Dan dedicates best result to Reg

The Hastings Athletic Club talent came sixth overall and was once again the leading local competitor in the Hastings Lions Club-organised event on Sunday morning.

Anderson said: “I dedicate that run to Reg Wild. I was thinking about him as I was running round, especially on Queensway. He started me off running on the track when I was 12 or 13 and he was in my mind today.

“He used to give me tips for running uphill and he was like me in that he didn’t like the warm weather. But there was a lot of shade up Queensway and no wind which is always a blessing.”

The 34-year-old eclipsed his previous highest placing of seventh in 2006, although his time of 1:12:35 was 54 seconds slower than his course beat which he set when crossing the line ninth last year.

“I wasn’t feeling great, I’ve been getting over a chest infection,” continued Anderson, runner-up in the Hastings 100th Anniversary Marathon in December 2008 having led much of the way. “But I was very pleased with my running.”

Wild died last August having been a stalwart of Hastings AC and a great supporter of the town’s youth. Among the many athletes he helped over the years was former Olympian Sean Baldock.

See tomorrow’s Hastings Observer for the full article.