The Basildon Marathon could become a regular fixture, organisers today revealed - despite teething problems.

The weekend's inaugural event may become a yearly occasion if given backing by local services and organisations.

Searing heat didn't stop 6,000 day-trippers heading for Gloucester Park on Sunday for the fun and games. Nearly 400 runners took part in either the marathon or half marathon.

But the heat scorched the ambitions of 40 competitors who were forced to drop out. At one stage Basildon firefighters were drafted in to hose down overheating runners at the top of the gruelling Old Church Hill.

Organiser Kerry Davison, of St Luke's Hospice, will meet with police, course officials and Basildon Council in a fortnight to discuss the event's future.

She said: "If everyone wants it again we will do it again.

"The course was strong enough and the enthusiasm was strong enough. If everyone feels the runners were safe and enjoyed it I feel sure it could become a yearly event."

A combination of the unexpected heatwave and a tough course brought a number of problems to bear on organisers and runners. Two competitors were taken to hospital suffering the effects of heat.

Kerry said: "The heat affected things massively. It was a tough course and the people who did not know the area found it very difficult. I must apologise to runners who did not feel the marshalling was as tight as it could have been."

The day was in aid of St Luke's Hospice in Basildon. One family whose relative was helped by the hospice stepped in to man a water station after volunteers pulled out at the last minute.

Alan Fisher of Tiptree won the marathon in a time of two hours 44 minutes while the half marathon was won by Tyrone Berg of London in one hour 12 minutes.

Wheelchair-bound Susan White, 36, of Oakley Park, Drive, Leigh, also completed the half marathon course in preparation for a full marathon in Edinburgh.

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