Sixty-three runners undertook an eco-friendly ultra marathon on Sunday.

The 50km course, organised by Matt Jones, took participants from Lydiard Park to Broad Hinton, Chiseldon, Coate Water, Old Town and Purton.

Runners from around the country descended on Swindon at 7am on Sunday to take part in the event. Max Roger won the race with a time of 4:52:40.

The Ultra Trail 50k proved to be a big success, with runners praising the route and the sustainability of the event.

Kevin Brettle, who lives in Swindon and usually completes 20 marathons a year, said: "It was well-planned and it was a great route, a beautiful terrain.

"I hope it’s here next year because this is the sort of place you want a trail marathon. There's no better way of seeing what’s around you."

Sunday's event was Emily Danvers' second ultra marathon and she managed to win the women's second place trophy.

Emily, who went to Bradon Forest School but now lives in Seaford, said: "It's a lovely trophy and they've done it all sustainably so that attracted me to the event. I hate it when you're just given a t-shirt and stuff you don't want."

The medals and trophies awarded to participants are made from wood. Runners were also given the option to plant a tree with Trees not Tees instead of receiving a post-race t-shirt.

Emily explained that she prefers the ultra model to regular marathons. Any distance which is longer than a marathon - 42.2km - is deemed an ultra marathon.

She said: "You get to see parts of the countryside you would never normally see. Just to be out there in nature is so peaceful and something about this longer distance is relaxing.

"Every mile of a normal marathon I keep thinking I’m not going fast enough so with this I can enjoy the moment and experience."

Organiser Matt Jones said: "Swindon doesn’t have many races like this. I hope to put on an event in Swindon every year.

"I’ve done Paris and Chicago marathons and all the waste produced is disgusting really. It sparked something in me and I decided I’d do something differently."

Matt litter picked before and after the event and organised collection boxes so that old running gear could be reused.