MORE than 200 runners did battle in this year's Kinver Rotary 10K which took place on Sunday.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Kinver for Dudley's Action Heart charity, the event is considered one of the toughest races of its kind in the country.

Race director John Gillett admitted the event wasn't for the faint-hearted and said: "It's especially tough terrain. The first half of the race, which takes in the sheepwalks, is practically all uphill."

Although 260 people signed up for this year's race, there were eventually 205 starters who set off over the undulating country lane course which started and finished at Brindley Heath School in Potters Cross, with South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson sending them on their way.

He said: "I am full of admiration for all the runners who took part to help raise money for this very worthy cause."

First home was Ben Foster of Dudley Kingswinford Running Club who clocked a time of 35mins and 20secs to get the better of James Jefferson from West Bromwich Harriers who came home just six seconds behind while Andy Salt secured third place in 37mins 9secs.

Victoria Wilkinson of Cheltenham and County Harriers claimed first place in the women's race with a time of 42mins 46secs ahead of Helen Tromans from Dudley Kingswinford RC in 45mins 15secs while Joan Clarke of Stourbridge RC claimed third spot in 48mins 13secs.

A 2km fun run was also held on the school playing fields which saw eight-year old Ollie Cartwright, from Kinver, crossing the finish line ahead of the rest for the second year running.

This year's 10K race looks to have raised in the region of £4,000 for Action Heart which is based at Russell's Hall Hospital and is Rotary Club of Kinver's chosen cause.

In true Rotarian tradition, two members took up the challenge - Mike Pugh and Andy Sheppard who came home locked together in 53mins 31secs.

Mr Gillett said: “The race was another resounding success. I was so pleased overall with the running of the event but promise to make 2015 an even better experience for the runners and their supporters.”