BEN Fish was first across the line at the Freckleton Half Marathon, finishing seven minutes ahead of the field.

The race was recently voted by Runners World as the 15th best race in the UK, and the organisers were in no mood to rest on their laurels, bringing in a record entry of 532 runners for the half marathon and 200 for the fun run.

In the men’s race, three-times winner Fish – from Blackburn Harriers – led from gun to tape as he completed the course in 1 hour 8 minutes 27 seconds, almost seven minutes ahead of Preston’s Rob Affleck, who in turn was a minute in front of third-placed Brecon runner Martin Shaw.

The irrepressible Paul Muller was fourth and Lytham’s Nigel Thompson sixth.

In the ladies race, GB Cross Country team member – Rochdale’s Carly Needham – posted 1 hour 20 minutes 45 seconds to become the fourth fastest woman in the 46-year history of the race.

Second place went to 2008 winner Alison Sedman of Belle Vue, with Wesham’s Joanna Goorney in third and retaining her title as first Freckleton lady.

Race director Brian Porter hailed the event as the best yet, saying: “This is what a community is all about. There were around 100 people helping this to come together. They done such a great job I could have gone home and put my feet up!”