KIDDERMINSTER runner Sam Lloyd-Perks made an impressive half marathon debut as he finished runner-up in Worcester on Sunday.

The Halesowen AC member was second out of 700 runners over who tackled the 13.1-mile course and completed it in one hour, 16 minutes and 18 seconds.

He was close behind winner Tom Stock of Worcester AC, who won the event in 1.15.06.

On Twitter, the Wyre Forest runner said: “Finished second out 700 in the Worcester half marathon in a time of 76.18, despite the dreadful wind and hilly course.”

The event, which started and finished at Sixways in Worcester, is in its fourth year and was organised by Tempo Events and sponsored by Hewett Recruitment.

With a donation from each entry and more than 100 runners supporting St Richard’s Hospice, the Worcestershire charity raised valuable funds from the event.

Jodi Brandwood, community fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Runners almost literally went the extra mile this year by having to tackle a strong headwind in place around the course.

“We’re really please to be the charity partner for the fourth consecutive year and we are delighted so many runners also raised even more in sponsorship for St Richard’s.”

Meanwhile, Scott Brown, also from Halesowen AC&C, was third in a time of 1.18.40.

The full marathon event was won by Tom Carer in 2.44.45.

“It’s been another fantastic event,” said race director Rob Minton.

“Free Radio again created a fantastic atmosphere at the finish with lots of noise and encouragement, and Hursty from the breakfast show manned the microphone this year instead of running the course.

“It was great to see so much support from spectators, and the wonderful marshals did a brilliant job throughout the course route. We’re also delighted to have worked with St Richard’s Hospice again and our title sponsors Hewett Recruitment.

“This event continues to put Worcester on the national running map and We’re already planning on how to make next year’s race bigger and better.”