ANDY Fulford smashed the existing course record at the Barbury Castle Ramparts 5 but still had to settle for second place.

The Swindon Harrier completed the five-mile multi-terrain course in 30:27, some 39 seconds behind Bristol & West’s Heath Bampton, with Newbury AC’s James Craggs finishing third in 31.39.

Fulford had held a 20-second advantage over Bampton after two miles, but Bampton ate into the lead over the next mile and caught his rival in the climb to Barbury Castle, before keeping the lead until the finish.

In the women’s race, Swindon Harrier Jo Parkes finished second in 35:40, while winner Gemma Collier of Gloucester AC (34:40) smashed the existing course record by nearly a minute.

Parkes pulled away from former Ridgeway School pupil Yasmin Smith at the three-mile mark to settle the battle for the silver and bronze positions.

In the Female Vet 35, Parkes ran exactly the same time as in her earlier race but this time it was good enough for top spot, as she took her second prize of the day.

There was also success for Swindon Striders as Jude Rouse claimed the Vet Ladies 55 win in 46:33, while Highworth RC’s Lewis Watson was first in the Male Vet 70 in 57:15.

Runners will get a second chance to run the trails of Barbury Castle on Thursday, August 19 at 7.30pm.

The Track ‘n’ Trail 5 is another five-mile route and entries will be taken on the night. For further details please see www.grassrootsevents.co.uk.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Male: Heath Bampton (Bristol & West) 29:48, Andy Fulford (Swindon Harriers) 30:27, James Craggs (Newbury AC) 31:39. Female: Gemma Collier (Gloucester AC) 34:40, Jo Parkes (Swindon Harriers) 35:40, Yasmin Smith 36:43. Male Vet 40: Heath Bampton (Bristol & West) 29:48 Male Vet 50: Stewart Thorpe (Oxford City AC) 34:48 Male Vet 60: Any Reade 40:32 Male Vet 70: Lewis Watson (Highworth AC) 57:15 Junior Male: Sam Akers 53:29 Female Vet 35: Jo Parkes (Swindon Harriers) 35:40 Female Vet 45: Alison Kembery (Swindon Striders) 43:42 Female Vet 55: Jude Rouse (Swindon Striders) 46:33 Junior Female: Becky Summers (Gloucester AC) 39:20.