SEVERAL Kent athletes went to the Sussex coast in search of fast times in the Brooks Brighton 10k on Sunday but strong winds and rain put paid to many attempts at personal bests.

With 2,500 runners this is one of the most popular 10k races in the country, owing much to its reputation for swift times on the pancake flat seafront course.

The race winner was Steve Sharp (31.10) of Belgrave Harriers who has covered this distance over a minute faster and who ran 30.13 to finish second in this event last year.

Leading Kent athlete was Peter Tucker (10th, 32.51) of Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, who finished one place ahead of Paddock Wood’s Paul Hasler (32.59).

Sam Rigby (25th, 34.15) of Folkestone Running Club and James Ridger (35th, 34.49) of Paddock Wood also caught the eye with outstanding performances.

Natalie Harvey (34.20) of South London Harriers was an impressive winner of the women’s race where Jackie Goad (16th, 40.27) of Dartford Road Runners was the leading Kent athlete.