GRANGE Farm and Dunmow Runners’ Rachel Adams was first in the senior female category at the Halstead Marathon on Sunday, in a time of 3h 32min 56s.

More than 600 runners completed the race, which followed a two lap course along country lanes to the north of the town. After the rain of recent weeks, the sunny conditions with a gentle breeze were welcomed by both runners and spectators.

The race was won by Allen Smalls, of Colchester Harriers Athletics Club, in 2h 35min 38s.

Fastest for GFDR men was Alistair Brown in 3h 5min 45s. David Andrews finished in 3h 26min 6s, followed by Ashwin Shah (3h 32min 49s), Geoff Maidment (3h 44min 38s) and James Hawkes (4h 24min 23s).

GFDR will be holding a 5-mile road race at Great Easton on May 27 – details on the club’s website.