THIS weekend saw Chard Road Runners out in smaller numbers.

First off the mark at the local Minster Challenge a 12k multi-terrain race starting from Axminster Academy, Gary Wheaton was with the pack as the route headed first out on the country lanes before taking to the fields.

Thanks to the rain on Saturday, the going was a bit softer and, with the race reaching half-way, Wheaton was finding the muddier sections of the route fun with runners struggling for grip.

As the race headed back to the Academy, he gave a last push to cross the line in 1h 24m 09s.

Next out for CRRs was Andy Mear who had an early start for the Bournemouth Marathon.

Heading out from King’s Park, Mear set off at a controlled pace to avoid being drawn by the 2,000-plus pack at the wrong pace.

As the race swept on to the seafront, he started to pick off places.

With the halfway point and the first run along the famous Bournemouth Pier, Mear was on target for a sub five-hour race.

The brilliant sunshine and crowds helped to keep up the pace and the route then took Mear towards Poole’s natural harbour.

Heading back towards the finish at the Lower Gardens, he pushed hard along his second pier visit and into the finishing funnel to cross the line in 4h 47m 16s.

On Sunday, Chard Road Runners’ Wayne Loveridge was first over the line in the Burnham-on-Sea half marathon.

Loveridge completed the half in 1.15.26, 24 seconds clear of runner-up Christian Green from Wells.