ALMOST 800 runners competed in the 21st Tunbridge Wells half-marathon won by Julian Rendall, of Tonbridge Athletic Club, in a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 51 seconds.

The first woman home was Tina Oldershaw, of Paddock Wood Athletic Club, who completed the course in one hour, 25 minutes and 10 seconds.

Neither beat the course records of (men) one hour five minutes and 33 seconds, set by Barry Royden in 1999 or (women) one hour 15 minutes and 36 seconds, set by Andrea Green in 2001.

The race started and finished at Tunbridge Wells Sports, Pool and Indoor Tennis Centre in St John's Road.

It took runners through Southborough, Bidborough, Penshurst, Fordcombe and Langton Green before re-entering Tunbridge Wells at Mount Ephraim.

Winners of both the male and female team events came from Tunbridge Wells Harriers.

Tonbridge Athletic Club and Serpentine Running Club men's teams were second and third respectively, and Serpentine and Paddock Wood AC were second and third in the women's event.

The event was organised by members of Tunbridge Wells Harriers.