Despite atrocious conditions, 130 Isle of Wight and mainland athletes ran the annual Sandown to Shanklin 10k and a new course record was set.

Starting from Yaverland, Ryde Harriers member, Matt Sharp, was soon into his stride, followed by club-mate Chris Newnham and leading woman, Carly Scoble.

By the turn point, on Shanklin promenade, thunder and lightning was breaking overhead, accompanied by a gale.

It was not enough to stop victor Matt, who recorded a new course record of 31 min 50 sec.

Isle of Wight County Press: Runners Chris Newnham, Matt Sharp and Dave Hunt.Runners Chris Newnham, Matt Sharp and Dave Hunt. (Image: Geoff Watkin.)

Chris Newnham came in second, in 34.10 while the Ryde Harriers made it a clean sweep, with Dave Hunt finishing third, in 35.15.

In the women’s race, Harrier Carly ran finished in 41.20, five minutes ahead of second-placed Susie Chan (46.58) and Clara Sutton, who took third in 49.02.

There were awards for the first athletes in the Masters Over 50 age group and these went to Ryde Harrier Stuart McDonald, who was fourth overall, in 36.38 and Mandy Smitherman from Sandown, in 51.24.

Meanwhile, there were some outstanding results from four competitors aged over 70 years of age.

Pete Young, 75, was 25th overall in 47.39.

He was followed home by Roger Merry, 70 and Lucy Deville, 70, and 77-year-old Pete Jolliffe, all members of Ryde Harriers.

Organisers have thanked the IW Council, time keepers, first-aiders and marshals, as well as the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Shanklin's Lazy Wave cafe.

Next year's event will be staged on Sunday, September 15.