Phil Anthony and Maria Heslop were the inaugural winners of the Folkestone Coastal 10k.

The initial course records for this event are Anthony’s 32min 25sec, running unattached and Heslop’s 38.24, competing for Paddock Wood AC.

Anthony (pictured) was joined on the winner’s rostrum by Robert Latala (33.54, unattached) and Matthew Britton (35.22, Ashford AC).

W40 Heslop had to defeat Folkestone favourite Rona Loubser (42.03) and Sarah Gruber (42.17, unattached) for the top prize.

The race took place on a hot and breezy Sunday morning. More than 600 entries were received and local men well placed included Clayton Barrett (36.33, Larkfield); Anthony Harkin (37.23, Medway and Maidstone); Ken Newsome (M50 39.19, Tonbridge); Aaron Hughes (M40 40.33, Maidstone Harriers) and Adrian Moody (M45 41.38, Medway and Maidstone).

Leading women’s results included a personal best for Lowri Richards (43.58, Tonbridge) and a season’s best for Bernadette Harrop (W35 44.25, Medway and Maidstone).

The men’s team award went to Ashford AC while Folkestone Running Club won the women’s team prize.

Early indications are that the event has raised in excess of £20,000 for many worthwhile causes including support for the Gurkha Memorial Fund, Folkestone Youth Project and local Rotary Clubs.