ALTHOUGH conditions seemed perfect for yesterday’s Jersey Spartan Half Marathon both men’s winner Steve Dawes and ladies’ champion Jo Gorrod admitted to finding the going tough.

Guernsey runner Dawes finished the race, this year sponsored by Victor Hugo, Modern Hotels and Aztec Group, in 1.11.50 hr having remained unchallenged out in front.

However, the real battle in the men’s event was the race for second place as there was nothing to separate Jersey’s James Cunningham and Guernsey’s Tristan Robilliard upon entering FB Fields for the final lap.

Cunningham outkicked his rival to cross the line in 1.16.20 hr, just seven seconds ahead of the Sarnian who admitted he ‘hit a wall’ on the sprint finish and had nothing left. Both runners virtually collapsed over the finish line and were able to congratulate each other from the comfort of the track floor.