HUNDREDS of runners braved the rainy conditions to take part in the 27th annual Highworth 5 Mile on Sunday.

Large puddles covered much of the course and the 307 athletes had no option but to splash their way through, with a harsh and changing wind an added distraction.

Avon Valley Runner Mike Towler coped with the conditions the best of anyone, winning in 26:48 ahead of two Cirencester Athletics Club runners.

Former winner Chris Illman was well adrift in 27:20 while Adrian Williams was nearly a minute behind the victor in 27:43.

Ensuring Cirencester took victory in the team event was Bill Leggate who finished fourth, just five seconds adrift of Williams.

In the ladies’ race Cirencester also made a significant impression, with Wendy Nicholls coming home in 29:53 minutes, also scooping the trophy for first veteran in the process.

Just over a minute behind, Swindon Harriers’ Kate Jacobs ran herself into second in 30:57, while Highworth Running Club’s Meredith Grimsley was third in 32:44.

In the male veterans’ races, Swindon’s Mark Bellamy and Pete Molloy together with Gavin Jones and Brian Pitt won their respective age categories, their female counterparts being Carole Phillips, Liz Hulcup and Nina Stimson, while the overall winner was Nicholls.

The first Highworth residents to finish were Grimsley (40th overall) and Andy Sears (43rd).

Highworth Running Club would like to thank the volunteers who organise the race and all runners who braved the course, which allowed the club to make donations to local charities.

For details of all future club events, visit www.highworthrunningclub.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Salisbury A&RC’s Simon Plummer won the recent Corsham St George’s 10K in 32:29, the third event in the Wiltshire Race League.

Sam Kelly, of Wootton Bassett Hounds, claimed victory in the ladies’ race in 40:43.