One Bourton Roadrunner took on a lung-busting trail running challenge this past weekend.

In the heart of Peak District National Park in Bakewell, second-claim member Craig Hamilton-Smith was among over 300 competitors in the Maverick Peaks Merlin Ultra.

The race, a demanding 52 kilometre trail featuring over 1,200 metres of climb and varied terrain, required participants to employ some strategic planning and masterful refueling methods.

Despite stiff competition, Hamilton-Smith clocked a respectable five hours, 36 minutes and 59 seconds, placing him 40th overall and sixth in his age bracket.

Elsewhere, fellow roadrunner Barry O'Leary participated in the Royal Sutton Fun Run in Sutton Coldfield.

While referred to as a "fun run", the endurance test stretched across an 8.5 mile track, complete with challenging inclines.

A fixture in the calendar attracting almost 5,000 competitors, the run also served as a charity event.

O'Leary completed the course in one hour and 13 minutes, a solid performance considering the heat.

Runners also took to parkruns across the country, most impressively Derek Darby, who came third overall at Woolford Wood with a time of 21.29.

Giles Canning clocked 27.36 at Bolberry Down, Susan Hunt ran 24.45 at Chelmsford Central, and Eva Shoemark complete in 26.30 at Crystal Palace.

Megan Ratcliffe ran at Evesham in 24.04, while Dougal Hamilton-Smith finished the Monsal Trail in 21.21.

Over at the Severn Bridge run, John Conway and Sarah Conway finished in 37.37 and 54.18 respectively.

George Swayne completed the Stratford-upon-Avon course in 18.55.

Club members also headed to Witney for the latest graduation of the Couch to 5K initiative, celebrating Terri Sykes, Gemma Pye, Sharon Coventry, Jessica Hart and Kate Franklin completing the scheme.