SAM Mayglothling was crowned king of the hill as he brought the Darrens Dash title back to Herefordshire.

The Wye Valley Runner conquered the punishing 5.5 mile off-road course which started in Longtown before climbing the eastern ridge of the Black Mountains in a time of 46 minutes and 20 seconds.

Despite sweltering temperatures of 26 degrees celsius some 72 competitors took on the senior race.

After a warm up lap of the event field the Darrens Dash route took runners steeply up through Cayo Farm and to the Rhiw before entering Wales.

Competitors reach the course high point of 552 metres and then a fast descent to the Olchon Valley.

It was Mayglothling's first attempt at the race and he took the lead from the start before building up an unassailable lead of 1 minute 28 seconds on last year's winner Dan Sandford (Forest of Dean Athletic Club).

Sandford's team-mate Leyton Fleet finishing third while Toby Pearson, of Walterstone, came fourth in 49.47 to win the fastest local prize.

The women's event was won by Rona Davies (Mynydd Ddu) won in a time of 62 minutes and four seconds. She was chased in by Debbie Stenner (FODAC) for second and Julie Caseley (Malvern Joggers) in third.

In the Castle Canter children’s races, 53 children took part.

Over £1,000 was raised from the event for Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, Longtown PTFA and Longtown Pre-School.