ATHLETICS: Ace Nikki is back to her best

More than 200 runners took part in the race, which formed part of the Oxfordshire Grand Prix series and the Oxfordshire ten-mile county championship, and Smith, who had a break from athletics to have a baby, cruised to victory in the open race in 1hr 5mins 14secs.

She was followed home by Rebecca Smith (Northbrook), who clocked 1.05.29, while Maidenhead’s Penny Mc-Crabbe recorded 1.06.00 for third.

Headington Roadrunner Sandra Wolanski was first vet 45 lady across the line in 1.10.25, while Eynsham Roadrunner Kate Williamson clocked 1.20.45 to win the vet 55 ladies’ crown.

The overall women’s county championship, open to Ox-fordshire-based runners who had registered, was won by Banbury Harriers’ Michelle Bartlett, while Alchester’s Liz Grolimund won the senior ladies’ title.

Wolanski and Williamson also won their respective county categories.

Headington were first in the ladies’ team standings through Wolanski, Sally Howard and Sarah Farrow.

In the men’s competition, Woodstock Harrier James Bolton posted his first-ever race win as he clocked 58.42 to land the open race and the county championship, while also reducing the gap in the Oxfordshire GP series.

White Horse Harrier Paul Jegou followed Bolton home in second, recording 59.55, while Graham Stephens (unattached) was third, landing the open vet 40 crown in 1.00.04.

Brian Green, of Oxford City, finished first in the vet 50 category and tenth overall in 1.01.55, while Glyn Pritchard (Banbury) was first in the open vet 60 division in 1.14.15, also clinching the county title.

Tony Lock, of Witney Roadrunners, finished fourth to become vet 40 county champion, just beating clubmate John Atyeo into second place.

The vet 50 county crown was won by John Nelson of Alchester, who beat his teammate John Burgess into second place in 1.04.55.

The men’s team prize went to Woodstock Harriers, whose quartet of Bolton, Hans Price, Kevin Game and David Cantwell all finished in the top 25.