THOUSANDS of runners from across the country took part in the Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York.

About 2,000 runners competed in the annual race, which started at York’s Knavesmire yesterday, up on last year’s 1,800 entrants.

The course, which is renowned for being fast and furious, set a record number of entries, a course record and saw its first overseas winner.

The conditions where perfect for New Zealand runner Paul Martelletti, of Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets AC, who smashed the course record by ten seconds, coming over the line in 1hr 5mins 20secs with last year’s winner, Matthew Pierson, choosing to stay in Kenya to focus on his training for the London Marathon.

Paul said: “The race went completely to plan”. He is now looking forward to the Seville Marathon in three weeks time.

Second place went to southern runner Steve Littler, of Wesham Road Runners. James Buis, of Heaton Harriers, took a convincing third place. The first Yorkshire runner home was Jim Bulma, from Loftus on the North York Moors, who came in fifth place.

Darren Bilton, from Pickering, took sixth place, finishing in 70 minutes The Ryedale runner said: “This is a good stepping stone for the London Marathon.”

In the women’s race, Heaton Harriers’ Stacey Rogers took first place in 1hr 21mins and she is now looking forward to achieving her main goal of running the London Marathon. Amy Green, of Keighley and Craven, came second.