MORE than 175 intrepid runners set off from Abereiddy Beach early on Saturday morning (March 1) to take part in the ultimate coastal path marathon.

Ras Dewi Sant is in its second year and is held, along with other events in the city, to celebrate St David’s Day.

112 people took part in the half marathon and 64 in the full marathon, with the finishing line on the field of St Davids Rugby Club.

The course took in the sites of the Blue Lagoon, the picturesque fishing village of Porthgain, Whitesands Beach, the lifeboat station at St Justinian’s, Porthclais Harbour, the birth place of St David, St Non’s, Caerfai Bay and St David’s Cathedral.

Ben Sears won the full marathon in a time of 3 hours 52 minutes and 54 seconds, while Jill McGee was the first woman across the finish line in 4 hours 31 minutes and 27 seconds.

The races were organised by Man-Up UK, which is also behind other popular events such as the Brawl in Berea, the Whitesands Challenge and the Mud Run at Celtic Camping.

Organiser Fintan Godkin said: "The event went better than we could have hoped. Again we were blessed with great weather, which helped show off the course in all its beauty to the athletes who travelled from all corners of the UK to take part.

"Myself and Carwyn would like to thank sponsors, Mathew Blakiston of The Bishops and Rhys Price of Voyages of Discovery, plus all the marshals, timekeepers and everyone who helped from St David's RFC.