DOCTOR Rob Hand is refusing to make any hasty diagnosis of his chances when he defends his half marathon title next week.

The GP, who won the 21st Somerfield Redcar Half Marathon last year, will be among the favourites to win this year's event, also backed by The Northern Echo, on Sunday, March 9.

Dr Hand, 41, who practices near Durham and runs for the city's harriers, won last year's race in a personal best time of 67 minutes 55 seconds.

He said: "I was really pleased with that - it was during my training for the London Marathon and it went really well. I'm not doing the marathon this year, so my training isn't as much and that could tell in the later stages."

The race has a £1,500 prize fund, with a T-shirt and medal for all finishers.

Entrants must be 18 or over. Fees are £10.50 for club members, £11.50 for unattached. Entry on the day is an extra £1, with late registration from 8.30am. Entry forms are available on the council's website:

www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk