Theo Bately defeated a field of 400 athletes in the Folkestone Rotary Half-Marathon on Sunday, writes Alan Newman.

The 51-year-old Deal Tri member completed the undulating 13.1 miles on the seafront in 1hr18min48sec to finish two minutes clear of Folkestone Running Club’s Andrew Fletcher (1:20.47).

Stephen O’Brien (Folkestone, 1:21.43) finished third to please the home club’s supporters.

Leading local runners included Jack O’Sullivan (M45 Dartford Road Runners, 1:22.29) and Daniel Walsh (Istead and Ifield Harriers, 1:23.08).

Also in good form was ex-Paddock Wood athlete Andy Fletcher (M55 Swaledale, 1:24.52), who was visiting Kent from his new home in the Yorkshire Dales.

Rona Loubser (Folkestone, 1:28.38) took the women’s race ahead of Sarah Mooney (Larkfield, 1:31.41) and Nicola Susans (Larkfield, 1:33.02).

Host club Folkestone won both men’s and women’s team prizes.