was `Fell-ed' by a visiting runner from Canada.

But the local could take solace in the fact that it took a gold medallist to break his run of victories. Fell won the 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

In the end it was an easy win for the Canadian, showing the class that earned him a top 10 world ranking in the 3,000 each year -- with the lone exception of 1984 -- from 1982 to 1991.

Almost two minutes separated the top two runners with Fell romping across the finish line at National Sports Club to the cheers of spectators.

Fell was clocked in 30 minutes, 38 seconds, well ahead of Smith, who had claimed before the race that he was not in as good a condition as he would have liked.

Brett Forgesson (32:57) was third with Tracy Wright (33:53) fourth. Over 40 winner was Greg Hopkins (34:49), while Giorgio Zanol emerged as the over 50 champion.

Among the women, Karen Adams continued to blaze the comeback trail, notching the win in 38:09.