Peter Pearce won the Southend Half-Marathon by leading home a 700-strong field.
Pearce, a 38-year-old pension transfer analyst who lives in Harwich and runs for Great Bentley Harriers was runner-up in 2002.
He covered the course which began and finished from the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre in Eastern Avenue in a time of one hr. 17 mins. 02 secs. for a clear victory.
Making great strides : runners head off from the starting line at Garon Park Pictures: ROB BROWNE
A delighted Pearce said: "My time beat what I did last year by a minute and a quarter and I'm really pleased.
"Conditions were not that easy today as, although it was pretty still and overcast, the humidity was very high.
"It's the second half-marathon I've run this summer -- I was fourth in the previous one -- and obviously I'm really pleased to have triumphed.
"There were some good runners out there. I don't run full marathons due to the fact that work and family commitments mean that I don't have time for the training.
"But the half-marathon distance seems to suit me well. I'll certainly be back to defend my title next year. This is a very good event that is well-marshalled and I enjoy it a great deal."
Published Monday, June 9, 2003
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