A total of 350 athletes completed the A20 Paths ‘n' Downs Marathon and Half- Marathon on Sunday, writes Alan Newman.

Edward Catmur (Thames Hare and Hounds) took the honours in the longer event with a gun-to-tape victory in 2hr40min11sec from 100 Marathon Club runner David Ross (M45, 2:51.06) and unattached athlete Piotr Lazarewicz (M40, 2:54.34), who was competing in his first marathon.

Lucy Zirbser (Sandhurst Joggers, 3:16.25) took the women’s prize from Sarah Maguire (Canterbury Harriers, 3:19.57) and Mandy Regeness (Lingfield RC, 3:25.38).

The half-marathon field was led by unattached athletes Leszek Ambrozy (1:26.02), Jonathan Hazell (1:27.33) and Jon Richardson (1:28.00). Chris Rampling (1:28.16) was fourth and Mike Murdoch (M45, 1:31.03) was eighth for Maidstone Harriers.

Sarah Gruber (W35 Sittingbourne Striders, 1:32.59) won the women’s race from Penny Holden (W35, 1:34.34) and Sharon Barnett (W35, 1:35.04) of Maidstone Harriers. Elise Rendall (W35 Paddock Wood, 1:35.42) produced a personal best in fourth place despite the tough course.