local road race, blitzed the field for a convincing win in yesterday's annual Labour Day five miler.

Donawa crossed the line in 26 minutes 48 seconds, almost two minutes up on second-placed Brett Forgesson (28.37) with Sheldon Thompson (29.40) a further minute adrift in third place.

Rory Gorman, fourth in 29.51, and Colin Swan, fifth in 29.59, were the only other runners to duck under 30 minutes on an oppressively hot morning with humidity in the mid-90s.

Anna Eatherley, gradually returning to form after the birth of her daughter, took ladies' honours in 33.40 with Jane Christie, the first female master, just 12 seconds behind. Lesley Caslin (34.31) was the third woman across the line.

Jeremy Ball took male masters honours in 30.04 for sixth overall, followed in that category by the improving Steven Davis (30.37) and Harry Patchett (30.54).

Former top runner Mark Perry, out for more than a year with a serious knee injury, began a cautious but encouraging comeback, placing seventh overall in 30.34.

The road race season continues on Sunday with the Romanoff 5K, starting at 5.00 p.m. on Church Street in Hamilton.