Burnham Beeches 10K 2011

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A swift-footed runner made it a hat-trick of wins at Burnham Beeches 10K at the weekend.

Matthew Salt triumphed against 150 other competitors on Saturday morning to defend his title.

He crossed the line first for the third year in a row and in his quickest time ever of 34 minutes and 56 seconds.

The first lady across the line was Lucy Meyer who also came seventh overall with a time of 42 minutes and 50 seconds.

The fifth annual event was organised by the Rotary Club of Burnham Beeches with 30 members on stewarding duty.

The runners set off at 10.30am from the centre of the ancient woodland and completed two laps of a circuit around the trees.

Co-organiser Keith Greenough said: "It was a lovely sunny day and dry conditions.

"Nobody got inured so we were pleased with that.

"It's quite a hilly course so it's tough for the runners."

The Green Lane resident and wife Glynne did the course twice themselves - once to set out the markers and again after the race to take them down.

"We are very slow though, " he laughed.

"Nowhere near as quickly as the winner. To do it in 35 minutes is very impressive."

There were 200 entries this year but only 152 turned up on the day to actually race.

The event is still expected to make about £3,000 which will go to charity.

Keith said: "It's shame 25 per cent didn't show up but they pay in advance so we raise the money either way.

"Most of the money will go back to Burnham Beeches which is great because it helps preserve the facility for people in the community."