ATHLETICS: A scorching day saw some of the close to 250 entries withdraw from the Wyre Forest half-marathon on Sunday.

Instead, 213 runners started the 13.1 mile event, promoted by Amazing Feet Running Club, from Wyre Forest visitor centre, Callow Hill.

All but one finished the tough, hilly course within three-and-a-quarter hours.

First home was local runner Robin Sedman-Smith, of Kidderminster RC, in one hour 19 minutes 46 seconds.

Sedman-Smith was followed by Paul Mountfield and Gordon Summers, of Worcester AC, with the latter also the first veteran runner home.

In the ladies race, former Amazing Feet runner Mary Mills, now running for Holme Pierrepont AC, was first home in 1-36-07.

Mills was followed by Nicky Jones in 1-42-50 and Joan Clarke, of Stourbridge RC, in 1-43-56.

Colin Pheasant was the only member of the host club to run, finishing 139th in 2-09-53.

And their secretary Richard Baker said: "We would like to thank everybody who assisted in anyway with the race.

"But especially thanks to all those club members and their families who turned up on the day to marshal and help."

Valerie Pritchard, Karina Harrison and Jayne James improved considerably on their 2000 times in the Worcester Race for Life 5km, while Felicity Wheeler also completed the charity event.