A total of 450 athletes accepted the challenge of 30C heat and an undulating course to complete the 37th Dartford Half Marathon on a sweltering Sunday morning, writes Alan Newman.

The Dartford Half is the longest continuously-held event in the Kent road race calendar. Steve Ovett won the inaugural race in 1977 and went on to achieve Olympic 800m glory in Moscow three years later.

This year’s winners were Peter Tucker (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) in 1:15.09 and Clare Reeves (Bexley) in a personal best 1:25.15 for 10th place overall.

Tucker was two minutes clear of Dan Watt (Tunbridge Wells, 1:17.20) with Buzz Shephard (Dulwich, 1:19.40) completing the podium.

The women’s race was equally strung out, with Reeves (1:25.15) finishing almost two minutes ahead of Hannah Bridger (Axe Valley Runners, 1:27.09).

Tina Oldershaw (W45 Paddock Wood, 1:28.10) was a remarkable 10 minutes clear of the pack in third place.