More than 800 people, including participants from as far as Perth and Ireland, have successfully completed this year's Orwell Challenge.

The event, which is now in its 47th year, offered a new event for 2024 with challengers given the opportunity to do a clock-timed Ultra Marathon for the first time. 

On Sunday, 13 trail runners set out to complete the new 55km course. 

Many also completed the course's 26 mile route or other smaller distances covering the shoreline.

One challenge facing many was warm temperatures, with volunteers supporting participants as they reached various checkpoints and reported sweltering conditions of up to 25 degrees.

Sarah Brill and Rachel and Becky Hughes took on the challenge in memory of their parents.Sarah Brill and Rachel and Becky Hughes took on the challenge in memory of their parents. (Image: Lesley Dolphin)

Participants stopped along the shoreline.Participants stopped along the shoreline. (Image: Steve Favell)

Those taking part took in the banks of the Orwell Estuary  before heading up through woodland and farmland.

Their final steps saw them reach the Head Quarters at Gainsborough Sports Club in Ipswich before each participant received an official medal and certificate for taking part.

A drone shot showing Fishponds near Levington MarinaA drone shot showing Fishponds near Levington Marina (Image: Mick Rudkins)

The Orwell Challenge is Suffolk's largest multi-charity fundraiser and is organised by Ipswich East Rotary Club. 

One group took on the challenge to raise money for the Ipswich Samaritans. One group took on the challenge to raise money for the Ipswich Samaritans. (Image: Lesley Dolphin)

Co-ordinator John Button said, “We were delighted again this year by the huge support we had for this event.

"We literally can’t raise the money we do each and every year for so many Suffolk charities without the participants. As a club we are also indebted to our many sponsors including our main sponsor MCP PLC."

Brave participants completed the challenge in fancy dress and also in 25 degree heat!Brave participants completed the challenge in fancy dress and also in 25 degree heat! (Image: Steve Favell)

Club President George Woodward also praised Ipswich East Rotary Club for turning out en masse as an army of volunteers manning the checkpoints in the warm weather. 

Those taking part in the Orwell Challenge could complete a range of distances, including the newly added 55km Ultra Marathon.Those taking part in the Orwell Challenge could complete a range of distances, including the newly added 55km Ultra Marathon. (Image: Steve Favell)

800 people completed this year's Orwell Challenge.800 people completed this year's Orwell Challenge. (Image: Steve Favell)

He added: “It was my great privilege to also welcome the Mayor Ipswich Cllr Elango K. Elavalakan, who helped our volunteers to hand out refreshments and to mark competitors’ cards as part of his visit to the Levington Creek checkpoint."