WILTSHIRE launched their defence of the South West Road Running Championships with a series of good results at the Around the Tor 10K at Glastonbury, which was hosting the regional championships for the distance.

Leading home in his fastest time of the year so far was team captain Simon Nott, of Calne Running Club, who recorded 32 minutes 44 seconds, just 17 seconds behind Dave Long (Bournemouth AC), representing Dorset.

Strong runs from fourth-placed Ed Knudsen, of Avon Valley Runners, ninth-placed Thomas Davies, of Team Bath, 12th placed Gary Dunstone, of Team Bath, Chris Moore, of Team Bath, in 13th and Simon Gilbert, of Devizes Running Club, who was 21st gave Wiltshire victory ahead of Dorset and Somerset.

The ladies were led home by Hannah Claydon, of Swindon Harriers, in a season’s best of 38:22 to finish in third place overall.

Good runs by 10th-placed Jackie Rockliffe, of Avon Valley Runners, 11th-placed Denise Nott, of Calne Running Club, Anita Mellodew, of Avon Valley Runners, in 13th and 14th-placed Emma Hines, of Chippenham Harriers, saw the ladies take third spot behind Cornwall and Devon.

Team manager Darren Wrintmore said: “This sets Wiltshire up in a strong position for the championship finale which takes place at Exeter as part of the Great West Half Marathon on October 15.”