THE heat was on for runners as they braved high temperatures to help raise money for a Kingsclere school.

More than 100 entrants took part in the annual Twist Kingsclere five-mile run on Sunday July 5, when temperatures nudged towards the 30C mark.

The runners started at the Fieldgate Centre, in Field Gate Drive, and ran around the village and out towards Watership Down and Ecchinswell.

The off-road course took the runners along footpaths, bridleways and private gallops.

For the second year in succession, Matt King, from Winchester, came first, with Sean Holmes and Mike Bliss, both members of Overton Harriers, second and third respectively.

Hannah Bliss, also from Overton Harriers, was the first woman to cross the line.

Other attractions included a barbecue, stalls and a pop-up running shop from Alton Sports.

Race organiser Jayne Tolhurst, said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere, runners enjoyed the race and were really pleased with the new technical t-shirts in their goodie bags.

“The families, there to cheer them on, had a great time.”

The event, organised by the Friends of Kingsclere School, raises money for projects at Kingsclere Primary School, in Ash Grove.