The lions of Longleat had to compete for attention on Sunday as more than 500 runners descended on the stately home to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The Cancer Research UK 10 race is part of 35, 10k runs around the grounds of some of the noblest homes in the land, which raise money for the charity. The rain did not dampen the runners' spirits, although it did put an end to the string quartet, which was due to accompany the race around the Longleat estate.

The 560 runners raised an estimated £54,400 in sponsorship, and although they set off in the sun at 11am, they finished wet and muddy at the finish line.

Liz Bundy was running in memory of her father, Pete, who was a park ranger at the Safari Park for 30 years and died from cancer last year. Ms Bundy, of Springfield Road, Westbury, said: "I've been training since February and did the Bath Half Marathon last month.

"This was a bit more muddy but I really enjoyed myself I'd love to go on and do the London Marathon now." She completed the race in one hour nine minutes and has raised a total of £450 from both races so far. She is hoping to split it between the Forever Friends Appeal at the Royal United Hospital, Bath and Cancer Research UK.

Lindsey O'Reilly, 43, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, but was given the all clear in December. Mrs O'Reilly, of Goodwin Close, Warminster, said: "I was unable to do anything physical like this for so long, but when I got better I began going to the gym and thought I'll go for it'."

Mrs O'Reilly said she could not have done it without the support of her husband, Ian, and they both finished the race together in one hour nine minutes too. She has raised a total of £800 for the charity so far, but still has lots of people who are offering to sponsor her.

Each participant was awarded a medal and a goody bag at the end of the race and the fastest runner completed it in 38 minutes.

  • More picture's in this Friday's Wiltshire Times