HUNDREDS of runners from across the country took part in the biggest ever Race For Wildlife in aid of the Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT) today.

The event acts as a fundraiser for GWT's ongoing conservation projects, while also helping to support its volunteer staff.

Around 320 runners of all ages were registered to run in the 10k and 1K Fun Run events, starting and finishing at Undy Athletic Football Club.

People from running clubs all over Gwent took part, along with some from the Forest of Dean, and further afield, with participants from both Coventry and Staffordshire.

The 10K Race for Wildlife was supported by the Chepstow Harriers, Undy Athletics Football Club, Eastman and Sainsbury's.

The South Wales Argus served at the official media partners for the event.

Younger competitors and their families enjoyed a 1K Fun Run, with many in fancy dress for the occasion.

The Race For Wildlife is now in its fourth year, with nearly a 50 per cent increase on entries compared with last year.

The 10K course began in Undy, and took in areas of the Gwent Levels, such as Magor Marsh.

The overall winner of the race was Matthew Evans, of Treharris, who clocked an impressive time of 35 minutes and 49 seconds.

Mr Evans said: "It's better than I did last year, where I came third.

"It's a great course, with a really nice atmosphere."

The fastest woman was Victoria Baker, of Forest of Dean Athletics Club, who is due to take part in the European Triathlon Championships in Portugal later this month.

She recorded a time of 40 minutes 58 seconds.

Julian Vallance, the event's organiser, said: "This was another fantastic day for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Race for Wildlife.

"This year we had runners from all across South Wales but also from England too and the support year on year has been tremendous.

"We look forward to building on our success again next year."

The trust's chief executive, Ian Rappel, also labelled the day a massive success.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the Gwent Levels, with parts of the nature reserve under threat by the Welsh Government's proposals to build an M4 relief road through the area.

"It's a lovely part of the world and if we're not careful we could lose some of the route that people are running today," Mr Rappel said.

"While we have got that in mind, today has really been about getting out and engaging with people."