RUTH Barnes has revealed the unusual secret of her success in winning the inaugural Grittleton 10k road race on Sunday, writes Kevin Fahey.

By rights, the 37-year-old member of Avon Valley Runners should not have celebrated her triumph with a new personal best of 35 minutes 57 seconds to finish well clear of Team Bath’s Jo Thompson (38:58).

“To be honest, I have been injured with an ankle problem since August so I had no expectations at all when I went to the race,” said Barnes, who lives in Bradford on Avon.

“I just haven’t done much training at all so obviously the secret of my success is resting and eating a take-away curry the night before the race.

“I was quite surprised with that time as it was a personal best which was very nice.”

Barnes’ time clipped six seconds off her previous best set in a very competitive Bristol 10k in May suggesting that this new Grittleton event is going to develop a PB reputation.

It also moved her up from 13th to 12th in the South West Rankings leap-frogging Wiltshire rival Kate Jacobs.

“Perhaps it is not the fastest course I have ever run but it is fairly flat with just a few undulations,” added Barnes.

“But it was a really nice race held along picturesque country lanes and I would run it again.”

The 2014 Wiltshire 10k and half marathon winner was certainly in a class of her own in the women’s race and even beat all but four of the men in the 253-strong field as she finished fifth overall.

Unfortunately victory came with a price as Barnes’ troublesome ankle – she damaged ligaments after landing awkwardly in a hole while training - flared up after the race.

“I should probably be resting but I am just managing it the best I can,” said Barnes.

But if she can win and set PBs with a dodgy ankle then who knows what she might achieve when she is returned to full health and fitness –as long as she keeps eating the curries.

In the men’s race top local runner was AVR clubmate Justin Peters in seventh clocking 36:58, which was just eight seconds outside his PB.

Grittleton 10k road race, men: 1 Chris McMillan (Weston) 34:34; 2 Aaron Wilson (Salisbury) 35:01; 3 Guy Watts (Team Kennet, M40) 35:19.

LOCAL: 7 Justin Peters (AVR, M40 2nd) 36:58; 24 Stephen Higgins (Pewsey Vale, M40) 39:07; 27 Stephen Newcastle (AVR, M50) 39:40; 32 Adrian Hurren (Corsham RC, M50) 40:04.

Women: 1 Ruth Barnes (AVR, W35) 35:57; 2 Jo Thompson (TBAC, W50) 38:58; 3 Nicci Cllay (Team Kennet) 39:49.