Speaking on behalf of a team of organisers, chairman Suzanne Rathbone said: "The weather was lovely and we had lots of positive feedback. People got round in good times and there were no major injuries. The numbers are pretty much the same as in previous years, it's still going strong."

She added: "We want to thank the teachers, parents of Harby school pupils, Belvoir First Aid and Raynet (amateur radio company), and special thanks to the people from Harby village and other people who are unconnected to the school who gave up their day to help us."

The cash will go towards school outings, trips and equipment.

First aid cover was provided around the course by Belvoir First Aid.

Spokesman Martin Fagan said: "Fourteen volunteers gave support to the event and also the Belvoir First Aid 4x4 ambulance, which patrolled the course to be nearby in the event of any incident. We were pleased to report that a combination of good organisation by the event holders and also the undertaking of a significant risk assessment meant that very few injuries were reported."

BFA was supported in this year's event by Raynet, the amateur radio emergency network which supplied emergency radio communications around the event, and also the ambulance.

Mr Fagan added: "We are still looking for volunteers to help out at local village events, or anybody who wishes to make a donation to support any of our activities."

The charity can be contacted by writing to Belvoir First Aid, PO Box 8852, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 9BR. To find out more, visit www.belvoirfirst aid.org.uk

How they finished: 15 mile men - 1 Mark Bridges (Owls) 1.54; 2 Dave Masser (Hinckley RC) 1.56; 3 Paul Hood (Owls) 1.56; ladies – 1 Beth Eburne (Hinckley RC) 1.55; 2 Kate Wright (Stratford AC) 2.6.26; 3 Jenni Muston (Shepshed RC) 2.6.40. 26 mile men – 1 Andrew Fisher (RAF) 3.26; 2 Colin McCoy (Lincoln Wellington) 3.31; 3 Paul Scholte (Peel Road Runners) 3.32; ladies – 1 Julie Lamb (Owls) 3.52; 2 Naomi Warr (unaffiliated) 4.2; 3 Lisa Joanne Barry (Road Runners Club) 4.10.
1,010 entrants pre-registered; 897 there on the day; 872 finishers; 713 completed the 15 miles and 159 completed 26 miles.
Children from the school who participated were: Emily Towns, Joanna Foxall, Edward Coy, Matthew O'Donnell, Hannah Fulton, Tom Holliday, Daniel Holliday, Matthew Drinkwater.
Oldest competitors Harold Messam – 81 years old. Several youngsters aged eight.