DEFYING high winds, 250 runners competed in the fourth annual 10k Jigsaw Run at Dunsfold Park in aid of Jigsaw Trust, which operates a specialist day school on site for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Runners took part in a pre-race warm up led by Rob Dale of Get Fit Boot Camp, before completing two laps of Dunsfold Park’s perimeter road, passing the resident Boeing 747 and crossing the famous BBC Top Gear start/finish line. The first person past the post was Ben Short with a time of 36mins 15secs and the fastest woman was Debbie Aitken in a time of 44mins 23secs.

In addition to their medals and goody bags, each received a gift pack courtesy of Horsham-based Firebird Brewing Company.

Jigsaw’s community and events fundraiser Yvette Copping said: “Competitors from previous years tell us that they really enjoy taking part in the Jigsaw Run. Dunsfold Park is an ideal course on closed roads, flat with some interesting landmarks to run past plus, of course, the fun of crossing the Top Gear line. We are grateful to everyone who has taken part today for contributing to Jigsaw Trust’s fundraising endeavours and to all the volunteers who have helped to make the event possible – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Money raised from the run – supported by Cranleigh-based Informed Choice – will be used to buy sports, therapy and IT equipment for pupils.