Undeterred by its fearsome reputation, hundreds of runners travelled from far and wide to take on the Huddersfield Marathon course.

The race - run over both full and half-marathon distance - was a regular event in the 1970s and 80s and returned for a second time this year, with organisers claiming the many hills on the course make it one of the UK's toughest.

Now organisers hope that its reputation will continue to grow after this year runners journeyed from as far afield as Ireland to take part.

Wayne Law, one of the organisers, said: “It’s gone really well, absolutely superb.

“People were loving it because the weather’s nice and cool - they’ve really gone for it and not been overheating too fast.”

This year’s race started and finished at the Huddersfield YMCA sports complex in Salendine Nook.

The 13-mile course with two laps for the marathon runners saw participants racing through Outlane, Stainland, Scammonden Dam, Scapegoat Hill, Golcar and Longwood.

The event also included a smaller fun run for children to get involved with.

The race is seen as particularly tough as participants are climbing from start to finish.

Wayne said that participants were this year more prepared for the challenges facing them.

He said: “It’s tough but the pay-off is the scenery and people have enjoyed Huddersfield because they say it has better views than other races.

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“Last year lots of people crossing the finish said they found it really tough but this year they were more aware of it - and still coming back smiling.

“We’ve had people from all over the UK taking part, from Ireland and the winner came from Liverpool - he took a taxi, train and three buses to get here!”

Wayne added that participants had praised the dedication of the race marshals and that he hopes it will continue to grow as a Huddersfield-based event.

Next year he hopes that there will be more of a family fete atmosphere at the race finish line, with local people running stalls and other activities.

Money raised from the event will go towards supporting the Brackenhall-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.