Runners take to hills for dash

More than 450 Shropshire walkers and runners pounded the Stiperstones hills in an annual race to burn off the Christmas calories.

Competitors took part in the 27th Devil's Chair Dash or Dawdle yesterday and 232 people completed the fog-bound course within one hour.

Overall winner, for the second year running, was Great Britain international runner Tim Davies, of Mercia Fell Runners, who set a new record of 20 minutes and 42 seconds.

The fastest woman was Anna Bartlett, of Shrewsbury Athletics Club, in 26 minutes 39 seconds.

More than 450 Shropshire walkers and runners pounded the Stiperstones hills in an annual race to burn off the Christmas calories.

Competitors took part in the 27th Devil's Chair Dash or Dawdle yesterday and 232 people completed the fog-bound course within one hour.

Overall winner, for the second year running, was Great Britain international runner Tim Davies, of Mercia Fell Runners, who set a new record of 20 minutes and 42 seconds.

The fastest woman was Anna Bartlett, of Shrewsbury Athletics Club, in 26 minutes 39 seconds.

Organisers today said more than £600 had been raised for the Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice, with more cash still coming in.

Event spokesman Geoff Sproson said: "It was a really successful day. We had 359 registered runners, but we estimate that there were actually more than 450 people taking part."

The event, which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years, gives everyone the chance to walk - or run - off a little of those Christmas Day calories.

Competitors included some of Britain's leading fell-runners, with the first 56 finishers climbing the steep 800ft track to the top of the hill followed by a precarious descent back down to Stiperstones village within the elite 30-minute benchmark.