STEPH Lane gave close chase to Oxford City's finest young runner Melissa Hawtin, second last year in the Inter Counties, at Sunday's Blenheim 7K over an undulating but picturesque course through the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

Having given Hawtin a lead at the start, Lane closed her down and it was neck and neck to the last kilometre, where the City girl pulled away to win the race with Lane's classy run earning her second lady in 27 minutes and 30 seconds and tenth overall finisher.

Lewis Gray was next Bourton finisher in 30.30 and third Under-15 male.

Father and daughter, Mike and Beth Pudifoot, ran together throughout, with dad just edging in front by one second at the finish for 31.52. Luke Gray wasn't far behind in 32.11.

The Shakespeare Marathon around Stratford hosted those who had not made London, and enabled some superb achievements for six Bourton runners.

Chris Hartley set the pace early on with Ian Shoemark who suffered in the latter stages leaving his clubmate to carry on for an excellent time of 3.11.27 and Shoemark disappointed with 3.40.50.

Rob Humphries, Shirley Creed and Nigel Frith faced the unknown distance to them bravely and were rewarded with commendable times of 3.46.36, 4.02.27 and 4.03.24 respectively. John Gibson, having run London , gave a strong display for to clock 4.10.35.

In the Half-Marathon, Andy Peaston showed fine form for 1.34.09, Niamh Shoemark finished a comfortable 1.45.06 while Ed Rozier, obviously coasting, timed 1.57.19.

4:12pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

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