RUNNERS and walkers from all over the globe descended on Denbies Wine Estate on Sunday, to participate in the fourth Bacchus Marathon and Half-marathon.
Competitors from Canada, Oman, Australia and USA were among more than 1,000 runners to enjoy the beautiful Mole Valley scenery as they passed along Ranmore Common and the North Downs Way.
All runners had the opportunity to sample award-winning Denbies wines at the seven feed stations around the 13-mile loop. The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the runners, who turned out in a wide variety of fancy dress costumes, with superheroes, grapes, furry animals, bananas, Monty Python characters and sailors among those on show. Hundreds of residents in Dorking and Westcott came out to support the event, with organisers reporting a happy, relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
The event was organised by Ashtead-based company Events to Live.
Race director Alan Burrows said: "It's fantastic that so many people travelled from overseas to participate. It's been growing in reputation, with lots of runners coming back year on year to do it again."
Jeannette Simpson, assistant general manager at Denbies, said the race had developed into "a fantastic day event" during its four years. She said: "The organisation by Events to Live is faultless and the energy and enthusiasm by all participants is tremendous.
"This is a great event that showcases the Surrey Hills perfectly and, at the same time, the number of new visitors it attracts to the area cannot be underestimated."
The event is heavily charity-based, with runners raising money for Breast Cancer Care, Samaritans and the Royal Marsden, among others. A donation is also made to the National Trust and Surrey Girlguiding (East) who provided cheery marshals around the course.
Event administrator Nicky Donbavand said: "The event raises money for the Children's Trust in Tadworth. We hope to raise more than £50,000 for them this year. It's great to be able to support so many fantastic causes."
The event was sponsored by Powerbar UK, Mizuno Europe, Gore Running Wear and Yurbuds Sport Earphones, as well as receiving support from local retailer Run to Live.
The Bacchus will be back again next year, on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Entries for the event will open next month.
The next event organised by Events to Live is the Denbies 10, which takes place on October 20.
For information or to enter, visit www.events tolive.co.uk
