Matt Dorrian is applauded to the finish line in Bulwer Avenue yesterday as he wins his first Father’s Day Half-Marathon. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0794015)

A DOCTOR running in his first Father’s Day Half Marathon was the winner yesterday.

Matthew Dorrian, 32, who is a GP at the Longfrie Surgery, led all the way after starting at the Imperial Hotel, running up the west coast and round the tip of the island, to be the first across the finishing line on Bulwer Avenue in 1hr 17min. 39sec.

Given the hot conditions, it was not a bad time for the 13.1-mile event.

The former North footballer, who was affectionately known as ‘Dr Doz’ by his teammates, quickly pointed out that none of Guernsey’s runners who are competing in next week’s Island Games half marathon in Aland, such as Mark Mercier and Ronan Shally, took part.

Last year’s champion, Steve Dawes, was among the more than 280 field and he treated the run as preparation for Aland.

‘I’ve never run a race where I’ve been in the lead before,’ said Dorrian afterwards.

‘Psychologically it’s quite a difficult thing but I just stayed on my pace.

‘Don’t forget the fact all the good lads are at the Island Games, so don’t look too much into the position, but I’m reasonably pleased with the time.

‘It’s a hot day.’