More than 50 athletes braved atrocious weather conditions to take part in the Alderney half-marathon. (0638079)

APPALLING weather conditions failed to put off a host of super-fit runners at this year’s half-marathon.

Persistent rain and gale force winds lashed the island at the weekend and made for difficult running conditions. However, more than 50 athletes turned up at the start line in Le Banquage for the event’s 20th anniversary.

The number of participants was twice as many as last year – despite the fact a team of French runners was forced to pull out after the cancellation of the Victor Hugo ferry.

Organiser Rod Paris said:

‘It was great to see many more local runners this year, including teams from Longis Bay Garden Centre and Stenham Trustees, our sponsor.

‘We also had people taking part from Guernsey, Jersey and the UK.’

Jerseyman Phil Ahier triumphed in a record time of 1hr 23mins while islanders Tim Price and Nikki Neal came second and third respectively. Alderney’s James Hardy won the 10km race in a time of 42mins.

Rod said: ‘All entrants finished very creditably in difficult conditions.’

Miss Alderney Adele Woodruff and Little Miss Alderney Jessica Neal handed out a host of prizes to the winners and runners-up in The Moorings.

‘Jessica particularly enjoyed giving the prize of fastest woman to her mother, Nikki’.

He went on to praise the marshals and say a number of entrants were already thinking ahead to 2009.

‘All the marshals deserve a special mention for sticking to their posts for more than two hours while wet and cold.

‘Many of the runners are already looking forward to next year’s race – but they’re praying for better weather.’

A poll to replace Richard Cox, who resigned from the States in May, will take place on 11 October.

Islanders who wish to stand need to be nominated by the end of September and, in a change to the law, those who do put themselves forward will be announced immediately.

Next month’s poll was organised after no one stood at an earlier election.

It is to be hoped that at least two people will come forward by 30 September, as few in the island would welcome a second false start and even fewer would want an uncontested election – which will happen if only one person decides to stand.