There was disappointment at Colchester Garrison's athletics track as an attempt to run the first-ever sub four-minute mile in East Anglia failed.
Organisers were left bitterly disappointed on Tuesday night as the field dropped out, leaving only home town star Robert Malseed to attempt the feat.
But the 27-year-old's bid was doomed to failure. Running without support he struggled round in time-trial fashion to record four minutes 29 seconds.
Malseed, of Hythe Hill, said: "Everyone was recovering from the weekend, and Tom Payn was ill. My legs were heavy - it was a bit of a struggle.
"The time can be done, I can go a lot faster, but you need a race situation when a lot of guys are around. Hopefully we'll get that next year or even later this year."
Robert Malseed - failed in his four minute mile bid
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