PERFECT conditions provided the opportunity for extremely fast times in Sunday's ever-popular Bourton 10K when the high quality field added to the excitement.

Race favourite, Dan Robinson of Stroud, stormed away from the start and, despite numerous other top entrants, no-one could match his blistering speed as he set a new course record of 29 minutes and 21 seconds..

Steve Kimber of Windsor, Slough, Eaton and Hounslow was next in with a creditable time of 31.04, followed by Cirencester's Chris Illman in 31.11.

Just over the border from Oxford came Dan Merckel (31.28) in fourth and fifth place again went locally to the upcoming talent of Steve Millward from Gloucester in 31.29.

The ladies race was also top quality. Michelle Ross-Cope of City of Stoke had a fantastic run to win in 32.24 and, even by producing personal bests of 33.15 and 33.26 respectively, Wendy Nicholls of Cirencester and three-time winner Emily Pidgeon of Gloucester were unable to stay with her.

Cheltenham's Jo Brewer was also among the top women with a fine run for fourth in 35.11.

Knocking The new junior category winners, both from home club Bourton and both knocking over three minutes off their previous best 10K times, were Tom Jess (37.37) and Steph Lane (38.10).

Veteran Men O/40 winner was Steve Male from Oxford (31.09), who was actually third in the race, with Bourton's Mike Smith clocking 32.48 and Alistair Lockey 32.56.

Dennis Walmsley finished in 32.42 but just lost out on the V45 category to Oxford's Steve Overton (32.38).

Trevor Dixon, also from Oxford, was first V50 in 34.22, while Mick Taylor (Les Croupiers) clocked 35.54 for first V55.

Oxford's David Parsons (37.10) was top V60 finisher and Ken Buckle of Cheltenham first V65 (41.41).

The lady vets were of an equally high standard with Nicky Nealon of Huncote Harriers (35.25) first LV35.

Sharon Shepherd of Woodstock was second in the category in 38.45 and Banbury's Michelle Bartlett third in 39.44.

First LV40 was Michelle Parsons from Evesham in 36.25, with Zara Hyde Peters (Coventry Godiva) clocking 37.36 for first LV45.

Liz Clegg (Tri Team Glos) clocked 41.38 to win the LV50 category, Tewkesbury's Carol Cowley (43.26) was first LV55 and Eynsham's Kate Williamson (43.26) first LV60.

Cheltenham's men won the team prize thanks to the efforts of Dave Roper, Andy Prophett, Darren Jordan, John Norris, while Wendy Nicholls, Jane Wassell and Sarah Cooper won the ladies title for Cirencester.