Medway and Maidstone's Tom Collins was one of just three runners to break the two-hour barrier at the 32nd North Downs 30k run, writes Alan Newman.

Athletes started in four waves according to their anticipated finishing times to ease congestion on the narrow paths but accurate results were still achieved through chip timing technology.

Chris Greenwood (M40, Kent AC) was first back to Cascades Leisure Centre, Gravesend in 1hr55min43sec, exactly three minutes behind the course record set by Huw Lobb (Serpentine) in 2011.

Greenwood had a Serpentine representative, Glenn Hughes (1:57.13), in his wake and M&M's Collins (1:58.07) in third.

Four-time champion Julian Rendall (Tonbridge, 2:00.03), could hardly have come closer to a sub-two hour run in fourth place and locals in the top 20 were Mark Wilkins (M&M, 2:06.43), Tim Erskine (M&M, 2:09.58), Kris Noble (Sittingbourne Striders, 2:11.57), Paul Jones (Istead & Ifield Harriers, 2:13.25) and Andrew Green (M45 Dartford Road Runners, 2:17.03). Steve Cable (Istead & Ifield, 2:21.31) was first M50.

The women’s race was led by Amy Clements (Kent AC, 2:13.46) with 2012 and 2013 champion Mel Frazier (W35 Gravesend Road Runners, 2:17.15) chasing hard. Cath Stibbs (W35 Kent AC, 2:25.38) completed the podium.

Jenny Fowler (W35 M&M, 2:48.46) made a rare long-distance appearance to finish 21st and there were leading positions for Emilie Kent (Dartford Road Runners, 2:49.11), Eloise Smith (Rebel Runners Medway, 2:50.53), Alison Davey (W35 Sittingbourne Striders, 2:51.19), Alison Flynn (Dartford Road Runners, 2:57.23) and master athletes Rosie Williams (W45 Sittingbourne Striders, 2:57.46) and Caroline Richards (W50 Paddock Wood, 2:58.31).