A record number of runners joined forces to raise thousands for Marlow and High Wycombe charities at the weekend.

Almost 1,400 runners took part in the Marlow Half Marathon and Marlow 7, which took place on Sunday.

Organisers said this year’s event received a record number of entries, with almost 1,700 people signing up prior to the event.

More than £30,000 is expected to have been raised from the day, which, after expenses, will be split between charities in Marlow and High Wycombe.

Race director Mike Thompson said the Marlow Striders, who organise the marathon, had to close off entries to Marlow 7 early after all 505 places sold out a week before the run.

He said: “It went really well. We were fortunate with the weather.

“It was our best ever year in terms of runners. We had almost 1,400 runners on the day which is fantastic.”

The race has raised nearly £200,000 in its 29-year history.

Sean Wilson, from the Wycombe Phoenix Harriers, took the top spot in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1.19.47, and the first female winner was Melanie Wilkins, from Winchester and District Athletic Club, who smashed a course record with 1.22.54.

Mr Thompson said while the majority of runners came from Marlow and the surrounding areas, some came from as far as Poland and Budapest.

He added: “[The event] has been recognised as one of the top five marathons in the country.

“The runners love that it is challenging with a beautiful course.”