A RECORD entry of 600 runners turned out for the Swindon 10k race, now in its seventh year, on Sunday.

The top 50 finishers all completed the course in under 40 minutes, with the men’s race fiercely contested.

After 6.2 miles, all that separated the eventual winner, Joshua Dixon, of North Somerset AC, from Luke Evans, of Bristol & West, was six seconds. Dixon won the event in 32.47, with Evans coming in at 32.53.

The first Swindon Harrier home was Nathan Blunden in 35.56, finishing 10th overall.

The women's race was won by Bristol & West’s Amy Chalk in 36.12, just over a minute ahead of local runner, Kate Jacobs, of Swindon Harriers (37.17).

Stephanie Knott, of Swindon Striders, and Jenny Connolly, of Swindon Harriers, both finished in the first 10 ladies in 40.09 and 41.55 respectively.

Swindon Shin Splints fielded more than 50 members, many running the 10k distance for the first time.

Swindon Karting Centre, Run Swindon and St John Ambulance supported the event, with organiser Steve Goulding thanking the many marshals who directed and supported the runners.

The Rough 'n' Tumble 10-mile multi-terrain event will be on January 11, with entries now being taken. See grassrootsevents.co.uk.

Roll of honour:

1 Joshua Dixon (North Somerset AC) 32.47; 2 Luke Evans (Bristol & West) 32.53; 3 Adrian Williams (Cirencester AC) 34.20 .

Male Vet 40: James Richards (Hereford Tri) 34.43 .

Male Vet 50: Sean Butler (Team Bath) 37.04 .

Male Vet 60: Stephen Owen (42.43).

Male Vet 70: David Edelsten (Cirencester AC) 1.03.28 .

Junior male: Adam Wilson (Yate AC) 37.37 .

1st female: Amy Chalk (Bristol & West) 36.12; 2 Kate Jacobs (Swindon Harriers) 37.16; 3 Fee Maycock (Belgrave) 38.25 .

1st Female 35: Amy Chalk (Bristol & West) 36.12.

1st Female 45: Fee Maycock (Belgrave) 38.25 .

1st Female 55: Karen Butler (Team Bath) 43.03.

1st Female 65: Rosemary Barber (Avon Valley Runners) 55.22.

Junior Female: Lucy Morrison (Calne Running Club) 46.44.