SOUTHEND AC’s Kerry Holland won the women’s race at the Mel Batty 10km – smashing her own course record in the process.

Holland completed the race – set up to honour south Essex running legend Batty, a former world 10-mile record holder – in 38m 33s which was a minute quicker than the time she set in the inugural running of the race last year.

Her team-mate Sarah Jeffrey was not too far further back as she finished in 41m 13s, while Peter Binns was the V65 winner in 42m 14s.

The race, which finished on Thurrock Harriers’ home track in Grays, was won by Dartford’s Ben Louch in 32m 48s.

The first south Essex runner home was Dennis Cross, who is in the middle of a switch from Thurrock Harriers to Basildon AC.

Cross finished the course in a big personal best time of 34m 45s.

Cross’ soon to be former Harriers team-mate Scott Rice was seventh overall and first V40 in 36m 05s.

There was cause for celebration too from Benfleet RC’s Nick Rankin who broke the club’s V50 record with an outstanding PB time of 37m 41s, a feat that earned him gold for the V50s and 10th overall.

Finishing just behind was team-mate Michael Valbonesi who was close behind in second V50 and 12th overall with 38m 12s.

The third man home for Benfleet was another V50, Michael Whittaker with 39m 46s, meaning the club has three over 50s going sub 40 minutes.

The other Benfleet result to stand out was Greame Newman (V60) who clocked a very impressive time of 45m 07s to come third in his category .

First Benfleet lady home was Sharon Johnson (50m 25s), followed by Mandy Copper with a PB of (52m 25s).

Andy Doig was the first Pitsea RC athlete home in 41m 21s.

Results: Benfleet David Miller: (40:17), David Browning (43:36), Michael Cerny (44:34).

Pitsea Nigel Pointer (48:49), Paul Rawlingson (49:53), Gary Forward (54:34).