GUSTY winds and heavy rain were not enough to put off the near 200 runners who took on the Calne Clock Change Challenge on Sunday.

The biannual event saw a 5km race introduced for the first time alongside the 10km event and a 1.5km fun run.

The two longer races started at Calne Leisure Centre before taking in the back route along Stockley Lane towards Heddington and Stockley.

Mike Rose, of Avon Valley Runners, won the main 10km race in a time of 37 minutes and 19 seconds, 26 seconds ahead of William Woodcock (37:45) from Aberystwyth in second place, and Brian Cooke (38:06) of Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds in third.

Mr Rose said: “On the way out it was really windy so I eased into it, I didn’t want to go off too quickly. After half way the wind was behind me so I was able to stretch my legs more.”

The women’s race was won by another Avon Valley Runner, Ruth Barnes, in a time of 37:58 ahead of Stroud Athletic Club’s Naomi Eaton (40:08) and Kiersty Barnett (45:42).

Organiser Luke Shipway said: “It went really well considering the weather, the marshals’ raised the spirits of the runners and their help was much appreciated.

“March is always quieter for us but despite the weather it was a really good turnout.

"The new 5k is going to be a fixed event now so that will definitely be going ahead again.”

The newly introduced 5km men’s race was won in 18 minutes 38.6 seconds by Joe Goddard from Calne Running Club who was followed in by Ross Wayne (19:38.1) of Purbeck Runners and Gary Hughes (19:46.35) of Team Bath Athletics Club.

Sally Jamieson (22:08.5), of Running Somewhere Else, was victorious in the women’s 5km beating Francesca Golding (22:32.75) of Calne Running Club and Catherine Chappell (26:31.55).

Miss Golding said: “Despite the fact it was a difficult race in unfavourable conditions, the event itself was managed brilliantly.

“There was a really good atmosphere and some great support too. The children did fantastically in the fun run which was a pleasure to watch.”

Entry is already open and available online for 2015’s second Clock Change Challenge which will take place on October 25.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

  • Emily Stevens and Sika Falconer with their Calne Clock Change Challenge finishing medals. By Diane Vose