INCREDIBLE community support once again marked out the Ealing Half Marathon, which defied the showers at the eighth staging of the event on Sunday.

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi, who lives nearby, sounded the start of the race from Lammas Park at 9am and it went through Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens on roads closed to traffic.

Jonathan Poole, of Serpentine RC, won for a third consecutive year, finishing in 1:10:14 from Alexander Bampton, of Highgate Harriers, and Nicolas Besson of Serpentine.

Lucie Custance, of Clapham Chasers, claimed the women’s title in a time of 1:19:03 from last year’s winner Rachel Thomas, of Victoria Park Harriers, and Jenni Ball, of Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow.

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Race day followed a successful Ealing Mini Mile on Saturday, which featured 1,500 young runners aged 1-16 at Lammas Park and was sponsored by St Augustine’s Priory.

There was also a family mini mile for children aged five and under. 

For all results, go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com

Sandra Courtney, race director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout and support.

“From our Ealing Eagles running club members through to athletes who had travelled from all over the world, our thanks go to every single runner and volunteer for making the day the success it was.”

The 2020 race will take place on Sunday, September 27 and early-bird entries are already being taken!