Phil Anthony shrugged off a stomach upset and testing conditions to finish runner-up on his debut in the International Athletic Union’s 50km World Trophy Final in Doha on Friday.

The 33-year-old from Ashford, a member of Invicta East Kent AC, and studying for a PhD at Christ Church University in Canterbury while doubling as a sports science lecturer, finished 45 seconds behind winner, Collen Makaza of Zimbabwe in three hours, one minute 26 seconds. There was a gap of nearly five minutes between him and third-placed Dutchman Harm Sengers.

Anthony, winner of the England National Championships at Gravesend in May, was the fastest qualifier for the Doha race, after winning an event in Belgium in June.

He said: “I didn’t have any real objectives before the race, other than to enjoy it.

He added: “The race didn’t start until 6pm local time but the temperatures were still in the region of 30 or 32 degrees and I lost four kilos in weight during the three-hour race."

Anthony, who tracked 2010 champion Makaza for the first 35km, added: “The race started off quickly, with the guys at the front setting a good pace, which was faster than I was expecting over the first 5k.

“It was just unrealistic to go at that pace all the time and I was not able to do that. It worked in my favour and they came back to us.

“I also had a bit of as tummy problem in the race and had to stop to go to the toilet.”