PICTURES: 22nd Chichester Priory 10km

A best-ever field on the day of 1,700 competed and there was a grandstand finish as Winchester’s Chris Powner took first place by just a second from Brighton’s Jon Pepper.

Both athletes were just under the magic half-hour mark - Powner crossing the line in 29min 54sec. Phil Wicks of Belgrave Harriers was third in 30.17.

The women’s race was won at a canter by GB international Steph Twell in 33.44 - just under a minute ahead of her nearest rival, Worthing’s Emma Taylor-Goodby.

The top teams were Brighton Phoenix for the men and Aldershot, Farnham & District for the women.

As ever, the race was successfully organised by the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, with charities doing very well from the day.

Don’t miss the Observer on Thursday for reports, pictures and a full list of finishers and their times.