The 26.2-mile race follows the trails of the South Downs and the dramatic coastline around Beachy Head, with already demanding terrain made even tougher by adverse weather conditions.

With strong winds and rain forecast later in the day, organisers brought the start forward by 45 minutes to 8am to give runners the chance to make the most of the better weather.

Despite wet and muddy sections of the course and strong coastal winds, Rowell battled through to complete the marathon in 7:15.28.

Dagenham 88 Runners were also in action as Allan Lacey and David Lacey contested the second of five races in the Essex County Cross Country League series at One Tree Hill.

Allan completed the 8km course in 43.34, with David following in 51.56.

Dagenham 88 members Allan Lacey and David Lacey face the camera from One Tree Hill (Image: Dag88)

Club members were also spread across a number of parkrun events.

Manji Gami led the Dagenham 88 contingent at Valentines parkrun in 27.36, followed by Timi Veerasamy in 33.16.

James Byers clocked 53.34, with Kara Byers finishing in 55.41, Sam Veerasamy in 55.42, Joanna Smith in 56.31, Sonya Byers in 56.32 and Julie Dalphinis in 59.23.

Peter Grant represented the club at Ingrebourne Hill parkrun, recording 30.35, while John Phillips completed Harrow Lodge parkrun in 22.48.

David O’Brien finished Brooklands parkrun in 45.55, while Simon Childs recorded 29.42 at Jersey parkrun.

At Barking parkrun, Sylvie Swinburne crossed the line in 32.49 and Abigail O’Shea finished in 33.15.

Four members headed to Maldon Prom, where Jenny O’Hanlon recorded 27.49, followed by Evie Beazeley in 28.28, Amelia Beazeley in 30.49 and Andrew Beazeley in 52.37.

Elsewhere, Sneha Amin completed Harrow parkrun in 45.34.

David Lacey was also in action at Hockley Woods parkrun, clocking 34.16, with Kian Lacey finishing in 45.01 and Allan Lacey in 45.05.