Runners shine in half marathon

IN GLORIOUS sunshine and a dying wind, this year's Hastings Half Marathon broke many records but the Â£7,000 incentive offered by Manor Insurance for the first woman to crack the elusive 71 minute mark went unclaimed.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Mar 2003, 15:11 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 23:19 BST

Jane Omoro ran her heart out to record the second fastest time by a female in the 19-year history of the event in 71.52, eight seconds quicker than Russian Yelena Burkina while Mara Yamuchi (Harrow) was the top UK runner.

The men's race predictably turned into an all Kenyan dual which was won by Johnson Mururi in 63.26 closely followed by training partner Isaac Arusei.

The leading British athlete was Adrian Mussett (Colchester) in fifth place with Barry Royden (Medway) ninth and clubmate Gareth Williams 10th.

A record total of 3,895 runners took part which included more than a thousand women - more than ever before.

The Hastings Lions Club hopes to raise a record amount of money to take the grand total for the history of the race past the magical 1m mark.

Gareth Williams