Greg Deacon stormed to victory in Sunday's Benfleet 15 as he finished well ahead ofthe men's field.
The Basildon AC runner completed the gruelling 15-mile course in one hour 28 seconds, two minutes and 57 seconds clear of second-placed Dan Mercer (1:31:50) and third-placed Alan Broughton (1:32:30).
It was the fifth time Deacon had competed in the annual race, with his best results before being a second and a third.
"I went ahead at seven miles and picked up the pace from there," said Deacon.
"The wind was behind me for the last couple of miles which helped."
Janet Cobby of New Eltham Joggers was first lady home and first past the castle after taking the lead at the two-mile mark, in a winning time of 1:53:07.
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