There were 564 finishers in the Fosters Law Kent Coastal Marathon and Half Marathon at Margate on Sunday with 220 endurance athletes opting to compete in Kent’s only marathon on public roads, writes Alan Newman.

In the marathon, both male and female winners took their categories by over 10 minutes. Daniel Watt (Tunbridge Wells Harriers) was the overall winner in 2hr45min47sec from Stuart Wright (unattached, 2.56.21). Wright pipped the trophy holder Riel Carol (Clapham Chasers, 2.56.38) who was two minutes quicker than last year and the only other athlete to finish under three hours.

Heather Fisher (3.22.12) had a successful trip from Sheffield to claim the ladies’ trophy with Cathryn Simpson (Sheen Shufflers, 3.32.45) runner-up.

The supporting half marathon race was won by Robert Knight (Collingwood, 1.20.08) who was a minute clear of Jamie Smalley (Serpentine, 1.21.06).

Thomas Newman (Warwick University, 1.23.15) was third male behind the outstanding Liz Weeks (Sittingbourne Striders, 1.22.01) who easily took the women’s award.

Elspeth Storrar (London Heathside, 1.31.13) was runner-up to Weeks in the women’s race.