A RECORD number of runners pounded the streets in swelteringly hot conditions for the Rochford 10K.

More than 400 runners took on the course, which wound its way along the country lanes from Ashingdon to South Fambridge before a long loop of the sea wall overlooking the River Crouch.

East Essex Tri's Lee Baynton took an early lead and it was one that he was to hold for the whole race, finishing in a time of 37minutes 32 seconds.

He was followed home by Simon Quaintance in 38m 43s and Adam Bell in 39m 26s. In the women's race, Gemma Russhard of Benfleet Running Club crossed the line first in a time of 45m 18s, with Anne Jenkinson (Southend AC) second in 46m 39s and Vicky Knight (Tiptree Road Runners) third in 47m 12s.

Selected results: Leigh-on-Sea Striders: Clive Cheese 40:47, Aaron Paterson 41:14, Elliott Cone 41:41, Matthew Letley 42:04, James Burns 42:19, Adam Lysons 47:20, Rob Marek 49:17, Mark Keeble 50:20, Johnny Lau 54:04, Adele Cole 58:32, Tania Hagan 59:19, Claire Davies 1:02:41, Chrissie Pond 1:02:57, Carla Allison 1:05:27, Amanda Thorn 1:07:28. Benfleet Running Club: Damien Harvey 40:01, Graham Douglass 54:53, Sue Fuller 55:48, Duncan Holland 59:26, Jason Bell 1:00:10), John Chaffin 1:15:34, George Englezou DNF. Southend Athletics Club: Anne Jenkinson 46:39, Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne 49:21, Matthew Gillard 49:27, Collette Frampton 53:45, Melanie Panting 58:47, David Girt 1:04:16