Record field for Snowdon marathon

In pictures: Snowdonia marathon

Organisers say the 24th Snowdonia Marathon attracted a record field of more than 1,500 runners on Sunday.

The race, which started in Nant Peris village, was won for the fifth time by Dennis Walmsley, a taxi driver from Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

The course circles the base of Snowdon and takes in some very steep ascents.

Race coordinator Jayne Lloyd said: "We are delighted with the turnout - it demonstrates the increasing popularity of this challenging event."

Mr Walmsley finished in 2hr 46min 50s, nearly seven minutes faster than his winning time in 2005, and almost five minutes ahead of his nearest challenger, John Allen of Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

MARATHON WINNERS MEN 1 Dennis Walmsley 2hr 39 min 55 sec 2 John Allen 2:44:37 3 Phillip Hails 2:48:37 4 Kevin Lilley 2:51:34 WOMEN 1 Adela Salt 3:05.49 2 Zoe Fleming 03:14:48 3 Louise Fleming 3:16:10

Mr Walmsley, 44, said: "I really enjoyed the race this year, the weather was perfect for me. We could see the beauty of Snowdonia at its best.

"This is one of the greatest races in the world and I'm delighted to win for the fifth time this year. It wasn't my fastest time but I'll be celebrating tonight with a bottle of bubbly - with my feet up!"

The first woman home was Adela Salt of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire in a time of 3hrs 5mins and 51 seconds.

The team trophy went to Witney road runners.

Adela Salt won the women's race in 3hr 5min 48sec

A new feature was the introduction of junior races, for children aged between eight and 18.

Competitors included seven Slovenian children, who are part of an exchange visit with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Dolbadarn.

The pupils from Llanberis will visit Slovenia next year to run in the Smarkna Gora race, held in Ljubljana.

All fees from Sunday's runners will benefit the National Trust Snowdonia appeal, which funds conservation work.