ANTHONY GLOVER of Westbury Harriers repeated his success from last year at Thornbury Running Club's Riverbank Rollick.

He finished in 58:50, with Cheltenham's Jon Barnes just one second behind.

Third was Jaroslaw Motyka from Hogweed Trotters in 1:03:05.

The first lady home was Sophie Voller, also from Westbury Harriers.

She finished 23rd overall in 1:08:50 and was closely followed by last year's winner, Jane Horler of Chepstow (1:09:03).

Sally Johnson from Nailsea Running Club was third, 30th overall in 1:10:38.

The winning teams were Stroud (men), and Chepstow (women).

It was a big day for Thornbury with all hands to the pump to put on the sell-out tenth anniversary event.

The race guarantees mud with many long ankle deep sections and large puddles which the 335 runners seem to enjoy.

After many years as race director Dave Andrews has handed over to Steve Dimond, who made sure he took every piece of advice on offer to produce a great event.

Dave Andrews, able to run the race himself for the first time ever, was given bib number one, and later awarded a certificate, a voucher and appropriately a muddy shoe, to thank him for his service.

He finished in a time of 1:45:53, sixth in the MV65 category, but at least he now knows why it is such a popular race.

With most available Thornbury members involved in the organisation, only ten were able to compete – and many of them had other tasks to complete before they could run.

First from the club was Rob Watkins, 12th in 1:06:57, followed by Rob Hopkins, 21st in 1:08:14.

Matthew Johnstone was 47th in 1:19:53 ,followed by Ros Rowland, having her third race in eight days to finish 95th in 1:19:53, and winner of the LV50 category. Other Thornbury runners were Daniel Harding (106th, 1:20:50), Emma Barnes (147th, 1:26:57), Pete Mainstone (191st, 1:33:36), Sarah Stagg (196th, 1:34:39), Tony Stagg (197th, 1:34:40) and Judy Mills (215th, 1:36:18).

The race was the first fundraising opportunity of the year for the club and members left their red-and-blue vests at home, instead running in brilliant orange tee-shirts bearing the Meningitis Now logo.

All the donations from the after-race tea, coffee and home-made cakes will go to the charity.

Dursley RC were led home by the in-form Haydn Smith, finishing in a creditable 38th place.

Joe Browning got the better of his club rival on the day, Jon Tudor, and was able to squeeze in front of Ian Hobbs to be the second Dursley runner home.

Alice Lewis was Dursley’s first woman home, and second FV55.

The Peachys swept up for the club with Sue just nipping in front of Julian at the finish.

Dursley RC Results: Hayden Smith 38th 01:11:46 ; Joe Browning 71st 01:17:20; Ian Hobbs 74th 01:17:35; Rich Clarke 92nd 01L:19:31; Jon Tudor 108th 01:21:05; Alice lewis 01:27:54; Sue Peachy 156th 01:28:10; Julian Peachy 158th 28:21.