JONATHAN Pugh won Sunday's Forest of Dean Half-Marathon, but each of the 2,219 finishers had their own personal victory tale to tell.

Julian's time of 1hr 14mins 45secs put him 21 seconds ahead of Port Talbot Harrier Steve Rees.

Chief race organiser Chris Hammersley said: "Things went very smoothly and we've had some fantastic feedback from the runners.

"Lots of them told me they had achieved personal bests, but there's no doubt this course is tougher than the old Parkend one. Those old Parkend records will be difficult to beat."

Since its humble beginnings in 2004, the Forest of Dean Half-Marathon has grown massively in popularity.

Chris said: "We're looking at a ceiling of 3,000 runners but for that we'd need extra parking.

"What's important is that we don't lose the friendly touch."

Chris says the day of the event is one he actually enjoys, after months of organising and planning.

"It's a nice feeling to think we've done a lot of good for people in lots of ways.

"I'd estimate that we raised around £40,000 for our charities this year.

"Last year we set up a foot clinic in Grenada because they've got lots of diabetics and more amputees per head than anywhere in the world.

"We also gave a substantial sum to the Orchard Trust in Lydbrook and bought a boat for the Sea Cadets."

Throughout the day there was only one real incident, involving a diabetic spectator, who quickly got the medical attention they required.

Chris said: "We probably had around 300 volunteers in various capacities and it's a great team effort.

"As a committee we never rest on our laurels and we are always trying to improve.

"Some people say it's only a half-marathon but you've still got to respect the distance."