DORCHESTER: Healthy number take up charity challenge

Taking in breathtaking views of the Dorset coast and countryside, runners and walkers had the option of taking part in either a seven or 17-mile course. With all the participants starting out from Osmington Mills, those  energetic enough to tackle 17-miles covered the whole length of the Ridgeway to West Bexington, while the seven milers finished at Goulds Hill.

Following registration, participants completed a warm up routine with popular local keep fit expert Lindsey Beale before British Heart Foundation mascot Hearty sent everyone on their way. 140 people took part in this inaugural event, run as part of the South Dorset Ridgeway Festival. Organisers Sarah Harbige and Zoe Nicholson were so pleased with the success of the challenge they are already considering making it an annual event. 

With maps, marshalling and watering points along the course, it was a wonderful day. And to ease congestion at the start, buses had been laid on from both Dorchester and Weymouth to ferry people to and from the start and finishing points. 

The Ridgeway Charity Challenge was an amazing way to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery around while at the same time keeping fit and raising money for an incredibly worthwhile cause. All the money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation and its fight against heart and circulatory disease. And this life saving work can only continue thanks to donations of time and money from the general public. 

Every person who took part in the challenge received a medal for their efforts. And there were more than a few dogs who joined in with their owners to enjoy some healthy exercise.

PICTURE: Team Budgens from Dorchester ready for the off

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