SIMON Nott paced his performance perfectly to lead the Wiltshire men’s team to the silver team medal at the South West Inter-Counties Championships incorporated into the Great West Run, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Starting steadily over a challenging course, Nott, who is a member of Calne Running Club, moved through the field to eventually finish runner-up in a time of 70 minutes 58 seconds.

“That was only 20 seconds off my personal best which I ran a few years ago in Chippenham which is a much faster, flatter course so I am very happy with that,” said Nott, who received his medal from former Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell.

“The course at Exeter was quite hilly so after the first mile I was outside the top ten but by halfway I had moved up to second though the winner (Tom Merson) was already well clear by then. I think my pacing was good so I am pleased with my result.”

Nott was supported by Avon Valley Runners’ Ed Knudsen, who slashed half a minute off his best with 71.23 for fourth. The Wiltshire team was completed by Chris Southern from Salisbury A&RC in 12th and Gary O’Brien, from Swindon Harriers, in 18th.

The county’s challenge in the women’s race on Sunday was headed by Chippenham Harriers’ Cordula Hurcum, who produced a personal best of 86.31. That clipped 20 seconds off the time she ran in Bath last year.

Hurcum was supported by Avon Valley Runners’ Anna-Marie Watson in eighth, Karen Hacker, from Chippenham Harriers, in ninth and Fiona Price (AVR) in 15th, which also earned her the veterans’ over 45s prize.

It also gave Wiltshire the bronze medals behind Devon and Cornwall.

Also, the penultimate race in the 2017 Wiltshire Road Race League the Grittleton 10K hosted the Wiltshire 10K championships.

Taking victory in 33.31 was Aaron Wilson from City of Salisbury A&RC, while Highworth’s Michael Passmore finished sixth to take the county silver with Michael Milstead claiming bronze.

Sandra Mylchreest, from Chippenham Harriers, was the first Wiltshire lady with Helen Gibbs of Calne Running Club and Phillippa Brewer, of Avon Valley Runners completing the podium.

“I think all credit to the county to go down to Exeter and win a silver and bronze in the team event behind strong teams from Devon,” added Nott.

“There were also terrific runs by Cordula and Ed. Overall it was a really good experience.”

The Stonar Stampede at Atworth was the final race in the 2017 Wiltshire Junior Race League.

Rowan Archer of Chippenham Harriers took the honours as he led his side to the county title with just a one point margin of victory over Avon Valley Runners.