Radley Ladies' Tracey Galbraith braved atrocious weather to win the women's race at the Cotswold Canter 10km all-terrain race at Burford.

Galbraith fought off some strong challengers, taking first place with an excellent time of 38mins 57secs, and finishing 19th overall in a field of more than 500.

Galbraith's nearest challenger for the ladies' crown, was Sale Harriers' Lucy Aphramer, but she was almost two minutes behind, crossing the line in 40.31.

Third place went to Marion Steininger (MTV Runners, Stuttgart) in 42.52.

In the men's event, there were no local athletes in the medal places, although Banbury's Simon Pritchard finished a fine fifth.

Gold went to Dan Duke (Tame Valley Harriers), who broke the tape in 34.52.

Roger Mullins (Cheltenham Harriers) finished second in 35.08, while Ricky Sims (Finn Valley AC, Ireland) was third in 35.15.

This was only the second running of the Cotswold Canter - a charity event held in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, starting and finishing at Burford School.

Despite driving rain and a blustery wind, which rendered parts of the course extremely slippery, the race proved once again to be a huge success, with between £5,000 and £6,000 raised for the charity.

Race organiser Dave Griffiths said: "We were delighted with the numbers that entered, and with the amount we raised for the RNLI.

"The weather was awful, but it was still an excellent day. We will definitely be here again next year."

The Cotswold Canter, the second of a four-race series, is designed as a lead up to the London Marathon. The next race in the series, the Goodwood Gallop, takes place on Sunday, February 17 (10.30am).

Of the local clubs, Abingdon Amblers were out in force.

Thame Runners entered four athletes, with Barbara Orth the first home in a time of 48.06.

CLUB RESULTS

Abingdon Amblers: G Richards 39.22, J Oliver 40.46, D Walker 42.17, A Garner 43.12, J Wigmore 44.07, R Jacob 44.16, S Ravenhall 45.20, R Matthews 49.37, B Wheat 52.03, M Richards 52.13, M Nash 53.30, L Clark 53.54, Mars Street 56.40, N Blatchford 59.08, T Powell-Jones 1.01.00, K Pike 1.05.00.

Thame Runners: B Orth 48.06, D Flower 56.59, S Bennett 57.39, B Plater 57.55.

Eynsham RR: M Glanville 49.01, P Creasey 50.42, S Taylor 52.14, A Creasey 52.39, R Gascoigne 1.02.34, C Green 1.03.56, J Edwards 1.06.45, E Cotton 1.06.45, J Ryan 1.07.00, R Clarke 1.07.31, S Jinks 1.07.45, C Creasey 1.10.45.