The Stones in question are the Neolithic henge monument comprising three stone circles just outside the village of Avebury, Wiltshire. Avebury is one of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain as it contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world – quite a target for the masses to aim for from the start in Lewknor, Oxfordshire.

The course climbs onto the high ground of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs before the final dramatic descent into Avebury. Bronze Age forts, neolithic burial chambers and Roman river crossings feature as competitors follow in the footsteps of Vikings, Romans, kings and mythical dragons.

For one couple a much smaller stone had greater significance as a marriage proposal was accepted at the finish! Perhaps the shared endeavour, good humour, spirit and endurance required for Race to the Stones was a metaphor for a successful future together?

The record event is set to raise about £350,000 for charity partners and there were some astonishing performances at the front of the race. The non-stop 100km winner, M40 master Geoffrey Cheshire, averaged 5:09 min/km for 8:36:10 and the top six broke 10 hours, including the first lady Alyssa Clark (USA, 9:35:32).

The 100km winners who indulged themselves with an overnight stop at the Threshold Sports base camp were Liam McIntyre (8:50:07) and Vicky Carre (W40, 10:42:08). The options available also include 50km/one day races and Saturday's winners were Charles Spelina (4:38:23) and Catherine Carney (W40, 5:29:24) while Sunday's victors were Gareth Noot (4:26:24) and Eleanor Warner (W50, 5:24:55).

There are many inspirational stories from runners on the Race to the Stones live event page

Full results are available through runABC South race listing here

Images courtesy event organisers Threshold Sports