Record-breaking half marathon

Around 4,500 entries were received for the 22nd annual staging of the UK's leading race of its kind, bettering the previous highest mark - set last year - by approximately 100.

And the bumper line-up, collectively raising thousands of pounds for worthy causes, enjoyed pretty much ideal conditions with sunny skies and a relatively calm yet crisp South Easterly wind.

There was a surprise winner too in the form of Dover-based Michael Coleman, who became the first British victor since Ian Cornford in 1997.

The Medway & Maidstone athlete trailed Kenyan Christopher Boit most of the way, but a blistering wind-assisted final few miles along the seafront saw him home in the slowest winning time for 19 years of 1.06.40.

The leading local runner was Hastings AC member Daniel Anderson, who came home in a fine seventh place.

Kenyan born UK international Birhan Dagne repeated her success of 1998 in winning the women's race by just nine seconds from Alice Braham (Harrow AC).

The Manor Insurance-sponsored Mini Run - a shortened run along the seafront for children aged 11-16 - also attracted a record gathering of 340.

Hastings' run-loving public again came out in force to cheer on the runners, who included several stars of the television screen, around the 13-mile course.

The presentation will take place at The Hastings Centre on Friday April 28 and the prizes will be handed out by Meridian television sports presenter Iain McBride.