The Hastings Athletic Club ace took the lead approaching Lunsford Cross and built-up a healthy advantage going through Bexhill.

He was still looking good as he reached the 22 mile mark at Galley Hill, but his lead was gradually eroded by Tonbridge AC's Julian Rendall over the beach section from Glyne Gap to Grosvenor Gardens.

Anderson was passed at St Leonards Church just before the 25-mile mark and Rendall pulled away over the closing stretch to finish in 2.36.51.

Hastings AC also took third place through the experienced Henry Mountcastle, who ran a solid race to finish just outside his target time of 2.40.

Annabelle Stearns, of Gravesend Runners, was the first lady across the finish line, just beating the three hours, five minutes mark.

Conditions were pretty good for running, with cloudy skies and only a modest breeze, although it was chilly for the many spectators around the 26 mile, 385 yard route.

The race began outside Hastings Town Hall at 9.30am and took in Telham, Battle, Catsfield, Ninfield, Sidley, Bexhill and St Leonards before returning to Hastings for the finish.

Entries were capped at 1,908 runners who came from all over the country and, indeed, the world as the original Hastings Marathon of 1908 was re-created.

Top three finishers: 1 Julian Rendall (Tonbridge AC) 2.36.31, 2 Dan Anderson (Hastings AC) 2.37.47, 3 Henry Mountcastle (Hastings AC) 2.42.48.

For full results click here