RECORD numbers of runners took part in a half marathon yesterday.

More than 1,000 people took part in the 21st Redcar half marathon, watched by about 600 spectators - the first time a significant crowd had gathered for the event.

Stephen Hepples, 23, an accounts clerk from Hinderwell, near Whitby, narrowly beat local favourite, Paul Lowe, from Middlesbrough.

"I was dead chuffed to beat Paul. It isn't really his event, but he is some runner," said Mr Hepples, who had represented Britain in the 3,000m and 5,000m and was British junior champion in the 3,000m.

In third place was last year's winner, Durham City doctor Rob Hand who was just seconds behind the front two.

There was a major upset in the wheelchair race when 17-year-old Sarah Loughran, from Redcar, beat strong favourite Tanni Grey-Thompson, also of Redcar.

A crash early in the race left Ms Loughran with a lot of ground to make up, but a damaged wheel slowed down paralympic gold medallist Mrs Grey-Thompson.

Ms Loughran said: "It was quite funny when I passed Tanni. She just said, 'Oh hello, how're you doing'?"

County Durham athlete Heather Robinson, a member of Chester-le-Street Athletics Club, won the women's race, beating clubmate Dawn Elliot.

The event, sponsored by Somerfield supermarket, was such a success that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will consider providing entertainment next year.

Organiser Jane Shearer, events officer, said: "The event grows each year and today was a major success."