A VETERAN runner celebrated his birthday with success at his 15th Bracknell Half Marathon.

Neal Jeffs, of North Ascot, was victorious in the 40+ category at The Lexicon Bracknell Half Marathon last weekend.

Neal, who runs for the Road Runners Club of the UK, completed the run in one hour, 20 minutes and one second to win his age category and place seventh overall.

Neal said: “This was the 15th time I have run the race in the past 17 years but it is the first time I have won anything here.

“I have been training fairly hard since last summer and it was my 42nd birthday the day before the race so it was a special weekend for me”.

“I went off pretty hard and was hanging on a bit towards the end, but the strategy paid off, and I am thankful to everyone who turned out, especially local sports therapist Gilly Bharath who has patched me up a few times in the last few months,” he added.

“Gilly was spectating on the route between nine and ten miles and I still had enough energy to give him a high-five when I passed him.”

Neal was supported by his wife, two daughters and a variety of friends and work colleagues from Avis Budget Group who were dotted around the 13.1 mile course, which started and finished at South Hill Park.