Hampshire celebrated double success in the New Forest Marathon.

Alastair Pickburn from the Forest sealed victory in the marathon as Winchester’s Kath Bailey also ran home winner in the half distance race.

New Forest Runners captain Pickburn crossed the finish line on 2.41.38, eight minutes ahead of runner-up Robert Storey of Eynsham Club.

In humid conditions, Pickburn’s time was just over four minutes slower than Kevin Quinn’s 2.37.25 winning race last year, as the weather contributed to the already gruelling race.

Dartford Road Runner’s Hazel Vuvi was quickest woman with a time of 3.09.13 as she romped home ahead of Charlene Shorey (3.16.13).

In the half marathon Bailey grabbed top spot with a 1.23.47 and Keith Russell from Reading Road Runners clinched men’s victory with a 1.12.10.

Rick Weston of Serpentine came in second 1.15.28 and Erica Fogg (1.25.16) of New Forest Runners clinched runner-up in the female race.

The 30th anniversary of the event saw 92-year-old World War Two veteran Bruce Davison run nine miles of the race, adding the New Milton-based run to his collection of marathons that includes London and New York.

“It was a marvellous day and it was a great success,” said New Forest Runners chairman Tony Wickham.

“The conditions were slower than last year – the weather played a big role at times and quite a few runners found it very taxing and dropped out.

“Alastair looked fresh as a daisy as usual and wrapped up a good day for Hampshire’s runners with the marathon win, we’re all very pleased,” he added.