PERFECT conditions for running saw three records tumble at the annual Humdinger and Hurtle road races on Sunday.

More than 400 runners tackled the tough courses starting out from Wellsprings Leisure Centre, in Taunton.

Oliver Burrows was first home in the Humdinger half marathon with a course record of 1 hour, 19 minutes and 43 seconds, more than two minutes ahead of runner up Gareth Green, with Taunton Atheltic Club's Ben Tull the first local man home in third.

Mary Menon knocked almost four minutes off the women's best time, clinching fourth spot overall in 1:23:34, with Taunton Athletic Club's Hannah Taunton the second woman in a personal best time of 1:25:10.

Agata Obidowicz clocked a course record for women in the 4.5-mile Hurtle run, racing home in 31:13.

First overall was Marcus Albano in 27:04, beating Danny Doyle and Nick Daniels, both of Taunton Athletic Club.

The hilly Humdinger course weaves its way up to Broomfield and over the Quantock Hills before heading back via Kingston St Mary to the finish.

The Hurtle initially follows the same route, with a two-mile split point, heading for Gotton and down through Cheddon Fitzpaine

Nadine Prouse, of the Running Forever organising committee, said: "It was another successful event with over 400 runners.

"We had some great feedback from the runners and they said the cold weather made it ideal for running.

"We're grateful to the 95 volunteer marshals from Running Forever and the Scouts at the water station."

The event raised funds for the Children's Hospice South West.