The sudden heat wave saw 650 starters in the Dartford Half Marathon headed home by Birmingham University student, Jonny Gilby, in 1hr 10min 3sec.

Dartford Harriers were formed in 1922 and the half marathon race started in 1977 with a surprise win for 21-year-old Steve Ovett, who defeated Olympic marathoner Barry Watson by 21sec in a course record 1hr 5min 38sec.

The 36th edition of the race hosted the Kent Grand Prix and featured a trophy defence by W40 Maria Heslop (Paddock Wood, 1:25:13) in the women's race. Heslop was only four seconds slower than her winning time last year, despite the humid conditions.

At the front of the pack, Gilby (pictured) had carved out an insurmountable lead from Peter Tucker (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, 1:12:35) and Alex Brooks (Serpentine, 1:17:06).

Maria Heslop had two minutes in hand over W35 Hazel Vuvi (Dartford Road Runners, 1:27:22) and Emily Proto (Arena 80, 1:27:35) in the women's race.

Leading locals included Liz Weeks (Sittingbourne Striders, 1:27:42), W45 Sharon Hawkins (Maidstone Harriers, 1:32:19), Sarah Mooney (Larkfield, 1:32:38), W35 Caroline Terburgh (Larkfield, 1:36:24) and W35 Heather Fitzmaurice (Sevenoaks, 1:36:43). Janet Lenton (Orpington Road Runners, 1:49:09) was the W55 age group winner.