ORGANISERS and runners have praised the success of marathon events at the weekend.

The new Saltmarsh Ultra and Saltmarsh half marathons saw hundreds of people taking part in the sell-out event.

The Saltmarsh Ultra saw runners tackle more than 50 miles of the Maldon district’s 75-mile coastline in one day.

Competitors started from South Woodham Ferrers and followed the Dengie Peninsula to Maldon’s Promenade Park.

The Saltmarsh Half Marathon covered 13.5 miles of the Saltmarsh Coast Trail.

The route is almost entirely off-road along the River Crouch from South Woodham Ferrers to Burnham’s Riverside Park.

Harry Smith was first home in the challenging Ultra run, with a time of under eight hours.

He said: “We definitely had the weather gods on our side.

“Fifty miles of Essex marshes and on my doorstep takes a lot of beating.

“Thanks to all the organisers – well done to all.”

A spokesman for the event said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in the event – our volunteers, sponsors and partners.”

All photos were taken by Maldon District Council.