JAMES Donald finally realised one of his running ambitions when he won the Imber Trail 33 miles multi-terrain race across Salisbury Plain at the weekend, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Donald, who works at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in North Star Avenue, was a man on a mission in Sunday’s race and eventually ran out an emphatic winner by almost four minutes as he clocked a time of four hours 14.18 minutes.

“It is the fourth time I have done the race and the first time I have won it,” said Donald.

“I had been second twice, when on both occasions a really top ultra runner turned up on the start line, and also fourth, so I am really pleased to win it at last.

“It got to the point this year that I either had to win it or just come nowhere trying as I didn’t want to finish second again. So I gave it a real go and it paid off.”

Donald’s experience and pace judgement gave him the edge over his Team Bath AC clubmate Josh Taylor and he dictated the race almost from start to finish.

“My legs are a bit sore now but I enjoyed the race and I am very happy to win it at last,” added Donald.

It was Donald’s second big ultra win of 2017, having won the Rok the Stones 27 miles race in Bristol last month, but his main target for the first half of the year is the North Downs Way 50 miles trail event in May.

“I tried a 100 miles event last year but decided it wasn’t for me so I am looking forward to racing over 50 miles in the North Downs Way, though, I have no idea how it will go,” said Donald.

“Before then, I have entered the London Marathon but that is just for fun and it will be good training.”