Carter sets early pace as Chichester hosts a record-breaking race

Teenager Harry Carter laid down an early marker as this year's Chichester Corporate Challenge got under way in a chilly but packed city centre.

The 19-year-old City of Portsmouth ace beat local favourite James Baker into second place in the first of this year’s series of three race nights.

It was his first victory in the event, with Baker - who has been troubled by shin splints - keeping up his fine consecutive run of top-two finishes stretching back to many years.

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Chichester triathlete Dan Bailey led after the first of four laps but eventually had to settle for fourth.

In this 20th anniversary year of the race, proceedings began with four hotly-contested junior races.

There were some new names among the winners of the primary school races, and plenty of familiar faces among the first home in the events for secondary school pupils.

Well over 700 runners took part across the age groups.

There was also a note of sadness, with organiser Phil Baker inviting runners and spectators to observe a moment’s silence in memory of Keith Davies, a long-time organiser of the DSTL naval team who have had many successes in the event.

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Keith died last October and this year’s DSTL team stood at the front of the field for the tribute.

Watch out for the Observer next week (March 10), when we will feature a full report, pictures and complete list of finishers and their times from all races.

Photos from the first race night are already available to buy via our website. Go to chichester.co.uk and click on ‘how to order a photograph’ at the bottom of the home page or go straight to photostoday.co.uk. To search for Corporate Challenge pictures, search under ‘C110357’