ANDY READING 10K

STEVE Male said he had been fortunate to win a wind-affected race, despite producing a strong finish at Chesterton.

The 48-year-old Oxford City athlete maintained his good recent form to take victory in 33mins 28secs, ahead of Headington Road Runners James Eve (33.41).

Both athletes looked as if they were fighting for second place behind Phil Beastall (Cheltenham & County Harriers) until the long-time leader suffered badly with a stitch as the race exited Weston-on-the-Green airfield.

“I was pleased to get the win, however, I considered myself fairly lucky as the leader was approximately 40 metres clear, but pulled up at 8km just coming off the airfield,” said Male.

“After hitting the front at 8km I pushed for home.”

Beastall clocked 32.53 for 10km last month and looked set for another quick time, but ended up 11th in 35.42.

He tweeted: “Absolute shocker. In the lead on track for a PB, got to 8k and hit the wall. Had to walk for 2-3mins.

“Went out too fast and then battled head on winds at an airfield. Crippled over with a nasty stitch #lame.”

City’s Nick Jones, who ran with Male and Eve until 5km, finished third in 34.03.

Eynsham Road Runners’ Mark Tyrrell (34.44) was fourth ahead of Matthieu Marshall (Oxford), who clocked 34.37.

Regular winner Samantha Amend (Belgrave) added another ladies’ title to her collection, finishing 27th overall in 36.47.

Male also took the vet 40 crown ahead of clubmate Marcus Maxwell (35.45), while Oxford’s Dave Parsons and Gwyneth Hueter won the vet 60 men’s and vet 55 ladies titles in 41.28 and 45.43 respectively.

Lucy Gettings (Compton Harriers) was the vet 45 ladies’ winner in 45.55.