Noad and Yelling take honours in windswept Chichester 10k

Highgate Harriers ace Ben Noad took line honours in a finishing time of 30min 05sec - a full 11 seconds ahead of the runner-up, New Zealander Paul Martelletti (Victoria Park & Tower Hamlet), who in turn was a second ahead of third-placed Adam Hickey (Southend AC).

The women’s race was won by Liz Yelling, who must have been thrilled by her performance as she builds up to vie for honours in April’s London Marathon. She passed the post in 34.05.

As expected, Chichester Runners star man James Baker was the first local runner home. He recorded a time of 31.56.

Noad’s winning time was 33 seconds slower than last year’s top time, demonstrating the effect of the gusty winds around the course.

There were more than 1,600 runners on the day - a record for the event. And organisers said they were pleased with the smooth running of the race, watched by hundreds of spectators along the route.

Don’t miss the Observer for a full list of finishers plus race reaction and pictures galore.