SIMON Nott smashed his own course record as he dominated the 2017 Bromham Xmas Pud 10k from gun to tape, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The in-form Calne Running Club athlete, pictured, was in a class of his own in Sunday’s race as he took charge early on and completed the distance in a time of 31mins 38secs to slash 1min 29secs off the time he set when winning the event two years ago.

Coupled with his victory in 2013 (33:21), Nott boasts an impressive record in the Bromham 10k and with victories in the Melksham, Trowbridge and Swindon 10k events this autumn he is very much the man in form in the county.

“It was a very similar race to Swindon and another box ticked,” said Nott.

“Bromham is a really good race, very well organised and a fast course and that is the first time I have felt that I have nailed it properly.

“I was testing myself more than anything as I took the lead from the start but I don’t mind that and feel comfortable pushing myself to the limit.”

Nott hopes to push himself beyond his current limits to attack his lifetime best of 31mins 10secs when he joins a top-class field in the Telford 10k this Sunday.

“It is a shame I will have to miss the Tri-Counties Championships at Bath University but Telford is a big race and hopefully I will have the chance to run under 31 minutes if conditions are good,” added Nott.

“I am in a good place physically and mentally and I will be looking to finish the year with another good performance.”

Second was Harry Palmer of Team Devizes/Moonrakers while in fifth, Corsham RC’s ultra distance international Damian Hall took the veterans’ prize and was just 20 seconds off his best.

Chippenham-based Eilidh Bell continued her fine form since switching to Team Bath as she also clocked a personal best to finish runner-up behind clubmate Katrine Svane.

Bell shaved 12 seconds off the time she ran to win the Bournemouth 10k two months ago with 38mins 19secs.

“I actually thought I might do better as I was hoping to run under 38 minutes but it wasn’t to be on the day and it was still a PB,” said Bell.

Chippenham Harrier Cordula Hurcum finished fourth and first veteran. Her time of 40mins19secs carved 22 seconds off her best set over the same course.

That is a fantastic achievement and is a tribute to her and coach Michelle Maxwell.

Bromham Xmas Pud 10k – men: 1 Simon Nott (CRC) 31:38; 2 Harry Palmer (Team Devizes/Moonrakers) 34:08 ; 3 Gary Dunstone (TB) 34:26; 4 James Donald (TB) 34:37; 5 Damian Hall (CRC, M40 1st) 34:49; 6 Michael Passmore (HRC) 34:55. M60: 1 David Vaudin 39:03.

Women: 1 Katrine Svane (TB) 37:13; 2 Eilidh Bell (TB) 38:19 (PB); 3 Laura MacGregor (Maidenhead) 38:24; 4 Cordula Hurcum (Chipp, W40) 40:19.