Pete Duffy went one better than last year as he won the Apperley Quarter Marathon in impressive style on Saturday.

The 38-year-old CLC Striders runner, who was runner-up to Severn Athletic Club's Steve Kenyon in 2024, completed the 6.5-mile course in 38 minutes, 12 seconds, more than a minute ahead of his nearest rival.

“It was a very good run,” said race director Rowan Leeke. “It was windy, the runners had to contend with 30-40mph gusts.

“It was okay for the first half of the race along the river because they were going downwind, but the second half was much tougher.

“Pete Duffy did well, it was a good time in the conditions. I’m pleased for him because he really wanted to win the race.”

Unattached runner James Layton-Hill was second in 39 minutes, 21 seconds and Western Tempo’s Gareth Edwards was third in 40.23.

Jess Bennett was the first female home in 42 minutes, 10 seconds. The mum-of-three, an unattached runner, was eighth overall, and Leeke added: “She’s from Apperley, the route took her past her house, that doesn’t happen too often.”

The race, which starts and finishes at Apperley Cricket Club, continues to be very popular. It has been running since 1983 and this year attracted 430 entries.

The 372 starters included Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas, who finished 199^th in one hour, one minute, four seconds.

Over the years ex-Gloucestershire cricketers Jack Russell, David Graveney and Bill Athey have all run the event, as have former England rugby players Phil Blakeway and Pat Sanderson.

So what makes the race so popular?

“It’s a multi-terrain event,” said Leeke. “It’s a nice, relaxed atmosphere but it’s run professionally, it’s got a community feel.”

The race also raises money for charity. The main charity this year was the Cotswold Dialysis Unit in Gloucester but the event also supports three village community organisations – the cricket club, Deerhurst Playing Fields and the primary school.