An inaugural half-marathon event called the ‘Hardy Half’ took place in Dorchester on Sunday 14th May starting from Dorchester Rugby Club and attracting around 300 participants who ran through countryside immortalised by the writer Thomas Hardy, and around the landscape featuring the monument dedicated to the ‘other’ Hardy, Vice-Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy, Lord Nelson’s flag captain.
The race was a joint venture between Dorchester RIOT running club, Dorchester Lions, Dorchester Rugby Football Club and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club. All the money raised will go to local charities and the main charity partner, Farming Community Network.
Several organisations and local dignitaries attended the event including KeeP 106’s Rob Mott and Andy Worth who provided the PA system.
Below are a few photos of the occasion taken by Andy Worth (click to enlarge).