The 2012 Kent 5000m champion Ben Cole led a Tonbridge AC clean sweep of podium places in the 31st Lifestyle Renault Tunbridge Wells half-marathon on Sunday morning, writes Alan Newman.

The event has raised almost £100,000 for local charities since the first race was won in 1983 by Andrew Brown (Tonbridge, 1:17.29).

Cole’s step up to racing 13.1 miles resulted in a debut win in 1hr11min10sec, from team-mates Julian Rendall (1:12.44) – a winner in 2004 and 2006 – and Dan Bradley (1:13.01), who’s father Cain was the champion in 1985 (1:11.53).

James Mason (Herne Hill Harriers, 1.14.17), Dominic Elsby (Victoria Park, 1.14.36) and Daniel Watt (Tonbridge, 1.14.44) completed the top six in a strong field of 1,662 finishers.

Master athletes dominated the women’s race with victory going to W45 Maria Heslop (Paddock Wood, 1:21.16) from the champion of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009, Tina Oldershaw (W45 Paddock Wood, 1:23.04).

Clare Reeves (Dartford Harriers, 1:23.58) was third ahead of world indoor W50 800m and 1500m record holder, Clare Elms (Dulwich, 1.24.32).