MATTHEW Battensby was the winner of this year’s Rough ‘n’ Tumble multi-terrain event at Milton Lilbourne recently.

The race was in considerable doubt beforehand due to recent flooding, but a dry spell beforehand meant a full race entry were able to descend on the Wiltshire village.

Conditions were extremely tricky and most runners were covered in mud at the finish.

Burgess Salmon RC runner Battensby coped best as he finished in 1:06.53, nearly a minute and a half ahead of Allister Sheffield (Team Bath) in 1.08.14. Denis Galerin of Cirencester AC was third in 1:08.48.

In the women’s contest, Fay Cripps of Chichester Runners defended her title in a female vet 35 course record of 1:18.12.

She was over five minutes in front of Susanne Enhard of Compton Harriers (1.23.41), closely followed by Marlborough’s Emma Hayles in 1:24.01.

Competition was strong between the local clubs with Chippenham Harriers fielding 29 runners, Slinn Allstars 26 and Swindon Striders 25.

The men’s team prize went to Marlborough AC and the women’s was won by Swindon Striders.

RESULTS 1st male: Matthew Battensby (Burgess Salmon Running Club) 1:06.53 2nd male: Allister Sheffield (Team Bath AC) 1:08.14 3rd male: Denis Galerin (Cirencester AC) 1:08.48 1st female: Fay Cripps (Chichester Runners) 1:18.12 2nd female: Susanne Enhard (Compton Harriers) 1:23.41 3rd female: Emma Hayles (Marlborough AC) 1:24.01 1st male vet 40: Justin Ashby (Sidmouth Running Club) 1:12.36 1st male vet 50: Bob Pearce (Army Tri) 1:20.47 1st male vet 60: Geoff Anderson (Newbury AC) 1:28.12 1st female 35: Fay Cripps (Chichester Runners) 1:18.12 1st female 45: Susanne Enhard (Compton Harriers) 1:23.41 1st female 55: Vanessa Hawkins (Bitton Road Runners) 1:41.59

  • THE Wiltshire 10 Road Race is being held in Melksham on Sunday, February 16 and entrants are being sought.

Advance entry costs £14 (or £16 for unattached runners) and is limited to just 300 entrants.

The Swindon Advertiser’s sister paper, the Wiltshire Times, has five complimentary entries to give away to readers who can answer the following question: What is the fastest time recorded by a lady at the Wiltshire 10?

Email your answer to stampedesports@yahoo.co.uk and the winners will be drawn on February 1.

More details including entry forms and a course map can be found at www.stampedesports.co.uk.