SIMON Nott once again proved that he rules supreme in the St George’s Day 10k in Corsham, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The Calne Running Club athlete slayed his rivals with another powerful display of running as he claimed a sixth successive title in one of Wiltshire’s most popular races.

Indeed, since making his debut as a teenager in 2009 when he was fourth Nott has only once been beaten in the ensuing nine years when Salisbury’s Simon Plummer edged him out in 2012.

“It is always a race I enjoy doing since making my debut in 2009 and believe I have been fortunate to win it and that is an honour,” said Nott.

“There is a great atmosphere for the race and it is amazing how the local community seems to come out and cheer everyone on.

“It is so well organised and I just can’t see any faults at all with it.”

Nott took control around the halfway point of this year’s race after Maidenhead visitor Michael Hiscott and Michael Towler of Avon Valley Runners stuck with him on the opening half of the race.

By the finish Nott was 38 seconds clear clocking 32mins 20secs, his fastest time for four years when he set the course record of 31:12.

“It is probably not a PB course as there are a few climbs so the organiser must get everything else right as the runners come back in their hundreds year after year,” added Nott.

Bethan Francis might disagree with Nott’s claim that it is not a PB course as the Avon Valley Runners’ athlete notched up a lifetime best of 39mins 54secs for a crushing victory over her rivals.

Corsham St George’s Day 10k – men: 1 Simon Nott (Calne RC) 32:20; 2 Michael Hiscott (Maidenhead) 32:58; 3 Mike Towler (AVR) 34:13.

M40: Mike Blackmore (TB) 37:37. M45: 1 Peter Blake (Chipp) 38:31. M50: 1 Alex Copping (TB) 38:40. M55: 1 Guy Woods (SWVets) 35:43.

Women: 1 Bethan Francis (AVR) 39:54 (PB); 2 Asia Zmyslona (Unnat) 41:32; 3 Faye Johnson (Pont-Y-Pwl) 41:44 (PB).

W45: 1 Anita Mellowdew (AVR) 41:55; 2 Denise Nott (AVR) 42:03. 1,043 finishers.

IN THE Virgin London Marathon, the leading Wiltshire runner was Corsham Running Club’s Jamie McBrien in 417th clocking a time of 2hrs 49mins 35secs while both Devizes veteran and Dan Sault (2:59.05) and Chippenham Harriers’ veteran Chris Maxwell (2:59.19) also broke three hours.

In the women’s race AVR veteran Diane Hier clocked 3:38.26.

AVON Valley Runners are launching a new series of fast and flat 5k road races commencing on Tuesday May 15th (7pm).

The event will start from Headquarters Road in Westbury with the HQ at the Players Bar, Quartermaster Road Westbury and there will be further races on June 19th, July 17th and August 21st.

The cost if £6 per race – with a discount of £2 if runners are EA registered – and entries will be taken on the night with an additional charge.