Former Oxford University student Jonathan Blackledge retained his Andy Reading 10K title after dominating the race at Chesterton.

The 26-year-old Belgrave Harrier stormed to the front early on to finish 47 seconds clear in a time of 32mins 4secs.

Eddie O’Gorman, an ex-Bicester athlete and 2008 winner, was runner-up in a personal best of 32.51.

Jointly organised by Bicester Athletic Club and Alchester Running Club, the start of Sunday’s race had to be delayed until 11am due to ice.

But that proved the right decision as conditions under foot were much improved, shown by some decent times.

Headington Roadrunner Gary Harris was the first Oxfordshire runner home, clocking 33.26 to finish in third place, ahead of Abingdon Ambler Oz Ellis (33.36).

Alchester’s Nigel Marley, running for his first-claim club Coventry Godiva Harriers, was fifth in 33.48.

Samantha Amend, the 2008 and 2009 Abingdon Marathon champion, completed a Belgrave double by winning the ladies’ event in 36.09.

Close behind her was the first Oxon lady, Headington’s Jude Craft, who clocked 36.31 to win the vet 35 crown.

Hook Norton Harrier David Tame was first vet 40 in 34.41.

There was also an Oxford City double with Stewart Thorp (38.00) and Roy Treadwell (38.10) winning the vet 50 and 60 titles respectively.

Witney Roadrunner Nicola Gomm won the LV45 crown in 42.16, while Eynsham’s Kate Williamson took the LV55 award in 47.14.

There were some excellent runs among the under 17 ranks, who were led home by Abingdon School and Radley AC’s Alistair Duff.

Duff finished tenth in 35.14, with 15-year-old Abingdon Ambler Alexander Vessey 12th in 35.38 – the same time as teammate Luke Terry, who came 14th.

Former Alchester runner Rachel Elliot (Team Kennett) was second senior lady in 39.51, while Alchester’s Samantha Usher was second vet 35 lady in 40.55.

  • THE day also witnessed boys and girls 1K and 3K races, which were won by Max Crowther, Robert Gray, Nawal Elkirate and Lucy Hunter respectively.