A record field of more 1,000 runners entered yesterday's annual Jim Peters' Half-Marathon.

And their off - runners leave Garon Park track at the start of the half-marathon

With a pre-race entry of over 800, organisers were delighted that a fine and dry Sunday morning attracted more than 200 athletes to join the line-up on the day.

The main race, sponsored by KeyMed, saw Kent visitor Lee McMeekin, 32, emerge triumphant on his first visit to the event, which is run on a course starting and finishing at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre's Garon Park track in Eastern Avenue.

Greg Deacon, Basildon AC, was the first local runner home in third place.

McMeekin, a regular runner since his schooldays who interrupted his career only when his children were born, said: "I was delighted with my success. It's a very good course and well-organised event and I certainly hope to be back to defend my title next year."

Proudly watched by his wife and daughters Sophie, six, and three-year-old Lauren, he added that he had found conditions hot at times but added that the breeze had helped.

"I was pretty comfortable most of the time, but I did find the last part uphill pretty tough," he said.

McMeekin took part in an early four-man break and went clear of the field after nine miles to leave the rest trailing in his wake.

The first lady home was an athlete who could, with her fleet of foot, play a big part in helping to solve the current post crisis being highlighted in the Evening Echo -- Maldon postwoman Tracey Apps.

She admitted to getting some of the training she needs to be a first-class competitor by running part of her postal round as she achieved her second success in three years at Southend.

After stamping her authority on the rest of the female field the 38-year-old said: "I won two years ago, but the course has altered slightly since then at the end. Even so, my time was six minutes faster than then so I've got to be pleased."

Published Monday June 14, 2004

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