Cole Gibbens and Chelsea Baker successfully defended their respective titles at Sunday’s sell-out ParkerSteel Canterbury 10-Mile Road Race.

Gibbens, of Tonbridge AC, took the win with 53min31sec in a race which featured a leading group of five before Gibbens opened a gap around the six-mile mark in dry but breezy weather.

Runner-up for the second year running was super-vet Barry Stephenson (53.41), from Dartford RoadRunners, and he was closely followed by Petts Wood runner Oliver Knowles, who set a massive personal-best time of 53.52 for third.

In fourth was Tonbridge AC member Dan Bradley (53.56).

An outstanding performance from Bristol & West AC runner Baker secured victory in the ladies’ field again with 58.10.

Second went to Grace Baker from Hastings AC, who set a big personal-best time of 58.24.

Tonbridge AC’s Imogen Amos completed the top three in 1:01.40 while three-time winner Helen Gaunt was fourth and won the V35 prize.

Overall, there were 1,400 entries at the event, organised by Invicta East Kent AC.

Race director Glenn Mousley said: “We’re really pleased with the race this year and how things worked out with the revised course.

“There was a great energy around race headquarters and in the race itself, with positivity all around. A good turn-out from both club runners and those not affiliated gave a real feeling of inclusiveness. We also welcomed a number of blind and deaf runners.

“I would like to thank all of the runners for participating and also our sponsors. We are very grateful to the many volunteers and organisers who give up their time, including early on a Sunday morning to work on the race.

“We hope to be back next January.”

In the men’s team race, Petts Wood Runners won a very close contest.

Thanet RoadRunners came second and Canterbury Harriers were third.

Tonbridge AC were out in force with their top three allowing them to gain victory in the ladies’ race, ahead of Petts Wood Runners.

Canterbury Harriers finished third.