Over 1200 people around Gloucestershire and the South West took part in the annual Sodbury Slog event on Sunday, November 11.

The event, a 10-mile running course through the commons, fields and main roads of Chipping Sodbury, draws in big crowds every year as people flock to take part in the event.

Starting in 1990 the event has been organised by Bitton Road Runners.

The race, which includes a warm-up from the legendary Terry the Tornado, runs on Remembrance Sunday and starts at 11.05am after the runners have observed a two minute silence.

This time around over 1250 signed up, 57% of them male and 43% female with the most 'senior' runner being 76-years-old.

In 2018 the course took in some fantastic sights and moments, however there was a bit of worry in the hours in the build-up to the event.

After heavy rain on Saturday evening, organisers were worried that the race would have to be cancelled.

However after two very generous volunteers did a test run at 6.30am on Sunday morning, the event was declared on for the participants.

Steve Herring, one of the organisers of the event spoke to the Gazette about why he believes the race is so 'popular'.

"The Slog is a Race organised by runners for runners," he said. "We keep the costs low and the enjoyment high.

"It’s a tough but enjoyable challenge for the runners.

"No gimmicks, certainly no electric shocks, just mud, hills and more mud. It’s one of the country’s top cross country race’s but it still has a friendly small race feel."

To enter the event participants have to pay a small fee, from each of those £2 is donated to Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club who raise money for numerous charities.

Before the race Steve presented the rotary club with a cheque for £2500, whilst also giving two others to Old Sodbury Village Hall and Horton Hall.

As one of the key Race Directors, Steve admitted that his thoughts on the day have changed from when he is in his runner mind-set on the start line.

"There are some key moments that stand out to me," he continued.

"As a director seeing 1250 runners observe a two minute silence gets me every time.

"As a runner though seeing someone dressed as a banana swim across a lake for a bet and then beat me on the run in firmly sticks out in my mind."

Whilst the lake is no longer a part of the route, the community feel is still strong around the event.

"Our aim every year is to give every runner an enjoyable and safe off-road running experience unlike any other they have had," Steve explained.

"I hope to see all 1000 runners complete the race and raise thousands of pounds for charity as well.

"We broke all records this year, all 1200 on-line places went in 95 minutes, very few races in the country fill up that fast so we are clearly doing something right."

The overall amount raised for charity from the event, including individual fundraising was well over £15,000.

The race was won by Ben Rawlins in 1:03:39 just ahead of James Donald and Paul O'Mara.

Entries for the slog in 2019 open at 10am on May 6.