A RECORD number of runners got out of bed early last Sunday to tackle a breathtaking - if a little hilly - race course in the South Bucks countryside.

This year 517 competitors entered the Frieth Hilly, which winds its way through the picturesque villages of Frieth, Fingest and Skirmett.

Runners chose either the 5k or 10k distance, with star guests including Olympic medal winning GB hockey player Alex Danson taking on the gruelling course.

Diane Hill, race director, said: "Thank you to all the runners, helpers and school children who made Frieth Hilly 2014 such an amazing day and our biggest ever year. The weather helped too!

"We hope that everyone enjoyed the run and our quirky, fun style made the day memorable for you.

"The Frieth Hilly is a really important fundraising event for our village school. Come along in 2015 to see what we have in store for next year."

Organisers are confident of meeting the £5000 fundraising target for the annual race.

Overall winner of the 10k was Robert Dean, who crossed the line in 38:25 and the fastest woman was Melanie Watkins who finished hot on his heels in 40:44.

The 5k course was won by Stephen Knock of Handy Cross runners in a time of 19:32 and the winning woman was Jessica O’Connor, who came fourth overall with a time of 21:04.

A registered charity, all funds raised from the Frieth Hilly go towards paying for IT at Frieth School.

A committee of dedicated parents from the village primary school organise the race each year.