IN 1990, David Knight became the winner of the first Brighton and Hove Half Marathon... which was held in a supermarket car park.

Thirty years later, Brighton-based Kevin Moore crossed the line first, accompanied by cheers and people riding penny farthings.

He finished the event, now one of the largest in Europe, in one hour, nine minutes and five seconds.

The 29-year-old, who lives and trains in the city, was one of nearly 8,000 runners who braved the strong winds to run 13.1 miles money for worthy causes.

Speaking about running the final stretch on Madeira Drive, Kevin said: “My legs were gone, they were gone in about mile ten but the crowd pushed me along. It was brilliant.

“The crowd were incredible, they were there all the way. Mile three to about mile ten you are running into gale force winds, you can even feel the spray from the waves coming over in the last couple of miles.

“I didn’t think I would win, I thought I might get top ten or something. The more the race went on, the more confident I got.”

The race klaxon was sounded at 9.30am by 1990 winner David alongside Hove DJ Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, who waved the runners off on their journey. Fatboy, with the number 2020 pinned to his chest for this anniversary race – he always gets the year as his race number – then completed the course himself in two hours 18 minutes and 18 seconds, raising money for the charity Young Epilepsy.

Fatboy is also race ambassador for Sussex Beacon, which organises the event.

Dave also did the race – pipping Fatboy in two hours, 17 minutes and 43 seconds. His original time 30 years ago was one hour, seven minutes and 14 seconds.

Phillipa Williams, 26, was the first woman to cross the line at one hour, 17 minutes and 55 seconds.

An exhausted Phillipa told The Argus: “That was very, very difficult. I’m definitely not built for the wind. It was great to see all the waves splashing – I really enjoyed it. I forgot to set an alarm, my friend woke me up an hour later than I wanted to get up.

“It was the worst preparation for a race ever – I felt horrendously stressed walking up and down the road – I didn’t know where I was going. I’m from Sheffield but one of my best friends lives in Brighton.

“I came down here to see her this weekend and thought ‘why not do a half marathon why I’m here’.”

The runners raced along seafront cliff tops and past the Royal Pavilion, The Grand hotel, the i360, the Hove beach huts and Brighton Palace Pier.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, which is dubbed “the happiest half” by running enthusiasts.

Race director Martin Harrigan said: “It is a massive anniversary for us.

“I think for any event to last this many years is a big achievement but I think especially because the way the event has grown over the years. From a very small event organised by some local runners to the sort of event we have today, it is incredible.”

Mr Harrigan said an army of volunteers was the key to making the event such a success.

He said: “You need a good team of people and some resources and, as in any event, a lot of enthusiasm.

“On a day like today, you need a massive volunteer force.

“We have more than 450 volunteers.

“They volunteer for us from charities, running groups, you name it. They are the backbone of it all really.”

One volunteer, Nick Collie, said: “Everyone puts in so much effort to raise money, I wanted to do my bit to help out.

“I was helping out in the pens at the beginning, making sure the runners were all right.

“I’ll be waving the flag at the end – hopefully to lots of smiles.”

Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell was also helping out the runners with moral support.

The Sussex-based athlete, who won gold in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1992 Olympics, said: “When you’re raising money for charity and you’ve trained for the event – you are determined to do it – I think it’s brilliant.

“What makes it so popular is the history of this event.

“Is has been going for 30 years, it is in such a great place in the calender and the Sussex Beacon is a fantastic cause.”

When asked if she thought about putting on the running shoes herself, she said: “No, I’ve done the half marathon, I’ve done the marathon, but not any more. A few years ago maybe.”

Athletes raised about £1 million for more than 35 charities.

These included Chestnut Tree House near Arundel and national charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan.

The race is organised by The Sussex Beacon, also based in Brighton.

It provides a range of services for men, women and families living with or affected by HIV across Sussex.

The charity has received much-needed funds from the race since David Knight’s victory in Asda Marina car park 30 years ago.

Andrew Mosley, general manager at The Grand, said: “It’s an incredible sight to see so many runners come from far and wide for such a fantastic event supporting great causes.

“Your contributions to the Sussex Beacon and all the other race partners is immensely valued, particularly on this year’s 30th anniversary celebration.

“The race village had an amazing atmosphere once again and it was a real privilege to greet runners at the finish line.

“Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s race.”

Pick up tomorrow's paper for more pictures.