JULIAN Rendall ran a fantastic time of 59.06 minutes to win Weymouth’s 10-mile road race on its 57th anniversary.

Organised by the Egdon Heath Harriers, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council mayor, Cllr Gill Taylor started the race and 240 competitors raced along the Esplanade, before meeting a challenging double loop around Bowleaze.

Second place went to Luke Byrne of Swindon Harriers (1.00.13), while third-place was claimed by Paul Card of Yeovil Town RRC (1.02.36).

The first woman over the finish line was Jessica Marshall of Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers, who ran a superb time of 1.14.14.

The male team trophy went to Bustinskin Triathlon Club and the female team trophy to Royal Manor of Portland AC.

Race director Damien Summerscales said: “The event this year was notable because of the great community spirit which it generated.

“Many who took part were relatively new runners, who had progressed from the popular five kilometre Parkrun to the Egdon Easy (10k) and now this historic 10-mile race.

“Egdon Heath Harriers welcome runners of all abilities, from enthusiastic racers to social plodders as the enjoyment of running is their common bond.”

Summerscales also expressed his thanks to the the event`s sponsors, Laceys Solicitors of Bournemouth and Sainsbury`s Weymouth and praised the support provided this and every year by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Weymouth Pavilion.

Summerscales added: “Thanks also go to the many race marshals who volunteered their time to make this event safe and

enjoyable for competitors and spectators alike.”