WOODSTOCK Harriers' star veteran, Mike Shipway, took the plaudits as Oxfordshire athletes came out in force at the annual Lanzarote International Running Challenge.

The event comprises four gruelling races in a four-day period, with aggregate times used to determine final overall and age group placings.

The first race was over a flat ten kilometre course, followed by a 13km multi-terrain ridge run to the top of an extinct volcano.

The third was over a 5km course on sand, with the last being a trans-island race over 23km of roads.

Shipway, running in the men's 60-64 age group, fought off some tough Norwegian opposition to win his age group in 3hrs 23mins 29 secs, finishing 39th overall.

Oxford City's Steve Mead posted the best aggregate time of 3.6.30, to finish in an excellent 16th position overall from the 192 finishers.

His clubmates, Dave Parsons (23rd) and Mick Welland (25th), came first and second in the Vet 55-59 age group, Parsons edging out Welland by just 18 seconds in 3.14.32.

Nic Russell, also running for Oxford City, finished 54th in 3.28.34.

In the ladies' races, Headington's Sue Walters put in a marvellous performance to win the 40-44 age group in 3.30.08 to secure fourth place overall.

Meanwhile, Abingdon Amblers' Sarah Mead finished 19th in 3.50.30.

OXFORDSHIRE'S athletes are gearing up for the county cross country championships, which are to be held at Drayton School, Banbury, on Sunday, January 5.

The championships are hosted by Banbury Harriers, starting at 10am with the boys events, running through until 11.40 when the senior men's race takes place.

Entry fees are £2 for seniors and masters, and £1 for all other age groups.

Entry fees and forms should be sent to Barrie Strange, Appletrees, Main Street, West Hagbourne, nr Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0NJ by Wednesday, January 1.

Cheques payable to Oxon AA.

SCHEDULE

10.00: Boys under 11. 10.05: Girls under 11. 10.15: Boys under 13. 10.30: Girls under 13 & 15. 10.45: Boys under 15 and men's under 17. 11.10: Women under 17, under 20, seniors & masters. 11.40: Men's under 20, seniors & masters.