120 walkers take on 80km endurance event
About 120 walkers took on the first Shropshire Way 80km Walk in the south of the county.
Walkers from their mid-20s to mid-70s set off from Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms at 9am on Saturday morning with the aim of returning within 24 hours.
Every 10 miles were local food stations and drink stations at various points.
Grant Wilson, manager at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, said the entry fee will go to the centre.
He said: "They are sent off in a big circular loop around south Shropshire, the walkers passed through Church Stretton, Bishop's Castle and Clun.
"The quickest walker, Chris Dunkerley, took just under 11 hours.
"The walkers stay up the whole time, it's a massive endurance event.
"There's check points where we introduce people to the food of the area.
"This is the first time we've done it and we were delighted, it went so well."
Mr Wilson added: "Our plan is to expand it next year and include a 10k and marathon route.
"This long distance walking is a really low profile sport, it exists in remote locations so a lot of people don't know about it.
"I think it's going to grow and grow and grow now as people feel the need to push themselves.
"It's also supporting the rural economy as people travelled to the county and spent the weekend here. We're really pleased from that respect, it's a win win."
For more information visit shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk/
