A record-breaking evening of racing unfolded at Penshurst Place as 151 teams from 33 clubs took on the third Tonbridge AC Midsummer Relay despite competing on the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK.

The popular relay attracted its largest field to date, with runners tackling the undulating 4K course in warm, dry conditions. Shade provided by the estate's woodland sections and strategically placed water sprinklers helped competitors cope with the exceptional temperatures as clubs from across Kent and Sussex battled for honours.

The mixed team competition saw Great Britain international Phoebe Barker produce a stunning run to break the women's course record with a time of 13:58. Teaming up with Jay Smith and Mason Willis, Barker helped Tonbridge AC secure the Alan Bennett Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winning mixed team. Sevenoaks AC finished second, with Medway & Maidstone claiming third place.

Tonbridge AC also regained the women's title with a new female team course record. Amelia Beeston established an early advantage on the opening leg before Holly Hayward and Anna Sharp completed a commanding victory. Beeston recorded the second fastest women's split of the evening, narrowly ahead of former Great Britain international Elle Baker.

The men's race provided an exciting contest throughout. Medway & Maidstone's Ethan Gear led after the opening leg before Tonbridge AC moved ahead through Ben Shearer and Steve Strange to secure victory. Tunbridge Wells Harriers' Dillon Hobbs produced the fastest lap of the night with an impressive 12:41 split to help his team finish second, while Medway & Maidstone completed the podium.

Elsewhere, Squerryes Winery won the corporate competition ahead of Shipbourne School and Birketts Solicitors. Junior honours went to Medway & Maidstone's Billy Cook in the boys' race and Rosa Truong in the girls' under 16 event, rounding off another successful evening for one of the South East's growing summer relay fixtures.

You can find full results via the runABC South race hub here.

Image of fastest lady Phoebe Barker courtesy Charlotte Knee Photography.