Late entry Kavin Smith turned back the clock to run away with victory in yesterday's annual Butterfield and Vallis 5K Race and Walk, which attracted more than 600 entries.

The 42-year-old multiple Marathon Derby champion romped home in an impressive 16 minutes and 54 seconds, more than half a minute ahead of second-placed Calvert Lee (17:28). Gerd Balon (18:04) was another 36 seconds back in third.

With top runners such as Chris Estwanik, Jay Donaway and the Marshall brothers, Larry and Lamont, absent, Smith made the most of his opportunity after only confirming his registration over the weekend.

Forty-three-year-old Victoria Fiddick made it a 'Masters' double as she took the women's title, finishing in 18:23 and in seventh place overall.

Jennifer Alen placed second among the women in 19:06 and another Masters runner, Karen Smith, placed third in 19:24.

Senior Master (over 50) Manuel Lopes placed 11th to take victory in that age group in 19:05 and Carolyn Conway (25:48) was the women's winner in the same age division.

But and there were also some outstanding runs in the over 60s division, the evergreen Mike Whalley, who continues to compete in almost every local event, taking first place in 22:10, and another regular Peggy Couper leading the women in 24:24.

Full results on Page 24