AN impressive 44 Benfleet Running Club members took on the popular Southend 10k, which attracted more than 1,200 runners.

The Benfleet representatives lined up wearing black armbands in memory of former club member Philip Harvey, who passed away suddenly on his descent from the Himalayas on September 26, aged just 46.

Graham Douglass, a member of the Running Club, says that Harvey will be remembered fondly.

Douglass said: “Phil was a friendly and modest member of the Benfleet Running Club family who lived his life to the full, completing numerous marathons, ultra-marathons, mountain climbs, skydives, cycled and played hockey.

“Phil will be fondly remembered as a happy-go-lucky, unassuming part of Benfleet Running Club.

“Our thoughts are with Phil’s family at this sad time.”

The Southend 10k was not without it’s successes for the Red and Whites, with a string of personal bests being set, while the men’s team secured second place and the ladies team were third overall.

Eight of the 44 members finished inside the top 100, while Peter Bracken performed superbly.

Bracken registered a time of 33 minutes and nine seconds to record a seventh place finish.

Andy Low also impressed, as he crossed the finish line after 35 minutes and one second to notch 13th spot.

Paul Ruffy and Terence Spooner secured 27th and 30th place finishes respectively, while Nicholas Rankin and Damien Harvey were just outside the top 50.

Anton Mackerness and Tim Tomlins also managed to gain places in the top 100.

Kiera Tippett was the first female Benfleet member to cross the finish line as she claimed 163rd place, with a time of 44 minutes and 22 seconds.

Of those representatives to finish outside the top 100, 25 were still able to complete the course inside an hour.

Another 11 members completed the Southend 10k.