Francis Menday is hoping to cause a big shock at the Hastings Half Marathon, just two weeks after being given his first pair of running shoes.

Menday arrived in Sussex from Gambia three months ago and despite the fact he has never run in a road race in this country before he is still targetting a top 20 finish on Sunday.

The 28-year-old did not even know about the event until he was entered by the family he is staying with in Heathfield after he was spotted running around the village at high speeds.

Menday has run marathons in 2hr.15min back in Africa wearing old boots and is confident he can break 70 minutes at Hastings now he has got proper equipment.

Menday said: "I hope I can finish high up the field. I have seen how fast people did it last year and I am confident I can compete with those kind of times.

"My only concern is the number of hills on the course because I am used to it being flat at home and the weather is very different to how it is in Gambia.

"I run a lot back home and some of my friends are international runners but sometimes in Africa you can be the best and are not noticed. If I do well at Hastings then maybe it will help me find some sponsorship when I get home.

"I would love to make running my career and I think I can be a success if I specialise in it but that is difficult unless you get some backing."

With the Kenyan contingent who usually dominate the event finding it difficult to obtain visas, this year's race could be the most open for years.

Just two have made the trip from Africa with Kiplimo Kimutai likely to start as favourite in the men's race and Magdaline Syombua in the women's.

Both only arrived in Hastings on Friday though and if they struggle to adjust to the conditions the likes of Hastings' Daniel Anderson and Sian Rhiannon-Bulpitt, of Hailsham Harriers, could take advantage.

The race starts at 10.30am at Grand Parade.