A record entry of 417 competitors made this year's Ron Hill Benfleet 15 a resounding success.

With very strong winds and extremely muddy conditions throughout the Hadleigh Country Park, the winning time was the slowest in the nine years the race has been held.

The winner, Sam Kigo (one hr. 30 mins. 57 secs), of Hercules Wimbledon, said: "I am delighted. I was fifth in 1994 and I really wanted to win this year."

He said it was really sticky and muddy but he enjoyed it and would definitely be back next year.

Second man home was Martin Gibbs of Chelmsford AC in one hr. 32mins. 57 secs and Benfleet's own Tony Mead was third in one hr. 33mins. 26 secs.

The ladies winner, Chris James, a veteran from South London Harriers, finished in one hr. 51mins. 55secs and said: "It was tough - very tough. And the wind was blowing you all over the place."

Second lady home was Vicky Bigmore (one hr. 54 mins dead) with Kerry Mitchell (Paddock Wood AC) third in one hr. 54 mins. 22 secs.

Benfleet Running Club, who hosted the race, had further success following their two successive team wins in the Today's Runner Cross Country league.

Tony Mead (third), Ian Ellis (20th) and Mick Valbonesi (28th) took the team prize with 51 points with Southend Athletic Club runners-up on 58.

The ladies' team prize was won by Prunella Hayhow (sixth), Sue Feldman (10th) and Tamily Barker (24th) of Grange Farm Trotters.

The race was a great success and, when all the figures are worked out, organisers hope to have made about £1,000 towards their two chosen charities.

Picture, top: One man and his dog - Steve Whatley from Daws Heath ran the race with Razz

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.