No.328 Phil Anthony leads at the start of the Asford 10k Picture:Gary Browne

By Alan Newman

Phil Anthony of Invicta East Kent headed a field of 800 starters to win the Givaudan Ashford 10k on Sunday morning.

In the absence of the defending champion and four-time winner, Mike Coleman, it was time for the 30-year-old to shine with a personal best of 30min 57sec.

Maximilian Nicholls (34.35) of Tonbridge was runner-up and first junior athlete ahead of Martin Footman (34.37) from Worthing.

Andrew Abbott (M40, 35.46) from Wales was the leading master and local men in-form included Ashley Howes (36.32) of Larkfield; Allen Jones (M40, 37.48) of Medway & Maidstone and James Stickells (38.48) and Martin Taylor (M40, 39.01) of Larkfield.

Rona Loubser (37.19) of Folkestone Running Club won the women’s race narrowly from junior athlete, Grace Nicholls (37.27) of Tonbridge, with Louise Vallier (W45, 38.06) of Arena 80 third.

Sharon Hawkins (W45, 39.05) of Maidstone Harriers was sixth, Nicola Groom (39.18) of Larkfield seventh and Helena Penfold (40.04) of Medway & Maidstone AC eighth in a strong showing by local runners.