THE weather failed to dampen the spirits of athletes who ignored the drizzle to complete a half- marathon.

More than 1,500 people turned out to take part in the 19th Redcar half-marathon, sponsored this year by Enron.

Although the race itself was not left untouched by the foot-and- mouth crisis, with the organisers having to change the route to avoid vulnerable farmland, the enthusiasm of those taking part was undeniable.

One man who did have reason to celebrate was Corporal William MacLennan, an infantry instructor from Catterick Garrison, who was aiming to break the Guinness Book of Records individual speed march world record.

He needed to complete the race in under one hour and 50 minutes and had to wear military boots, combat gear and carry a 40lb rucksack.

He said: "I am absolutely over the moon as I finished the race in one hour and 43 minutes and 20 seconds.

"I just wanted to beat the record, but doing it six minutes better was great. I am delighted."

The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Councillor Kath Bevington, used the event as preparation for the London Marathon on April 22 and has been training for the past few weeks by walking around the outskirts of Middlesbrough.

She said: "I was looking forward to taking part. I am 64, but not past my sell-by date."

Tanni Grey Thompson, who won gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m events at the Sydney Paralympics, competed in the wheelchair event alongside husband Ian, and Kevin Papworth, the winner of last year's London Marathon.