Leading local smashes PB

James Mountford smashed his personal best to be the first local finisher in the 29th Hastings Half Marathon on Sunday.
James Mountford was the leading local runner in the 2013 Hastings Half MarathonJames Mountford was the leading local runner in the 2013 Hastings Half Marathon
James Mountford was the leading local runner in the 2013 Hastings Half Marathon

The 28-year-old completed the demanding 13.1-mile course in 1:14:05 to beat Daniel Anderson by two places and 10 seconds. Mountford, who lives in Ore Village, was also the second Sussex finisher behind fifth-placed James Baker, of Chichester Runners & AC.

He said: “I wanted to run my half marathon PB which I did by a couple of minutes. It wasn’t as quick as I was hoping, but I was quite chuffed with that considering how cold it was.

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“I wasn’t expecting to be the second Sussex runner and I was pleased to just be able to beat Dan. That was one goal, but my main focus for the year is the London Marathon and this was a stepping stone. I’m hoping to get a good time; around 2:35 in London.

“I do prefer the full marathon. It’s a more satisfying challenge and you’ve got more time to rectify things. I still like the half marathon. You’re never going to get a really quick time here, but I’m used to this course and it holds no surprises.”

“I’ve gone back to Hastings AC after about 10 years away. The training has definitely given me an edge and I’m seeing the benefits of that. I was doing lots of runs on my own, but it’s easier to motivate yourself when you’re running with other people and it’s more fun.”