Dorney Lake, Windsor has recently become synonymous with distance running in England but the venue became famous when it hosted 30 of the water-based events in the 2012 London Olympics, with Team GB taking a dozen medals. 

The Dorney Lake course nestles amongst 450 acres of glorious parkland, which includes an Arboretum and Nature Conservation area. The spectacular venue boasts miles of flat, smooth tarmac roads, which are ideal for runners chasing fast times.

Purple Patch Running now part of The Race Organiser family, was responsible for the latest events that drew nearly 600 participants to the iconic setting for Dorney Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races.

The biggest field – with 272 finishers in 3:04:07 – went in the half marathon with wave starts from 09:00am. The top three prize winners in the men's race were Ben Williams (Swansea Harriers, 1;11:47 PB), Richard King (M40 Lonely Goat RC, 1:14:40 PB) and Dasos Gonnella (Orion Harriers, 1:15:04).

The women's race leaders were India Lee (Winchester, 1:18:50 PB), Melanie Wilkins (1:18:57) and Megan Taylor (Lewes AC, 1:23:53 PB). The 90-minute barrier was breached by the top 90 runners in an absolute PB-fest.    

Ben Tyler (Medway and Maidstone, 31:47 PB) and Ruby Woolfe (Thames Hare & Hounds, 36:39 PB) took the honours in the 10K, while Chris Hepworth (Ealing Southall & Middlesex, 15:39 PB) and W40 Lesley Locks (Aldershot Farnham & District, 17:21 PB) were on top form in the 5K.

Looking ahead, the Dorney Lake venue will be in action again for the same three race distances on 22 May and The Race Organiser's fabled Marathon Prep Dorney Lake event (pictured above) is scheduled for 12 September to fit in with the Autumn marathon season, including London. 

Results from Dorney Lake are available via runABC South race listing

Image courtesy The Race Organiser