SOME off-road runs can simply be an endless succession of empty muddy fields, but you certainly could not say that about the 5-4-3-2-1 Salisbury Trail Marathon.
Two early birds from Tavistock made their way to Wiltshire to take part in the marathon, Adam Holland and Peter Bazley.
The sheer variation of the scenery on display made even most cynical of runners slow down for a better look as they pounded the historic streets and environs of Salisbury which was made so much better with the sun being out. The name of the race takes its inspiration from the plethora of sights encountered along the way: five rivers, four hills, three country estates, two castles and one cathedral to be precise.
With the route taking runners though several areas of outstanding natural beauty, which are not normally accessible to the public, this was definitely a race for the keen naturalists.
Adam finishing in a excellent time of 3hrs 53mins 13secs and Peter in a respectable time of 4hrs 12mins 01secs .