SIMON Plummer underlined his status as the dominant male road runner in the county with a convincing victory in the Wiltshire Championships on Sunday.

Plummer (Salisbury A & RC) dominated the Melksham 10 race, which doubled up as the county championships and was also the ninth leg of the Wiltshire Race League series.

He stormed around the looping course, which took in Lacock before finishing at King George V Playing Fields in 53 minutes and 15 seconds to retain his county crown.

Plummer was more than 90 seconds clear of teenager Simon Nott, of Calne Running Club, who was making his debut at the distance.

Alec Leslie, of Swindon Striders, finished third.

The ladies race saw Ruth Barnes of Avon Valley Runners claim her second county title on the roads this year, finishing in an impressive 62:45.

Behind her were Michelle Kerfoot, of Bitton Road Runners, and Jennifer Macmaster, of the Army.

In fourth place Fiona Price of Avon Valley Runners was the second Wiltshire lady to finish and claimed a county silver medal ahead of Michelle Maxwell of Chippenham Harriers, who took the bronze.

Avon Valley Runners claimed both team prizes with Joby Hobbs – who now tops the individual rankings in the Wiltshire Race League – Thomas Coney, Warren Wade and Richard Morgetroyd taking the honours for the men.

Barnes, Price, Jo Mumford and Jill Westwood brought the ladies home with the west Wiltshire club now heading both Race League standings.

The next race in the Wiltshire Race League is the Cricklade Half Marathon on Sunday, October 7.

That event will also host the county championships for the distance.

Other Melksham 10 awards – First MV40: Gary O'Brien (Swindon Harriers); First MV50: Kevin Sparey (South West Vets); First MV60: Keith Robinson (Frome Running Club); First FV40: Fiona Price (Avon Valley Runners); First FV50: Caroline Mcbeth (Swindon Striders).

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