MIKE Smith, of Cirencester AC, took victory in the Hereford Marathon with a record time that knocked over 20 minutes off the previous course best on Sunday.

Smith came home in 2 hours 26 mins 37 secs, over 15 minutes ahead of second-placed Jim Rogers of East Hull Harriers, at Hereford Leisure Centre.

Smith's time was the best since the marathon's route was altered four years ago.

Porthcawl runner Helen Jones was the first woman finisher in 3-41.26, over 10 minutes in front of Ruth Kay (Invicta East Kent).

Geoff Allen, of Stratford-upon-Avon, completed a hta-trick of wins in the wheelchair race to keep his hold on the Albert Ware Trophy with a time of 2-38.41.

Well-travelled adventurer Rosie Swale-Pope topped her veteran's age group, 45-plus, in 4-30.43.

RESULTS

Marathon: 1 Mike Smith (Cirencester AC) 2-26.37, 2 Jim Rogers (East Hull Harriers) 2-43.14, 3 Jim Baird (Hoddington ELP) 2-44.00.

Male veteran: Peter Harris (Ely Runners) 2-56.49.

40-plus: 1 John Gower (unattached) 2-56.54, 2 Paul Charles (Miskin Manor RC) 3-10.08, 3 Selwyn Laird-Wells (City Harriers 3-13.04.

45-plus: 1 Colin Moody (Harlow RC) 2-57.04, 2 Paul Bufton (unattached) 3-21.11, 3 John Hargreaves (Great Western Runners) 3-24.34.

50-plus: 1 Gareth Jones (Chepstow Harriers) 3-13.18, 2 Chuck Pope (Northbrook) 3-27.54, 3 Giudo Reynolds (Road RC) 3-42.49.

55-plus: 1 Danny Kay (Avon Valley) 3-27.42, 2 John Mandell (Tewkesbury AC) 3-27.47, 3 Ronald Wood (unattached) 3-29.24.

60-plus: 1 Richard Phillips (Chelt and County) 3-32.00, 2 Alan Smith (East Cornwall) 3-33.43, 3 George Dawson (Valley Strides) 3-38.43.

Team: Wye Valley Runners (Phillip Morris, Barry Young, Paul White).

Women's race: 1 Helen Jones (Porthcawl and Mercury) 3-41.26, 2 Ruth Kay (Invicta East Kent) 3-52.58, 3 Gert Cowley (Vegetarian Athletes) 4-11.20.

Women veterans, 35-plus: Stephanie Lowmans (unattached) 4-17.33.

45-plus: Rosie Swale-Pope (Trots St Clears) 4-30.43.

50-plus: Rosemary Michie (100km Assoc) 4-59.37.

Wheelchair athletes: 1 Geoff Allen (Stratford-upon-Avon) 2-38.41, 2 Michael Martin (BWRA) 5-02.23.

All Seasons Trophy - oldest runner: Denis Keogh (74-years) 3-52.59.

Half-Marathon: 1 Martin Flowers (from Hereford) (Worcs AC) 1-15.30, 2 Richie Richards (Severn AC) 1-17.27, 3 Jeff Russell (Club 69) 1-17.46.

Veteran: Neil Lloyd (Club 69) 1-18.04.

Team: Club 69 (Jeff Russell, Neil Lloyd, Simon Lewis).

40-plus: 1 Trevor Emms (Thanet RR) 1-20.58, 2 Robert Dickinson (Forest of Dean) 1-24.39, 3 Gary Barnes (Severn AC) 1-26.15.

45-plus: 1 David Rowley (Telford AC) 1-18.26, 2 Barry Wilson (Ludlow Runners) 1-20.38, 3 Martin Horsley (RRC) 1-25.55.

50-plus: 1 Eddie Sanders (Amazing Feet) 1-21.07, 2 Edwin Evans (Welsh Vets) 1-25.46, 3 Terence Beddington (unattached) 1-36.55.

55-plus: 1 Timothy Kirk (Kidderminster) 1-29.10, 2 Bernie Monk (Club 69) 1-34.28, 3 Roy Taylor (unattached) 1-38.18.

60-plus: 1 Bryan Jones (Worc AC) 2-02.12, 2 Colin Thomson (Rhonddu R) 2-21.17.

65-plus: 1 Tony Hewson (Ludlow Runners) 1-45.43, 2 Alan Morton (Bro Dysynni) 2-11.48.

Oldest runner: Terry White (Ledbury) 1-57.46 (73 years).

Women's race: 1 Mary Edwards (Hereford Couriers) 1-28.17, 2 Caroline Harnett (unattached) 1-33.18, 3 Jayne Littlewood (Hereford Couriers) 1-35.00.

Women veterans, 35-plus: 1 Jenny Hopkins (Hfd Couriers) 1-35.44, 2 Gail Colley (Wye Valley Runners) 1-50.25, 3 Deborah Clayton (unattached) 1-55.30.

40-plus: 1 Jackie Hobday (Angels Glouc) 1-48.24, 2 Carol Sydenhan (unattached) 2-06.49, 3 Anne-Marie Pike (unattached) 2-07.36.

45-plus: 1 Mavis Apperley (Hereford Couriers) 1-47.08, 2 Margaret Monk (Club 69) 1-50.07, 3 Lorna Toon (Chepstow H) 1-55.16.

50-plus: Valerie Brown (unattached) 1-57.03.

Team: Hereford Couriers (Mary Edwards, Jayne Littlewood, Jenny Hopkins).

Fun Run (3 miles): 1 Ricky Blomley (16 years) 18.27, 2 Luke Peglar 19.19, 3 Daniel Morgan 19.59.