FORMER Wiltshire marathon international Amy Chalk has paid tribute to the organisers of the Chippenham Half Marathon.

Chalk, who lives in the village of Stanley, finished runner-up in the women’s race behind runaway winner Rebecca Moore from Cambridge University, who smashed the course record and her own personal best with 77minutes 20seconds.

At her best – 73:59 – 39-year-old Chalk would have been more than a match for her 22-year-old rival but after an injury-ravaged two years she admitted she is just glad to be back racing again.

“We came back early from a weekend away and it was a late decision to run the race,” said Chalk.

“I am not particularly fit as I tore my adductor muscle in the London Marathon and had to have ten weeks of complete rest. I have been training for the past month and this was a benchmark for me to see where I am at.

“It was a good solid run if not particularly fast compared to what I used to run but it is a stepping stone and hopefully I can now enjoy a good cross country season and get really fit for next spring.”

Chalk revealed it was the first time she had run the Chippenham event and was so impressed she is already looking forward to returning and trying to add the title to her long list of achievements.

“In the past I have never had the opportunity to run Chippenham as I have either been injured or pregnant,” added Chalk.

“It is a brilliant event and so well organised by Chippenham Harriers. There is terrific support out on the course and so many marshals and volunteers manning the water stations.

“I can’t praise it enough really because I know from my own experience how much work goes on behind the scenes to put on an event like this.

“It is obviously a big race now with around 1,800 runners but it has kept that friendliness and has a lovely vibe. I really enjoyed it and will be back to try and win it next year.”

Moore dominated from the gun to finish four minutes clear of Chalk with Cheltenham-based runner Hilary Mott another three minutes adrift in third.

Sam Humphrey, of Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC, defended his title with 69:40, not only almost a minute quicker than he ran in 2013 but also taking 28 seconds off the personal best he set at the Bath Half Marathon earlier this year.

Both winners took home a cheque for £300 thanks to a new sponsorship deal from David and Gill Powell.

The race was the 10th event in the Wiltshire Road Race League and the first male home from Wiltshire was Mike Rose, of Avon Valley Runners, in seventh in 1:18:30, while Claire Frances, of Bybrook Valley Runners, was the first Wiltshire club lady in 1:33:55.

Team Bath AC took maximum points from the race, but it was not enough to stop Avon Valley Runners claiming the first division title with two races to go.

The next Wiltshire Road Race League race is the Devizes Half Marathon on Sunday, October 19.