fitness, pounded out his third successive road race victory yesterday.

Following wins in the Minute Maid 5K and Round the Town race, Forgesson, whose wife Anna Eatherley gave birth to their first child earlier this month, again had everything his own way over yesterday's MRM Five Flat Miles event in Somerset.

Averaging a five minute, 14 second pace, he crossed the line in 26 minutes and nine seconds -- 38 seconds in front of runner-up Neil de Ste Croix.

Third place went to Isle of Man resident Peter Costley, currently in Bermuda on a business trip. He clocked 27 minutes flat.

As expected, defending women's champion Jennifer Fisher extended her unbeaten streak on the roads this year, although Maria Conroy Haydon, steadily returning to her best form, ran a close second.

Fisher, placing 17th overall in a starting field of almost 200, was timed in 29.02 with Conroy Haydon placing 19th in 29.19.

Third woman Julia Hawley, fast becoming a force on the road race scene, also ducked under the 30 minute barrier to finish 25th overall in 29.57.

First men's Master (over 40) was Harry Patchett (fifth overall in 27.26) followed by Rod Allen (8th, 27.53) and Jeremy Ball (16th, 28.59). Sandra Mewett led the ladies Masters in 30.04 ahead of Maria Duffy (36.24) and Jane Gregory (36.27).

Other category winners included: Boys 12-15 -- Garon Wilkinson (14th, 28.56); Girls 12-15 -- Laura Turner (55th, 33.14); Girls 16-19 -- Freedom Trott (171st, 43.55); Men's veterans -- Geoff Bell (34th, 31.07); Women's veterans -- Peggy Couper (78th, 34.57).

Next Sunday sees the road race season continue with the Wheels/Dunkley 10K for which Front Street Mile champion Paul Freary is expected to return.

Brett Forgesson