PAUL Fernandez smashed the course record as he powered home for an impressive victory in the Rugged Radnage 10K.

Abingdon’s Fernandez completed the multi-terrain race in the Chiltern Hills in 36mins 39secs, knocking two and a half minutes off the previous record.

Fernandez came home more than a minute ahead of runner-up Eddie O’Gorman (Chiltern).

He said: “The race is certainly ‘rugged’ which made it feel more than 10k, with the total ascent/descent of 182m being split primarily between two uphills and two downhills.

“Conditions underfoot varied, with some of the route on road, but most on tracks with varying levels of mud.

“The second hill was 70m up the side of a muddy field, and it will live in the runners’ memory for a long time.”

Oxford University’s Emma Hodson was the first lady home in 43.48, while Headington Road Runners’ Anne Edwards was third in 47.01.

Abingdon’s Charlie Stone was 12th overall and second under 18 runner in 42.27, while Julian Moore (V50) was 34th in 46.25.