THERE is still a long way to go in the Wiltshire Road Race League, but on the evidence so far it will be a major surprise if Simon Nott is not crowned 2018 champion.

Nott made it two wins out of two in the Chippenham 5 miles race on Sunday, having also won the Highworth 5 – he missed the Compton Bassett race as he was organising it – so is sitting nicely for the 10-race programme.

“It is the best eight results from the 10 races that will count towards the overall awards,” said Nott, who also doubles up as the Wiltshire Road Race Secretary.

“I am happy with the way things are going this year and I am just looking to continue my progress.”

On Sunday, Nott had to work hard before reclaiming the Chippenham crown he last won a few years ago crossing the line in 26mins 08secs, 17 seconds clear of the Avon Valley Runners pair of Ed Knudsen and Mike Towler.

“We had some of the strongest runners in Wiltshire out on Sunday and Ed and Mike set a fierce pace from the start,” added Nott, who is a member of Calne Running Club.

“They were ahead of me in the first mile but I was happy with the pace I was running and I eventually caught them in the second mile and moved clear for the remaining three miles.

“It is always nice to beat such talented runners and it was a tough day being so hot as well.”

AVR’s strong presence also saw Damian Spreckley lift the veterans’ over 40s prize in fifth overall while Rebecca Beck was runner-up in the women’s race and Veryan Cranston was top veteran over 45.

Simon Gilbert, of Devizes Running Club, was third veteran over 40.

Top junior under 18 was Rohan Archer, of Chippenham Harriers, in 19th place overall of 238 finishers.

RESULTS

Men: 1 Simon Nott (CRC) 26:08; 2 Ed Knudsen (AVR) 26:25; 3 Mike Towler (AVR) 26:38.

Women: 1 Sian Thomas (Salisbury) 31:04; 2 Rebecca Beck (AVR) 32:50; 3 Karen Hacker (Chipp, W35) 33:16. W45: 1 Veryan Cranston (AVR) 33:19.