THE fifth annual Rog Run was staged in glorious spring sunshine in Ventnor on Sunday.

Isle of Wight County Press: The start of the annual Rog Run from Ventnor seafront on Sunday morning.The start of the annual Rog Run from Ventnor seafront on Sunday morning.

Celebrating the life of Isle of Wight Road Runners legend Roger Walker-Reed and marking his contribution to the club, there was another good turn-out of entrants aiming to complete the course as close to their nominated time as possible.

Runners tackled the seven-mile route, which included an 800ft ascent up St Boniface Down — one of Roger’s favourite training routes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gill Bushell and Kevin Winchcombe tackling Down Lane up to St Boniface Down during Sunday’s annual Rog Run.Gill Bushell and Kevin Winchcombe tackling Down Lane up to St Boniface Down during Sunday’s annual Rog Run.

First runner home was Simon Riley in 52 minutes, which was 12 seconds outside of his nominated time, followed by Paul Cameron (25 secs) and Ian Williams (36 secs).

Isle of Wight County Press: Sarah Holmes, left, and Rosie Eldridge making headway towards St Boniface Down on the toughest part of the course. Sarah Holmes, left, and Rosie Eldridge making headway towards St Boniface Down on the toughest part of the course.

Champion woman and runner closest to their nominated time was Margaret Niland-Murphy (three seconds), followed by Lou Howell (20 secs).

Self-titled teams also entered, with Age Concerned, which comprised Riley, Cameron, Matt Fletcher and Steve Bennett, having the nearest nominated time.

Isle of Wight County Press: Julie Salter enjoying the challenge of the Rog Run.Julie Salter enjoying the challenge of the Rog Run.

The event raised £500, which was shared between Macmillan and the armed forces charity, SSAFA.

Isle of Wight County Press: Rog Run participants helped support charities Macmillan and SSAFA.Rog Run participants helped support charities Macmillan and SSAFA.

                                                           RESULTS

Men’s nominated: 1 Simon Riley, 2 Paul Cameron, 3 Ian Williams; women: 1 Margaret Niland-Murphy, 2 Lou Howell, 3 Alison Butcher; teams: 1 Age Concerned (Simon Riley, Paul Cameron, Matt Fletcher and Steve Bennett), 2 The New Descenders (Tracey Dillon, Stephen Lee, Sally Roberts and Brian Warren, 3 Slogging Crocks (Alison Butcher, Fay Tosdevin, Denise Hayley and Chani Jones).