CHRIS Martin was Witham Running Club's first member home at the Great Bentley Half-Marathon as he smashed the 80-miniute barrier in an impressive new personal best time.

He was one of 16 Witham runners who took on the popular event in near perfect conditions, which were conducive to personal bests (PBs) and there were seven others who recorded new best times.

Martin's PB came as he raced home in one hour 19 minutes 33 seconds, with Mark Finbow, Heydon Mizon and Dave Campbell close on his heels as they all recorded new PBs.

It was definitely the boys' turn to shine as Leo Cole, Scott Darney and Giles Sowerby all joined them in lowering their PBs.

The club was thin on ladies, with only three running, but they were led in by Anita Grainger, who broke the 1h 50m barrier in a new PB of 1h 49m 40s.

Graham Eyre was Witham's highest-placed in the age categories as he came third in the 60 to 64 men's rankings.

RESULTS: Chris Martin 01:19:33 PB, Mark Finbow 01:21:08 PB, Heydon Mizon 01:21:38 PB, Dave Campbell 01:21:38 PB, Leo Cole 01:24:59 PB, Scott Darney 01:26:37 PB, Giles Sowerby 01:27:12 PB, Andrew Lager 01:33:00, Paul Thomas 01:42:57 PB, Andy Notley 01:45:29, Graham Eyre 01:47:18, Anita Grainger 01:49:40 PB, Gerry Greenwold 01:49:49, Ross Silverton 02:04:21, Tracey Denby 02:05:34, Karen Flowers 02:09:36.