If there was one picture which encapsulated the mental and physical strength required to run a half marathon then it was this one.

When student Kenta Matsumoto crossed the finish line at the Brighton Half Marathon last Sunday, he was overcome with emotion, collapsing into the arms of a steward.

He had just achieved a new personal best time of one hour and eleven minutes, earning him 12th place in the 13-mile race.

The Japanese runner said he was "struggling all the way to the finish" during the race, which passed by many landmarks in and around Brighton.

The Argus: 10,000 runners took to the streets10,000 runners took to the streets (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

Kenta, 34, said: "The moment I crossed the finish line, I couldn't believe that one of the most amazing times of my life had come to an end.

"I never imagined that I would be so empowered by the countless cheers along the way.

"Everyone would call out to me as I passed during the half marathon, I tried to smile and sign back as much as I could.

"I still remember people playing instruments, children giving me sweets and the inspirational volunteers."

The Argus: People cheered runners on along the length of the routePeople cheered runners on along the length of the route (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

Kenta is studying for his masters in development studies at the University of Sussex.

He said his quick time "would not have been possible without the wonderful enthusiasm and beautiful city-round course of this half marathon."

Kenta came to the UK last summer, from Japan, to study for his degree.

He added: "I love Brighton's scenery more than anywhere else in the UK because it has wonderful hills near a beautiful stretch of sea, similar to the Shikoku region in my home country.

"I came to the UK and discovered the lovely culture of Parkrun, running every week at Brighton or Hove with a great group of runners. This was the key to my record.

"Falmer with its morning mist, the Stanmer trail with many animals and the sunrise on the coast have always been reasons for me to enjoy running."

The Argus: He ran along the promenade with a smile on his faceHe ran along the promenade with a smile on his face (Image: Kenta Matsumoto)

Kenta said he has been involved in sport from a young age, and said he started running three years ago.

Since then, he has lost more than 10 kilograms.

He said: "I started running to keep fit. I always had a clear head after a run, and I got hooked on being healthy both physically and mentally."

Kenta is expecting his first child in June with his partner, Kanae.

He added: "I wanted to do something that would make my partner and future child proud."