and slippery Spittal Pond course on Saturday, but it was a hard-earned victory with just five seconds separating the top four runners.

Wright, who finished in 23 minutes, 48 seconds, edged out the fast-improving Jamal Hart and triathlon champion Neil De Ste. Croix by just three seconds.

Hart and De Ste. Croix shared the same time, 23.51, with Errol Cormack another two seconds back in 23.53.

James Cooper took fifth place in 24.20 and Harry Patchett, the first Master, placed sixth in 24.57.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Fisher, fresh from her record-breaking performance in the Cherry Street Road Mile in Tulsa a week earlier, maintained her unbeaten streak in women's cross-country this season, winning comfortably in a time of 17.43 over a course one lap shorter than the men. Masters Sandra Mewett (19.10) and Jane Christie (19.16) took second and third place.

Four school division races were also held as the junior series continued with Laura Turner finishing well ahead of the secondary girls field, clocking 10.59 ahead of Suella Matthews (11.22) and Velvet Smith (11.27).

The return of Garon Wilkinson (17.16) and Mark Constable (17.57) strengthened the secondary boys field, with Wilkinson winning by over 40 seconds in an entry of just five. KiJah Butterfield continued his improvement to place third in 19.19.

In the primary girls division, two-time winner this season Emma Rego fell on one of the more treacherous parts of the course leaving the way open for close rival Akila Mills to win in 11.30. Claire Kimbel (11.59) took second place and Mylinda Johnson (12.03) was third.

Frazer Hunt returned to competition to win the primary boys in 10.49 just two second ahead of Kemar Curtis (10.51) who in turn nipped third placed Aswad Wilson (10.53).