IT has been a long road to recovery for Rich Ayling but it was mission accomplished as he clinched victory in the Wiltshire half marathon, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The Southwick runner can now look forward to planning for 2016 safe in the knowledge that the trauma of suffering a broken fibia and ligament damage racing in the summer is now behind him.

“This was always my big goal once I started running again and it feels great to win it,” said Ayling.

“It is virtually my ‘home’ half marathon and the support out on the course was brilliant. The organisation is also excellent and it is something that the club (Avon Valley Runners) do so well.”

Ayling suffered his injury while representing AVR at the Cotswold Way Relay at the end of June.

“It happened 20 weeks ago and I took the wrong path on my stage of the race,” added Ayling.

“In trying to get back onto the right path I tripped and went head over heels. There was still two-and-a-half miles to go and I think the adrenalin kept me going but by the finish my leg and ankle had really swollen up and I had to go to hospital.

“To get back to this level in 20 weeks is really good and I was particularly pleased to run inside my target time of 1hr 17mins.”

Ayling had to do it the hard way as well. Third after three miles he then worked his way into second and by five miles found himself in the lead as the early pacesetter suddenly dropped out.

“I don’t know who he was but he was around 35 seconds clear when he pulled up,” said Ayling. “I am not sure what happened to him.”

He was never challenged afterwards and came home in 1hr 16mins 40secs, with runner-up Damian Spreckley of Great Western Runner two minutes behind (1:18.42) with Cirencester AC’s Chris Illman third (1:19:36).

“I will now focus on getting fitter and then target the Bath half marathon next year when I will be looking to get under 75 minutes,” said Ayling.

Jackie Rockcliffe completed an Avon Valley Runners’ double by finishing top woman (1:30.25) in 20th overall of the 324 runners.