Strength in depth gives Runners the team prizes at the Sphinx Summer 5

The race, the third in the Warwickshire Road Race League, was won by Andrejs Blakunov of Sphinx AC in a time of 27:16 but it was Kenilworth who had the strength in depth with six finishers inside the top ten.

Andrew Siggers was third in 27:24, with Connor Carson (4th in 27:26), Stephen Page (6th in 28:03) and Kev Hope (7th in 28.32) combining for the team gong.

Hope was also awarded the first V35 prize, with Dave Pettifer finishing first V65 in 32:58.

There were also PBs for Stewart Underhill (40th in 32:05), Richard Zanetti (35:45)and Pavan Ayyalasomajajula (39:51).

Spa Striders were also well represented with Will Johnson leading their men over the line in 28:40 for eighth.

Chris McKeown (22nd in 30:56), Tom Gotts (25th in 31:10) and Simon Parsons (33:57) were rewarded with PBs.

Leamington C&AC’s men were involved in their own private battle with just 17 seconds and seven places splitting their first four home.

Nick Tawney was third M55 and 41st overall in 32:15, with Chris Hitchman (32:20), Paul Okey (32:25) and Brian Miller (32:32) in close pursuit.

In the ladies’ race, Leamington C&AC’s Zara Blower clocked 31:49 to claim a fine second place behind Northbrook AC’s Amanda Deavey.

However, it was again Kenilworth who took the team prize thanks to third-placed Laura Fuller (32:51), Louise Andrews (34:47) and Laura Pettifer (34:48).

Pauline Dable was first LV65 in 45:43.

Jennie Hawkins was the first Strider lady in 34:08 and was followed by a PB-running Caroline Whitehouse in 34:33.