Andrew Pickett (Dartford Harriers) was the sole athlete from 168 finishers to breach the hour in the Chas Ryman memorial Sittingbourne 10 mile race on Sunday.

The race was held in perfect running conditions but the hilly course held the winner back to a modest time of 59 minutes 56 seconds.

The podium was completed by New Eltham’s Bryan Maillardet (60.30) and Kris Noble of host club Sittingbourne Striders (61.02).

Local runners who stood out included fourth placed Steve Groom (Larkfield, 61.10) and fifth placed John Kraushaar (Dartford Harriers, 61.16).

Age group winners were M40 Tony Crowder (Blackheath and Bromley, 63.34), M50 Tony Mason (Dartford Road Runners, 67.08), M60 David Thornby (Maidstone Harriers, 69.41) and M70 Eric Schofield (Tunbridge Wells, 84.07).

The women’s race was won by Tina Oldershaw (W45, Paddock Wood) in sixth overall in 62min10sec.

Liz Weeks (Sittingbourne Striders, 63.07) set a personal best in second place and W35 Caroline Terburgh (Larkfield AC, 69.14) was third.

Dartford Harriers claimed the men’s team prize from Maidstone Harriers while in the women’s team race it was Maidstone Harriers first from Petts Wood Runners.