WITHAM Running Club's Vicky Hunt claimed a third club record of the year at the Southend half marathon.

She stormed home in a new personal best (PB) of one hour 36 minutes 20 seconds as the first lady home, having successfully hunted down Alex Stuckey and Bill Smythe.

Dave Campbell was Witham RC's first man home in a new PB of 1h 26m 49s, building on his impressive Brighton marathon performance in April.

Steve Watson ran an impressive race, looking strong all the way to finish in a new PB of 1h 32m 21s.

Charlotte Elms continues to improve at an impressive rate and knocked four minutes off her previous PB to finish in 1h 47m 22s.

Louise Pasco and Karen Flowers also clocked up PBs, while Sasha Rush successfully completed her first half marathon.

The Southend half marathon course is mainly a flattish double loop of the seafront from Shoeburyness up to the Sealife centre and back.

There were numerous sponge and water stations along the course which were very welcome.

Runners could see fellow runners going the opposite way along the front, which made for great camaraderie.

There were lots of crowds out who were very supportive, with Graham Roberts, Liz Stuckey and David Hunt in attendance to support the runners.

Witham Running Club finishers: Dave Campbell 01:26:49 PB; Steven Watson 01:32:21 PB; Vicky Hunt 01:36:20 PB;

Bill Smythe 01:37:15; Alex Stuckey 01:40:10; Mark Lynch 01:45:38; Charlotte Elms 01:47:22 PB; Ross Silverton 01:53:26; Anita Grainger 01:55:46; Louise Pascoe 02:01:35 PB; Sasha Rush 02:04:14; Jo Smythe 02:05:24; Karen Flowers 02:08:15 PB.