Jay Donawa finished 121st out of 146 starters in the high-class IAAF World Cross-Country Championships in France yesterday.

The Bermudian clocked 41 minutes 22 seconds over the 12 kilometre course in Saint Galmier and was simply thrilled to complete the trek that included logs, muddy patches and other obstacles. Seventeen runners failed to finish.

?He was very pleased especially given the condition he is in now ? not at his peak. He said he just gave what he had and took a lot of positives from it. He has no regrets,? Donawa?s wife Keena told after speaking to her husband by telephone.

?It was really challenging because it was more European-style than like here and in the USA where you run more on golf courses.?

The 32-year-old was also happy to place two spots above Arevalo Alfredo of Guatemala who finished second at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association?s (NACAC) Cross-Country Championships in Florida on March 6. Donawa was 15th out of 31 in that event.

The local cross-country top gun said the elite race was an unforgettable experience which overwhelmed him at the start.

?He compared it to (the) May 24th (Marathon Derby) on Front Street but it was like that for the whole route. There were people everywhere,? reported Keena.

Donawa, who returns home tonight, said there were an estimated 23,000 spectators.

Road runner Kavin Smith returned to the winner?s circle when he romped home first in yesterday?s BermudaJobs.com 10 mile race, clocking a time of 57 minutes and eight seconds.

Sheldon Thompson placed second in 58.21 and Riaan Naude third in 58.36.

Lynn Patchett led the women, placing eighth overall in 63.23.