Overnight Cotswold Marathon takes place despite snow

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Snow and sub-zero temperatures have not stopped hundreds of scouts and guides completing an overnight marathon.

Some 250 participants took part in the 39th Cotswold Marathon, a 36-mile (58km) overnight trek in the Cotswolds.

Organiser Alan Metherall said it had been a "very wintry night" with sleet, snow, rain, fog and ice, but lots of people had enjoyed the night out.

Three years ago the event was cancelled for the first time in its history because of snow and icy conditions.

'Great night'

The hike started on Saturday at 17:00 GMT from Murray Hall in Gloucester.

"It has been a really great night for the participants," said Mr Metherall.

"They were all well prepared, carrying warm weather kits, emergency packs and things like that."

Three routes make up the event ranging from a 12-mile (19km) bronze route for 12-14 year olds to the full 36-mile (58km) hike for those over the age of 15.

The current record for the longest route is 5 hours 35 minutes, set in 1987.

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