Conroy-Haydon, Mark Perry and Anna Eatherley raced to their first Co-op Supermarket Labour Day Road Race wins yesterday.

The five-miler, which signals the start of the racing season, saw Perry lead home the 100 runners in a time of 26:52 as Eatherley was the first female finisher in 31:05, both winners some distance off the record set by Tony Ryan (25:35) and Conroy-Haydon (29:36) in 1986 and '91 respectively.

Perry, second to Kavin Smith two years ago, was just six seconds ahead of second-placed Steven Caines. "I feel pretty good about my time,'' he said afterwards.

"I think it's an indication I'm in good shape for the season. Twenty-six, fifty-two for me is a good time for the season opener. I'm looking forward to the International 10-K and also the Front Street Mile.'' Perry beat out a top six, which also included Brett Forgesson, runner-up to Armstrong last year, Greg Hopkins, Tracy Wright and Jeremy Ball.

"I was feeling everybody out,'' added Perry. "I knew Brett and Tracy were in good shape, so my aim today was just to stay with those guys. Steven Caines had a very good run and was pushing up on me in the last mile.'' Eatherley, without anyone pushing her, was a little over a minute slower than her time of 29:41 last year, the difference being there was no other female of prominence.

She admitted there is room for improvement, with the New York Marathon in November being her main focus as she bids to break three hours.

"I was running close to Marie but this year I didn't have anybody with me,'' explained Eatherley who was beaten by just five seconds by Conroy-Haydon last year.

"This is always a good run and I do it every year. I use it as a gauge. I need to do some speed work. It was very hot out there but I ran the first three miles how I wanted to.'' Eatherley was 17th overall. The first junior was Sharif Taylor in 34:35. Marco Perinchief was the second junior, in 46th place and was followed two places behind by second female finisher Penelope Butterfield in 36:07. She won the first female prize for the 20-39 age group.

Lesley Darrant was the third female overall and the second in the 20-39 category in a time of 41:19 with Edwina Arorash third in 41:28.

Caines, Forgesson and Hopkins were the first three finishers in the 20-39 male division, with Ball the first 40-49 age group finisher, followed by Larry Richardson and Elliott Rogers.

Barbara Clemens, 68th overall, was the first female in the 40-49 age group while Manfred Jung, 37th overall, was the first 50-plus runner to complete the race.

ANNA EATHERLEY MARK PERRY -- Crossing the finish line in 26:52 yesterday.