A RUNNER risks missing his next three races after being hit by a car at the Brentwood Half Marathon.
Ben Nichols was not seriously injured but suffered bruising to his hip and ankle.
Mr Nichols, 38, of Brentwood, said: "To say I'm unhappy is an understatement. I was lucky to have been very aware as it could have been much worse."
The car knocked him over at the junction between Hatch Road, Ongar Road and Sandpit Lane.
"The lack of respect for the runners by the drivers was disgusting," Mr Nichols added. "The route needs planning to avoid traffic or it should be stopped completely when runners are on the roads."
If his injury withstands a few test runs, Ben will be competing in the Paris Marathon in two weeks and the London and Edinburgh Marathons after that.
He has run several races before and completed the London Marathon in 2010, raising £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
This year he is running for Children with Cancer and you can support his cause at www.virginmoneygiving.com/Benjoruns
For full marathon coverage turn to pages 28-31
