MORE than 700 competitors lined up for the Corsham St George’s 10K race – the third event in the Wiltshire Race League series – on Sunday.

Simon Plummer, of Salisbury A&RC, led from the off to take victory in 32 minutes 29 seconds just 20 seconds outside the course record. The Amesbury runner was a minute and 15 seconds ahead of two-time winner Simon Nott, from Calne.

In fifth place, Peter Cusick, of Chippenham Harriers, finished as the first male vet and led clubmates Paul Gillham, Richard Schofield and Neil Perry to the team prize.

That took Harriers back to the top of the Race League standings ahead of Avon Valley Runners.

In tenth place, David Vaudin, of Team Bath, finished as first male vet 50 and is now the leading league scorer with 283.

Sam Kelly, of Wootton Bassett Hounds, claimed victory in the ladies’ race in 40:43 – more than a minute ahead of Avon Valley Runners’ Leanne Tiley.

In third, Vicky Moriaty led Chippenham Harriers to the ladies’ team prize with clubmates Mandy Thorpe, Sue Stewart-Tanner and Georgia Thomas, moving Harriers move into the league top spot, ahead of Avon Valley Runners, with Mandy Thorpe the leading woman.

Chippenham Harriers turned out in force for the event – a target race for graduates from its beginner’s programme who have been training for their first 10k since September in the club’s Friday Night Pack runs.

Rohaise Des Voeux, who completed the course in 1:05:22, said: “I’ve progressed from no running at all to a five kilometres two months later and now a 10k. The whole experience has been really enjoyable.’’

Fellow newcomer Nicola Angell said: “I feel a great sense of achievement after completing my first 10k race. I’d never thought I could do that after only starting running in September.’’

Event four of the Wiltshire Race League is at the Highworth 5 on Sunday.

Race director Alex Fogwill said: “We had 805 entries and 723 runners on the day which is pretty good for a small town like Corsham.

“The weather and the clash with the London (Marathon) may have put some people off but we were very pleased with the entry and the pretty slick organisation that we have managed to achieve.’’

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