Runners battle the Dorset hills in The Stickler race

Hundreds of runners took part in one of Dorset’s most gruelling races.

A total of 570 people took on the multi-terrain challenge of The Stickler with 510 finishing.

The event – on Sunday October 25 – was held in association with Dorset Three Peaks challenge which requires runners to navigate a demanding route.

Runners tackled a 10.1 mile course climbing 1500 feet across Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill.

The Stickler tests the different levels of its competitors endurances with them all having the aim of finishing the course.

The Dorset Doddlers have organised the Stickler race ever since its first in 1995.

Hambledon Hill in Dorset. Credit: Professor Finn.The route combines all different surfaces, presenting runners with a challenge beyond the normal standard road race.

One participant, Tehyan Blasdale-Holmes, completed the race and spoke about the hardest challenges he faced during the race.

He explained: “I think the last hill at Hambledon was worst, the start of the last aid station was so abrupt and steep.”

Despite having difficulties during the race, Tehyan said he was pleased with his finishing time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

However, he also believed he could have completed it quicker if it were not for the bunch up at the start and the big breakfast he had before the race.

Tehyan added: “The course was brutal, but it was great due to the unreal scenery.”

The event give out medals to the males and females who finish the race first, second and third.

It includes team prizes whilst recognising performances from the great running clubs during the race.

The Stickler has become an annual race in the Dorset running calendar with it being Tehyan first time running.

This Stickler run was the 31st race in the competition history.

The 32^nd is already in place, looking to bring more runners together for another edition of the Dorset trail-running event.

Further details on race times, the final standings and any notable performances can all be found online on the Stickler website in the coming days.