WITH top club runners Shaun Antell, Mark Jenkin and Steve Gallienne among the competitors in the North Devon Road Runners' Alby Memorial Braunton 10 miler, it was always going to be a competitive race at the sharp end.

These athletes took the top three places but Okehampton Running Club's Andy Vallance put in his usual determined run to finish close behind them in sixth place, just outside the hour in 1.00.33. This also upgraded his current bronze UKA award to gold.

Roger Voaden followed in ninth overall place in 1.04.22 and won the MV45 prize. Other ORC times: Andrew Vernon 31st in 1.11.37, Laura Bird 1.28.09 (bronze) and Peter Bollom 1.32.00.

A strong wind and wet ground after overnight rain made this race a stiffer test than usual but for Andy, Roger and Laura it provided good training for the forthcoming Virgin London Marathon even if it was not a course to try for a personal best!