Fiona Powell revelled in the atrocious conditions to pull off an unexpected victory at the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon today.
Powell came from behind in the wind and rain to see of the challenge of Kate Mapham and Samantha Alvarez and claim the biggest title of her life.
The Brighton and Hove City runner showed few signs of fatigue after finishing second in the Brooks Sussex Cross Country League the previous day to win by ten seconds from Mapham in 83min.47sec.
Alvarez, of Hailsham Harriers, had led earlier in the race but slipped back to third in a time of 85min.41sec behind runner-up Mapham while Cathy Ulliott, of Brighton and Hove City, was fourth.
Pre-race favourite Dave Wardle was a comfortable winner on his debut in the men’s race, finishing more than three minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
Report and pictures in The Argus tomorrow, plus don't miss our Sussex Beacon Half Marathon supplement, which features the names and times of every finisher, with The Argus on Tuesday.
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