The 14th Halstead and Essex Marathon, organised by Halstead Road Runners, was won by Hendrik Zietsman (Southend AC) in 2hrs 38min 17 secs, on a hot, sunny Sunday.
Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders) was second in 2:48:06, and last year's winner Nick Hodges (Dorking & Mole Valley AC) third in 2:54:54.
First lady home was Michaela Wall (Lingfield RC) in 3:29:03, 47th overall.
Tina Hull (Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners) was second in 3:35:27, 68th overall, and third Claire Gaskill (Istead and Ifield Harriers) in 3:38:48, 72nd overall.
Just under 500 runners took part, with 65-year-old Keith Scrivener of Great Bentley RC completing his 100th marathon in 5:39:11.
The club held an informal celebration for him at race HQ, the leisure centre.
The 26.2-mile course was around the country lanes north east of Halstead through Pebmarsh and Twinstead.
The Road Runners had eight finishers, with Gavin Allen first home in 3:17:23 and 22nd overall. Matthew Biggin, who is the Halstead and Essex Marathon entries secretary, finished 102nd overall. Andrew Wilmot finished third in the Male 60 category.
Results: 22nd Gavin Allen, 3:17:23; 32nd Dean Jay, 3:24:07; 86th Bob Langley, 3:41:55; 102nd Matthew Biggin, 3:46:06; 146th Nigel Stinchcombe, 3:59:30; 169th Andy Wilmot, 4:05:51; 271st Mark Fribbens, 4:36:51; 288th Bob Parmenter 4:41:58.
The support from the marshalls, local organisations and charities was immense.
These included 1163 Squadron Air Cadets, Witham Army Cadets, Halstead Explorer Scouts, Halstead Day Centre staff, The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital supporters, Essex Air Ambulance supporters and pupils of Gosfield School.
The public of Halstead and villages also played a vital role as they cheered the runners round the undulating course.
Many entrants reported that they were inspired by the local vociferous support out on the lanes – including people out with hoses and ice lollies for runners.
Water stations were manned by Gt Bentley RC, Tiptree RR, Witham RC, Harwich Runners and Woodlands Gym.
Log on to
www.halsteadandessexmarathon.co.uk for full results.
l Two Sudbury Joggers took part, with the sizzling heat having an effect on good times. Andy Buck completed the course for 89th place in 3:43:44, a great performance on his part.
Paddy Lavin pulled out at the 19th mile due to the heat. He cycled the rest of the course using a spectator's bike.
The full article contains 424 words and appears in Suffolk Free Press newspaper.
