Connor takes it in his stride
Tunbridge Wells HalfMarathon
James Connor came out on top in the Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells HalfMarathon on Sunday.
Kent AC runner Connor made light of the scenic but challenging course, which included a 300ft ascent of Spring Hill at Fordcombe, to win in 1hr 9min 50sec.
Dean Lacy of Cambridge Harriers was second in 1:10.18 with Steve Fennell of Tonbridge AC the first local home in third, a further 45 seconds back.
Ben Shearer of Cambridge Harriers was the leading V40 finisher, in fourth overall in 1:11.15, while the unattached William Hobbs was the leading junior, claiming ninth in 1:14.17.
Tonbridge AC’s Julian Rendall (1:13.34) and Greg Cole (1:13.38) achieved top-10 finishes while Colin Tricker was the leading Paddock Wood AC runner home in 13th place in 1:17.13.
Sam Begg was the top finisher from host club Tunbridge Wells Harriers, stopping the clock in 1:17.59, good enough for 14th.
Paddock Wood’s Maria Heslop won the women’s race and was 34th overall, crossing the line in 1: 22.27, 30 seconds and one place ahead of runner-up Hazel Behagg of Dartford Road Runners.
Heslop’s clubmate Tina Oldershaw was third in 1: 26.40.
Two Dragons Running Club members took part, Paul Pizzey finishing 248th in 1: 37.14 and Viki Garrett running a personal best of 2: 22.00 to finish 1,414th of 1,520 runners who completed the course.
Over the last five years the race has donated more than £120,000 to charity with thousands more expected to be handed to chosen causes the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Counselling Centre and Bridge Trust this year.