BROTHER and sister Michael and Jackie Kent took the honours in this year's Wanborough Beer Race.

The event, which has been running since the 1950s, attracted 31 men and two women who sprinted around Wanborough's six village pubs, quaffing a half of best bitter outside each, in the name of bank holiday fun.

Competitors tore off from the Cross Keys at 12.30pm and headed for the Calley Arms, followed by The Black Horse, Plough, Harrow and Brewer's Arms before returning to the Cross Keys for the finish line.

Winner Michael, 34, a financial consultant from Yellowhammer Close, Covingham, crossed the line in 16mins 8secs some two minutes after John Burn's momentous 14min run in 1986/87.

Michael said: "It feels great now I've recovered from drinking the beer. I went around dressed as the queen last year so you could say I took it a bit more seriously this year. I didn't really train, but I play football through the winter for Wanborough."

First place woman Jackie, 37, a GWR radio employee of Sandpiper Bridge, Covingham, said: "I did no training apart from a little jogging. I finished in 11th place because I couldn't handle the beer I think it's that that puts women off from taking part.

"I wanted to come up closer to the top, and I really wanted to beat my brother."

Engineer Mark Barker, 44, of Southdown, Wanborough, captured the spirit of the event in his pre-race preparations.

"I've been getting ready by drinking lots of beer and running around," he smiled. "You could say I like running and I like beer."

And Alison Haultain, 42, a housewife of Church Road, Wanborough, the other woman competitor, said: "This is the first and last time I do it. People say I must be committed, and I agree with them. It is just for a laugh, especially as my training amounts to a couple of stretches this morning."

Event starter and eight times winner Mike Jenner, of Church Road, Wanborough, added: "If they had given me a two pub start I would have won it this year as well. It is a two-and-a-half mile course and the only tip is to chance your luck."

Results:

1. Michael Kent, 34, representing The Harrow: 16.08

2. John Milford, 43, representing The Plough: 16.41

3. David Halfhead, 47, representing The Harrow: 17.11

11th/1st woman: Jackie Kent, 37, representing The Harrow: 22.28