JUST under 500 runners took part in a competitive Forest of Dean Trails Autumn Half Marathon with an independent athlete finishing first.

James Denne defeated the 13.2 mile course, which began at Speech House and took in some of the Dean’s most scenic woodland spots, in a time of 1.15.14 - more than three minutes ahead of the event’s runner up.

Denne beat Cheltenham and County Harriers pair Jonathan Barnes and Andrew Hussey, who finished in 1.18.58 and 1.21.00 respectively.

David Cousins (Southville Running Club) came fourth with a time of 1.25.00 while Simon Freeman was fifth in 1.26.18.

Carol Yarrow of Finch Coasters was the first woman home in 1.29.17, with Abigail Chahil in second after 1.29.23.

Gemma Collier (Gloucester AC) finished third woman in 1.32.46 while independent runners Alison Burt - who won the FV45 category - and Robyn Bailey were the fourth and fifth finishers of their gender.

Hussey was top of the MV40 category, while Patrick Foley (Portishead RC, 1.27.04) was top of the MV50.

Cath Dale of Team Bath AC was the top finisher of the FV50 group in 1.43.01, and Michael Martin (Portishead) won the MV60 category.

Siobhan Bennett was first back in the FV60.

As usual, there was a terrific turnout of Forest of Dean AC runners for the event and many achieved personal bests.