Runners battled a strong wind and cool temperatures at Lowestoft's arduous Scores Race.

Runners battled a strong wind and cool temperatures at Lowestoft's arduous Scores Race.

Brave athletes took on the tough circuit at the 14th staging of the event, known as a one of the most challenging races in the racing calendar.

The gruelling 4.75-mile route that starts and ends at Lowestoft's historic High Street, infamously includes 13 scores or hills and 409 steps.

Yesterday's weather conditions were not conducive to fast times and the flat section of the race along the sea wall saw runners contend with a powerful head wind, described as 'murder' by regular entrant Maurice McGinnes.

Former Olympian and Lowestoft athlete Paul Evans, whose course record for the race was broken last year, was on hand to start the event, which attracted a typical field of 133 in the senior section.

Winner of the 2007 trophy Luke Allen, representing hosts Waveney Valley Athletics Club, again raced to victory in 26mins 26secs.

Carl Prewer from Lowestoft Road Runners came in 12 seconds behind him, with Samuel Cheverton from the City of Norwich club coming in third in a time of 27mins 04 secs. The result saw the top two athletes move up a position on the podium from last year.

In the women's race Karen Archbold of Lowestoft Road Runners took victory in 34.10, ahead of Waveney Valley's Alice Wicks in 35mins 55 secs and Jola Nakowska (unattached) in 36mins 23 secs.

In the junior section Megan Soanes and Alice Cheverton claimed joint first place in the 10-12 category, while Dominic Oliver won the 13-15 years race.

Among the gutsy runners to complete the course was vicar Matthew Payne, from Christ Church Lowestoft, which was used as the headquarters for the event.