Middlesbrough & Cleveland runner Greg Jayasuriya wins Hartlepool’s Marina 5 race

The Middlesbrough & Cleveland runner headed the record 516-strong field at the Burn Road Harriers race in impressive fashion, finishing in 25 minutes 56 seconds.

It was a stunning run from the 27-year-old who led in the homeward stretch from Seaton Carew and crossed the line at the Wingfield Castle 68 seconds in front of his nearest rival, Drew Inglis (27-04 minutes).

New Marske’s Paul Darroch was third in 27-45 minutes.

Paul Wilson, currently in training for the Manchester Marathon in three weeks, was the first Hartlepool finisher, the Burn Road Harrier home in ninth (28-11).

The top junior was 16-year-old Sedgefield Harrier Kieran Walker who clocked 28-0 minutes.

First female finisher was Kendal’s Sarah Tunstall in 29-08.

Jayasuriya was thrilled with his performance in an event which was dominated for several years by Marske’s Ricky Stevenson.

“It was a bit windy along the sea front, but other than that conditions were perfect,” he said.

“I’ve been running well and thought I had a good chance but you never always know who’s going to turn up.

“It’s great to win the race. I know Ricky who’s a really top runner so to follow him and win here is good.”

The 2015 event had a new route, cutting out the twists and turns around Jackson’s Landing, which had been the traditional starting point.

The runners seemed to enjoy the course with the leader picking up a £100 prize from sponsors, Pearts, for the new record time.