SWINDON Harriers duo Gary O’Brien and Nathan Blunden were pipped for glory at the Barbury Castle Track & Trail Five Mile.

Taking top spot was RAF Brize Norton’s Daniel Lewis, who came home in a time of 29.22 minutes to beat second-placed O’Brien (30.40) and third-placed Blunden (31.28).

Harriers’ O’Brien may have missed out on overall victory but his time was still good enough to take the Male Vet 40 category while Steve Connolly, also of Swindon Harriers, took the Male Vet 50 section with a time of 36.16.

This tough trail begins with a 500-metre hill climb, which Lewis negotiated in just two minutes.

The circuit then turns left onto Smeathes Ridge, which descends over the Wiltshire Downs to the halfway point.

Rain played its part for the second half of the race, turning trails into rivers of mud but it couldn’t stop Lewis en route to a new course record.

First home for the women was Jessica Franklin of Newbury AC in a time of 34.38, ahead of Lisa Godding (36.00) and Jessica White (36.15). Godding though took the Female Vet 35 while Wootton Bassett Hounds’ Samantha Kelly (37.44) won the Female Vet 45 and Jenny Garth of Swindon Harriers took the Female Vet 55 with a time of 44.25.

Highworth AC’s Lewis Watson took the Male Vet 70 with a time of 1.02.07.

The team prizes were split, with Swindon Harriers winning the Men and Swindon Striders winning the Ladies.

The presentation was held at Barbury Shooting School, who also supplied runners with drinks and snacks which was very well supported by the runners.

The next Grass Roots Event will be the Swindon 10k on Sunday, November 20, see www.grassrootsevents.co.uk for further details.