Smith as he ploughed through quagmire-like conditions to win Saturday's national cross country championships.

On a hilly course at Hog Bay Park in Somerset, where torrential rain made footing treacherous, Donawa opened an early lead and gradually pulled away over the five-loop, 6.5 mile route to win in 37 minutes and three seconds.

That was a whopping minute and a half ahead of Smith who had to settle for second in 38.41.

More than a minute behind in 39.51 was Tracy Wright with Jamal Hart and Mike Watson tying for fourth as they both crossed the line in 40.01.

Among the women, Jennifer Fisher -- taking a break from her studies at university in North Carolina -- made her first appearance in a local race in several months. And, like Donawa, she enjoyed a comfortable victory, completing the three loops -- 3.9 miles -- in 27.12.

Jane Christie, the first master, was second overall in 28.39 followed by the improving Emily Ferguson in 30.02. Maria Duffy (32.43) and Midge Oliver (34.05) filled the next two masters' spots.

A competitive men's masters field saw Harry Patchett place seventh overall in 41.35 to hold off the challenge from Jim Butterfield (44.43) and Simon Boddy (46.41).

Butterfield's son, Tyler, went one better in the secondary boys' race as he clocked an impressive 24.38 over three laps to lead home a 10-strong field.

Second in 24.57 was Calvert Lee with Lamont Marshall placing third in 25.23.

Patrina Swan raced to secondary girls' honours over two laps in 18.47, ahead of Jarita Dill (19.15) and Gabrielle Butler (19.40).

The largest field of the meet was among the primary boys where Lawson Williams led a 23-strong entry in 7.22 (one lap), just edging out Jonathon Ball (7.27) and Shane Morrissey (7.30).

Tiffany Eatherley was the first primary girl in 7.54 ahead of Cassie Mallory (8.09) and Flora Duffy (8.22).

Full results -- see Scoreboard