Kenyans in command

THE Kenyan domination of the Hastings Half Marathon continued on Sunday as Fred Mogaka took the title back to his homeland for the seventh year in succession.

In fact, his fellow countrymen made up the first four places in the men's event, while the women's title went to Tanzania's Hawa Hussein.

A stiff wind in the final few miles along the seafront meant record times were never an option but Mogaka, pictured, still crossed the line in 1.04.23 - more than a minute ahead of runner-up Wesley Ngetich who was followed by two-time champion Simon Kasimili (1.06.34) and Lezan Kimutai (1.08.09).

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First British runner was fifth-placed Michael Coleman (Medway & Maidstone) in 1.08.23, while leading local athlete was Hastings' Daniel Anderson whose time of 1.14.44 saw him cross the line in 16th position. Leading local woman was Bexhill-based Deborah Burridge who finished in 1.28.48.

Probably the best performance of the day came from sprightly 70-year-old John Alexander (Hastings Runners) who was the 539th finisher in a superb time of 1.39.00.

The event, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary, broke the record for entries and finishers, with a staggering 4,380 signing on and the final figure of 3,302 completing the demanding 13.1-mile course.

Race director Eric Hardwick said: "It was an absolute 100 per cent success. I've got no disappointment at all."

Brother and sister Simon and Lucy Baker won the respective boys and girls races in the Reg Wild-sponsored Mini Run.