mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

Hundreds of runners from across Kent but as far a field as Liverpool lined up for the county's only marathon as Thanet staged a sporting double-header.

Nearly 500 athletes finished this year's Thanet Roadrunners Marathon and Half Marathon, with Tonbridge man Julian Rendall winning by more than seven minutes in the 26-mile race.

There was success for Isle runner Aboura Mahieddine in 13-mile event, who crossed the line in just over 76 minutes - more than three minutes faster than second-placed Robert Carpenter from Ashford.

Sunday's race was particularly poignant for three dedicated local runners. Stephen Suttle from Palm Bay notched up his 100th marathon with a top 30 finish, while Maidstone Harriers' Julie Wing celebrated her 200th event and veteran athlete John Williams reached the 300 mark. Organisers gave the trio race numbers 100, 200 and 300 respectively to mark their personal milestones.

The marathon runners left the Oval bandstand on Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, at 9.30am and followed the route to Ramsgate, back along the coast to Minnis before returning to the start line.

The race also incorporated the Southern Counties Veterans' Championships and the British Masters Veterans event.

£1 from every entry was donated to Help for Heroes - the national charity that supports injured troops returning from battlegrounds in Iraq and Afghanistan.