IN-FORM Wiltshire runner Simon Nott reckons he has finally cracked the Swindon 10k.

In his third attempt at the event Nott, who is a member of Calne Running Club, not only regained the title he last won on his debut in 2015 but more importantly recorded a time that he is happy with.

Leading from gun to tape in what proved to be a solo time trial – he finished over three minutes clear of the field – Nott clocked a swift time of 31mins 30secs that was not only his fastest on the course but also left him just four seconds shy of Ben Cole’s course record set last year.

“While I have finished first and second before this is never a race in which I felt I have run well in,” said Nott.

“It is a good course but somehow I have always found it tricky and had never run inside 32 minutes (he won with 32:30 in 2015 and improved to 32:18 last year) but I feel I have finally nailed the Swindon 10k at my third attempt.

“Maybe I am just more experienced now and I also came into the event with a lot of confidence after recent results and the weather was very kind to us. It went well and I am pleased to win although when I found out I was so close to the course record that was disappointing.”

Victory continues a great spell of form by Nott, who works for Wiltshire County Council in Trowbridge. He has notched up wins in the Trowbridge and Melksham 10k races this autumn, was 14th in the top quality Cardiff 10k and then set a PB of 70:58 for second place in the Great West half marathon in Exeter.

Michael Milstead of St Mary’s Running & Triathlon Club was a distant second with Simon Gilbert, of Devizes Running Club third and first veteran in third.

Nott’s wife Denise Nott made a welcome return to form after injury as she finished runner-up in the women’s race with her fastest time of the year.

“Denise has been struggling with injuries this year so she was very happy with that run,” added Nott.

Swindon 10k - Men: 1 Simon Nott 31:30; 2 Michael Milstead (St Mary’s RT) 34:51; 3 Simon Gilbert (Devizes RC, M40) 34:52; 4 Kevin Smith (Swindon Striders, M40) 35:02; 5 John Lewis (SS) 35:34.

Women: 1 Catie O’Donoghue (Swindon Shin Splints) 38:53; 2 Denise Nott CRC, W45) 40:04; 3 Jo Fified (Stroud, W35) 40:29.