THE Harwich 5km Series is under way again.

Some 168 runners took on the promenade-based course but, with a strong headwind to contend with in the second half of the race, personal bests (PBs) were few and far between.

Run on a handicap system, with runners aiming to beat their predicted time, the winner was actually unattached runner Ashley Hanmore.

The fastest time of the night was achieved by Colchester’s Sam Clayton, who sped round in 17 minutes and six seconds.

Of the 56 Harwich Runners that took part, the first across the line was Graeme Knott, who was third-fastest overall in 17m 24s.

Other quick times were posted by Josh Newlyn, fifth in 18m 31s, Robin Brookes, sixth in 18m 59s, and John Francis, eighth in 19m 23s.

The fastest lady on the night was Kate Hodgkiss, who completed the distance in 19m 30s to place tenth overall and match the club FV35 record.

There were, however, two PBs achieved, both by runners who had recently completed marathons.

Katie Holmes knocked 83 seconds off her previous best to post a time of 25m 53s, while Matt Doran improved by over two minutes, recording an impressive 21m 10s.

Francis Mills was unlucky to miss out on a new PB.

His time of 21m 39s was just one second short.

The fastest age-related time belonged to Will Haining, whose actual time of 20m 27s was equivalent to an amazing 16m 35s.

There were also a number of runners making their debut at this event in a Harwich vest.

Sharan Rider set a new FV50 club record, finishing in 23m 18s. Two of the Barrington brothers joined older sibling Jack on the start line.

Archie finished in 22m 5s, with George just ahead in 21m 38s.

Both were slightly behind Jack, in 21m 29s.

David Watkins was another debutant in 21m 54s, four seconds ahead of Luke Williams.

There were also promising debuts for Daniel Pearce (22m 16s), Thomas Allen (24m 14s), Lyndsey Cushing (25m 53s) and Miles Doran (25m 23s).

The junior race is one mile and also run on a handicap system. The overall winner was James Blacker, who beat his predicted time by 50 seconds to finish in 9m 26s.

There was a tie for fastest boy, with Michael Knowles and Bailey Brundle both finishing in 7m 37s.

Mazy King was the fastest girl, completing the mile in 8m 6s.

Among the 21 juniors that ran, there were also good times recorded by Theo Sanderson (8m 1s), Phoebe Sanderson (9m 39s), Annabel Brookes (9m 26s) and Eryn Lewis (11m 30s).