunday, November 1, which offers picturesque routes through the Chiltern Hills, almost doubling the number of finishers last year.

Over 300 people finished the Marlow 7, a seven mile course featuring only one less hill than the half marathon, which was well received by those who put it to the test.

Simon Beedell scooped gold in the half marathon after just 1 hour and 17 mins and Becky Atkinson was the fastest woman, finishing hot on his heels after 1 hour and 24 mins.

And Thomas Grimes came first in the Marlow 7 after 40:43 mins and the winning woman was Caroline Hoskins who finished at 47:08 mins.

Despite the huge turnout, race director, Barbro Julin, said the new half marathon course had mixed reviews, which started from Higginson Park rather than West Street in previous years.

She said: “Many people like the new start and the course up in the Chilterns but they didn’t like the finish because it was a bit tricky.

“We had the weather against us but people really enjoyed running it but it would have been better if they could see the views.

“The seven race was really good. We had even more than we thought enter for that and the comments were really positive.

“It’s only one hill less than the half marathon so it is still tough but people really liked it.”

And although the excitement of yesterday’s race has barely died down, organisers are already setting their sights on making next year’s marathon even better.

Ms Julin said: “For the first time of the new course and race it went very well but there is always room for improvement. We hope to come back even better next year.

“We have a very low year last year and this year was almost double. We’re not aiming for doubling next year but we definitely want the same amount or maybe more.”

And Dave ‘The Disco’ Perin kept spirits high as he provided commentary throughout the race.