DAVID Smale and Shane Boxall opted to share their success at the Southend Half Marathon.

The Southend AC duo chose to cross the finishing line side by side in the scorching sunshine on Sunday.

But Smale - who won last year’s event - revealed the decision was not made until the latter stages of the race.

“It was brought up just over a mile from home,” said Smale.

“We train together a lot and recently did a training block for London where we shared a lot of training sessions with each other, so we know each other really well.

“On Sunday, the time was off the pace so we both felt there was no need to over do it, especially with the heat.

“It seemed like a respectful thing to do, especially when the main focus of the event is about raising awareness and vital funds for Havens.”

Smale and Boxal both crossed the line in one hour 11 minutes and 49 seconds.

But Smale only decided to enter the race late on.

“Due to a few factors, one being the weather forecast, I wasn’t sure whether to enter the race,” said Smale.

“I ended up entering on the day and, as expected, it was really warm.

“In my head it was never going to be a particularly quick race which consequently impacted the intensity and speed that we ran.

“Then, once you’re in that mindset you can just focus on the people around you, take in as many fluids as necessary and try and relax.

“Training is where the ugly work is done so regardless of form or fitness, I try to make sure I enjoy the races I do.

“Sunday was no different and I really, really enjoyed it.”

And those sentiments were echoed by Boxall who was also pleased to finish alongside Smale.

“With around 5k to go, Dave and I decided we would look to cross the line together.

“Neither of us were on course to break our personal bests or hit a time goal.

“We have done hundreds of miles together in training, especially in the build up to the London Marathon, so it was nice to be able to share some success.”

But Boxall also found the conditions tough going.

“The race was really enjoyable but evidently the heat mate it a real challenge,” said Boxall.

“I was definitely thankful for the extra water stations the race director put on as the extra respite made it more tolerable.”

And that also enabled Boxall to continue his progression in the event.

“I have done the Southend Half Marathon every year since 2016 and each year I’ve finished slightly higher and higher so to come joint first was so pleasing.

“I have always enjoyed the race and love racing through my local town.”

But Boxall is now hungry for success elsewhere.

“Next up for me is the Essex Road Running Grand Prix, a series of road races of varying distances looking to crown the Essex champion,” said Boxall.

“Last year I finished third in the series so I am hoping to mirror or improve that result.”

Katie King, of Saint Edmund Pacers, was the first female finisher as she completed the 13.1 mile course in one hour, 23 minutes and 36 seconds.