ICONIC landscapes greeted runners who took part in the Earth Trust’s inaugural 10k cross-country race round the Wittenham Clumps beauty spot.

Some 125 people ran through the environmental charity’s Little Wittenham Nature Reserve yesterday, raising about £1,500 for nature projects.

Sutton Courtenay resident Will Cullen, 24, won the race, in a time of just over 37 minutes.

The logistics manager said: “The race was based around the hills at the end.

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“It wasn’t that hilly as a cross-country race – it’s relatively flat until the final 2km, where there are two big hills.

“It’s a fantastic place to run and the good weather certainly helped matters. Running through the forest and along the River Thames was very picturesque.”

The race marked the start of the season for Mr Cullen, who runs with Radley Athletic Club in the Oxford Mail Cross-Country League.

Oxford Mail:

  • The team below the Clumps

He added: “It was fantastic to win it and it’s good to get a first win under my belt.”

Nix Ticehurst, from Moulsford, near Wallingford, was one of 19 women to pass the finish line together on the hour and 20 minutes mark.

She usually runs body weight classes, which focus on strength, at Wittenham Clumps for her training company Nixercise, but held special running sessions for nine weeks ahead of the race Ms Ticehurst said: “I’m just on top of the world for the women because the majority of them hadn’t run before and didn’t think they would do it.

“Some have done it for weight loss and have lost a lot of weight. It’s been an amazing team spirit.”

The Earth Trust, which aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable lifestyles, will use the funds raised for projects like planting new hedgerows and creating sustainable habitats for great crested newts.

Oxford Mail:

  • Some 125 runners start the race

Mayor of Didcot Scott Wilgrove, who launched the race, said: “It’s an organisation that’s trying to provide such a nice area for the public to walk around and they want to improve public access.

“It’s the only area around Didcot where people can go for a picnic or take their dog for a walk.

“There were lots of people there and it was nice to see proper competitive runners as well as teams doing it for a challenge and to raise money for charity.”

Oxford Mail:

  •  Earth Trust CEO Jayne Manley with Mayor of Didcot Scott Wilgrove at the start

Earth Trust spokeswoman Lucy Benyon said it is hoped to stage the successful event again next year.

She said: “It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this before and everything went very smoothly. We’re very pleased with how many people turned up.

Oxford Mail:

  • Will Cullen, 24, from Radley AC runs in to win the event

“The chance to go running in a nature reserve and an iconic landmark with the Clumps made it a bit different.”

For more information about the charity, go to earthtrust.org.uk

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