time, gave would-be rivals a little more to think about with an impressive record run in yesterday's Maple Leaf 10K.

Despite the windy conditions, Smith surged into an early lead and went on to clock a 32 minutes, 13 seconds -- more than a minute inside his own course record of 33.28. The race took a field of more than 70 from the Clocktower in Dockyard to Somerset and back again.

Smith was trailed by another former Derby winner Tracy Wright, who showed he's also hitting peak form at the right time with a 33.48 clocking for second place. Sheldon Thompson placed third in 34.34 with triathlete Neil de Ste.

Croix (34.52) and Ronue Cann (35.25) rounding out the top five.

In the absence of women's Derby favourite, Karen Adams, masters runner Jane Christie romped home first in the female division, clocking 41.22, over one and a half minutes up on second-placed Alison Cameron (43.01) with top veteran Peggy Couper third in 44.31.

Christie took overall and masters honours while in the men's masters division, Harry Patchett added another title to his extensive collection, finishing 10th in 36.13, followed by Van Doyling (37.04) and Jay Kempe (39.13).

Second female master was Gail Matthews (48.21) and third Donna Mae Smith (50.26).

Mike Whalley won the men's vets' battle, crossing the line in 39.09 with Peter Lever taking second in 40.29 and Will Collieson third in 40.54. Up and coming junior Calvert Lee was the top teenager, placing ninth in 36.10.