A RECORD-breaking field of more than 300 runners took to the Malvern Hills in glorious sunshine for the annual Worcestershire Beacon Race.

Matthew Collins, of Cardiff Athletic Club, shone the brightest, finishing first in a time of 43 minutes 21 seconds.

He pipped Dave Kesterton, of Halesowen AC&C, and Martin Matthews, of Worcester AC, who crossed the line in second and third place respectively.

Malvern Joggers also entered a strong line-up in the race with Jon Newey seventh in around 48 minutes.

The gruelling seven-mile run across the hills started and ended at Rose Bank Gardens in Great Malvern.

Winner Collins said: “I think my time is about two minutes slower than last year’s. I finished second last year.”

Independent runner Michele Awuye won the women’s section.