Defending champion Stuart Mills beat off stiff competition from around the world to win the Beachy Head Marathon for the second successive year.

The University of Brighton lecturer finished the 26-mile route just in front of his nearest rivals but was unable to beat the record he set last year of two hours and 59 minutes.

Spectators were treated to a thrilling finish with just over a minute separating the top three runners. Mills crossed the line first in three hours and seven minutes with Martin Pengilly close behind in second.

Gary Woolgar, of Brighton and Hove Athletics Club, was third in three hours and nine minutes and was the only other Sussex runner to finish in the top ten.

Eastbourne runner Julia Armstrong was the first lady through the finish line at three hours and 31 minutes.

Danny Long successfully began his attempt to complete four marathons in nine days by finishing in 609th place with a time of five hours and 56 minutes. The 58-year-old from Saffron Walden was also due to run in Snowdon on Sunday, Dublin yesterday and the New York marathon this Sunday.

The course is considered one of the most challenging in the country because of its hilly terrain. The race started and ended in Eastbourne and went via Cuckmere Haven, the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

Formerly known as the Seven Sisters Marathon there were more than 1,300 runners taking part and entries were received from the USA, Holland as well as all over the UK making the most competitive field since the race began 23 years ago.

Councillor Mike Thompson said: "It was a very successful marathon which justifies all the effort put in by the runners.

"While the hard ground prevented last year's record being broken we are sure that all of the runners enjoyed the race.

"Congratulations to Stuart Mills for being first to cross the finish line for the second time in a row and also to Julia Armstrong for being the first lady home.

"I look forward to seeing all the runners again plus a few more next year."