The Pilgrim Marathon in Farnham has been voted the number one event in the UK outside London.

The accolade came from the UK’s largest-selling runner’s magazine, Runner’s World.

When the event started it was ranked eighth – although it was named the ‘best new marathon’.

The magazine checked out 22 UK marathons and the Farnham Pilgrim came top.

Its judges said: “You know that when Pilgrims are involved, it’s certainly not going to be a walk in the park.

“This route partially follows the Pilgrim’s Way, which starts in Winchester and ends in Canterbury.

“It’s mostly off-road in the Surrey Hills between Farnham and Guildford, so the pain of the ascents will be compensated, to some degree, by the beautiful countryside.”

Lynda Pattie of Farnham Weyside Rotary Club – and organiser of the Pilgrim Marathon – said: “I am delighted, on behalf of everyone involved, that the Pilgrim Marathon has received this accolade, and congratulate the team on their efforts.”

The Pilgrim Marathon takes place on September 4 this year.

To find out more about it and to register to take part, see the website https://www.farnhampilgrim.org.uk/ and check out their Facebook page.

To find out about Farnham Weyside Rotary Club and what they do, take a look at the website www.farnhamweyside.org.uk and its Facebook page, or contact the secretary by email at [email protected]

Michael Buttler