MORE than 300 runners took part in the first 10k race in Bledlow Ridge, with some competitors saying it was the hardest 10k they had completed.

Organised by a group of parents from Bledlow Ridge School it raised more than £5,000 for the school charity.

It started and finished from the school and there was also a 1k for children, where 119 took part.

The last runner finished in a pink tutu.

Ben Lawrence, who is on the organising committee, said: "It went really well. We were chuffed to bits. "The weather turned out alright. We had over 300 people registering for the run.

"We had people from all over the place, some as far afield as Nuneaton and Suffolk."

There was also plenty to do for families. Mr Lawrence said: "I think we have had one or two people saying it is the hardest 10k they have done."

Runners took to the footpaths, bridleways and lanes of the Chiltern Hills around Bledlow Ridge.

There were two approximate 75m vertical height climbs from Saunderton Valley up to Lodge Hill and then back up to Bledlow Ridge.

Eddie O'Gorman came in first at 37 minutes and 24 seconds and for the ladies Mary Grace Spalton came in first at 42 minutes and 29 seconds.

The run brought together support from parents at the school, the headmistress and school staff, villagers, the cricket club and many other organisations within the village.

Organisers would like to thank sponsors Thames Valley Training and Development, The Boot Pub, Howarth Homes plc, Grant and Stone Ltd, NSG Autos Ltd, Knight Frank Beaconsfield There are plans to do it again next year. Keep an eye on the website www.ridgeoffroader.co.uk