race, when an ongoing feud between top local runners Brett Forgesson and Paul Edness ended in blows.

Ironically, what was dubbed a "fun run'' by many of those taking part, ended on a sour note, as tempers flared.

For approximately 30 seconds, Forgesson and Edness traded blows -- not exactly prize fighting -- each appearing to connect to the head area, but doing no significant damage, before being separated.

The row is believed to have begun two weeks prior, during the Pure Water 10-K, where Edness rode alongside the leaders and persisted with "aggressive cheerleading'' in favour of eventual winner, Kavin Smith, clearly rankling the normally mild-mannered Forgesson, who was second.

For Sunday's End To End race, Edness had originally been listed as a member of the five-man Trevor T's Team, containing Kevin Tucker, Trevor Todd, Otis Ingham and Smith, but scratched and was replaced by Sid Howard. Forgesson was likewise reduced to a spectating role by a sore Achilles tendon.

Edness did, however, continue with his "words of encouragement'' throughout the route from St. George's to Somerset. Shouting "Africa! Africa!'', and with black gloves and a clenched fist raised in the manner of the Black Power salute made infamous at the 1968 Olympics, led home Smith, whose team finished third overall.

While those actions alone may have taken the normally docile road running community by surprise, what followed revealed the all to familiar violent tendencies that have permeated competitive sports.

According to Edness, it was he who became the target of post-race profanities from Forgesson's wife, Anna Eatherley, and when he responded in kind, was gripped on the arm by Forgesson and punches were thrown.

An attempt at reconciliation moments later proved fruitless, as more verbal sparring resulted and again the pair had to be physically restrained.

"I was cheering on Kavin (during the Pure Water 10-K) and apparently he (Forgesson) didn't like what I was saying and tried to spit on me and after the race I confronted him, because I didn't appreciate what he did,'' said Edness, still seething. "Today (yesterday) I told him he was still a punk and later his wife came across and (cursed) me off for no reason.

"Then he grabbed my hand so I plugged him, but he made contact first.

"It's not over...he will be disciplined.'' An apologetic race organiser George Sutherland said that the incident was not connected with the event. However, bad blood between Forgesson and Edness was obvious, Sutherland stating that Edness' behaviour had been of concern previously.

"Edness has already received a letter from the BTFA, warning of his aggressive behaviour,'' said Sutherland. "The essence of the letter was that we would suspend his membership if he didn't modify his behaviour, whether running or as a spectator.

"This is the third time he has been on the course shouting at runners and it is something the association cannot tolerate, but is at a loss as to how to prevent it.'' Forgesson refused comment on the incident, but Smith, innocently thrown into the middle of the controversy, said it was unfortunate that violence was the end result.

"I don't really know (Edness). The guy obviously admires me a lot and has his beliefs in what he wants to do.

"As far as the issue between him and Brett goes, I don't really know. He was cheering me on in a very aggressive manner and it must have affected Brett in a way.

"I've been in this system a long time and had my share of things I've had to swallow and walk away from, which is the way I think everything should be done. Regardless of what you believe in...swallow it and walk away.'' The fight blurred the fine victory recorded by Hamilton Harriers, as Mark Perry made up a deficit of more than one minute on Fab Five's Vernon Tankard, running the final leg (5.6 miles) and finishing the 21.85-mile course in two hours, two minutes and 41 seconds.

Earlier Gary Taylor had given Harriers a solid start, placing third over the opening leg before handing over to team-mate Steve Donnelly at Kindley Field.

Donnelly steadily made up ground on the opposition and Neil Halliday and Neil de Ste. Croix continued the charge, to set up an intriguing run to the finish.

Fab Five placed second in 2:03:49, and were penalised a minute after Michael Donawa had cut the Swing Bridge roundabout, with Trevor T's Team third (2:07:47).

MAAC Munchies (2:31:51) captured the women's crown, The New Winners Edge (2:11:05) were tops in the mixed category, MAAC Masters (2:11:29) took masters honours and The Running Backs (2:29:40) snared the junior prize.