One-Two finish for HRR at The Sussex Marathon

Taking first and second place on the podium, runners from Heathfield Road Runners dominated the Sussex Marathon, which is billed as one of the toughest in the UK.

Held on Sunday 11 October after a one year gap the Sussex Marathon event, comprising a full 26.2 mile marathon and a 13.1 mile half marathon course, returned to the lanes of Heathfield and surrounding villages.

The dry and sunny day saw nearly 200 participants take on the challenging route touring the undulating lanes around the town as well as the villages of Vines Cross, Warbleton, Rushlake Green and Punnets Town.

The event is hailed as one of the toughest road marathons in the UK and has one of the largest overall elevation gains of any UK road marathon.

First in for Heathfield Road Runners and winning the marathon was James Cox with a time of 3 hours 7 minutes and 34 seconds.

In close second place, and just over 10 minutes minutes behind the leader, was David Woollard, again for Heathfield Road Runners, with a time of 3 hours 18 minutes and 40 seconds.

In the half marathon event Heathfield Road Runners also fielded a strong team with 7 runners taking part in the event.

First in for the club was Rowan Baker with a time of 1.39.17 (8th), followed by Will Blanford 1.49.25 (20th); Rachel Wilson 2.08.49 (45th); Niki Marr 2.08.50 (46th); Michelle Spates 2.08.50 (47th); Fleur Blanford 2.11.35 (43rd) and Michael Goodsell in his debut half marathon in 2.28.31 (72nd).

For full results visit www.sussexmarathon.co.uk