race, as he completed the course in 32 minutes and 33 seconds, eight seconds ahead of Brett Forgesson, who ran the event in 32:41 and finished second.

Last year's winner, Tracy Wright, made an appearance at the race -- but only as a race official, having been hobbled by a painful Achilles tendon injury.

Smith decided to answer the starter's pistol, after all, and his decision to participate in the race paid off handsomely.

Mark Perry was another notable absentee, deciding to rest his throbbing knee.

Vernon Tankard was the third-place finisher in the race -- which began and ended at the National Sports Club, racing through Flatts, along North Shore, Palmetto Road and Frog Lane before returning via Middle Road. Tankard, who was one of the pre-race favourites, completed the race in 35:46, slightly over three minutes behind Smith and Forgesson.

In fourth place was Larry Richardson, with his time of 36:22, and Jeremy Ball wrapped up fifth spot, 17 seconds behind Richardson at 36:39.

Maria Conroy Haydon, intent on making up for a disappointing performance in the Boston Marathon last month, finished first among female competitors and in eighth place overall with a solid time of 37:03.

Not surprisingly, other top women in the race were Anna Eatherley, who was second best among the females and 40 seconds behind Conroy Haydon at 37:43.

In third place was Jane Christie, who ended the event clutching on to 25th spot overall, running the course in a steady 39:30.

Lynn Kynoch, also bent on a strong race, was fourth-best woman with a time of 40:05 and in 34th place overall.

Forgesson had the distinction of finishing the race as top male in the 20-39 age group, and that helped to soothe any disappointment he may have felt for finishing second overall in the race. Tankard was second in the category, followed by Glyn Sexton, who compiled a time of 37:03, good enough for third.

In the 40-49 category, Richardson led the way, followed by Ball and then Michael Whalley, who finished in 36:42.

Eatherley led all females in the 20-39 category with Christie in second place and Kynoch in third.

Midge Oliver, with a time of 48:09, was top female in the 40-49 category with Debbie Graham second at 51:10. Dorothy Gilchrist grabbed third spot with her time of 51:16.

Alan Anderson captured first place among 50-plus male runners with a time of 41:09 while David (45:08) and Carolyn (48:38) Cousins were the top visiting runners.

NEW CHAMP -- Kavin Smith clocked in at 32 minutes and 33 seconds in yesterday's Pure Water 10-K, good for first place.