Hereford'S St Michael's Hospice Half-marathon produced a surprise winner when South African Tanith Maxwell out-ran all the male competitors to come home first in 1 hour 18 min 2 secs.

Run in perfect conditions, the race attracted 326 entrants from all over the country but local runners upheld the county's honour, occupying 15 of the first 50 places.

One of the local runners, Terry White from Ledbury, had, at the age of 77 the distinction of being the oldest runner and came home in a creditable 2-59.29. It is the third year in succession that White, a keen supporter of the race, has been the oldest runner.

White was one of 16 runners over the age of 60 among those taking part, many of whom were attempting the distance for the first time.

First man home was Steve Gould, of Halesowen A & CC, in 1-18.09 followed by Wye Valley Runners' Richard Worth in 1-20.09.

First local woman to cross the line was Emma Newton, of Civil Service SC, in 1-31.56 while Alison Cooke of Hereford Couriers took the Ladies Veteran 40-45 category in 1-35.00.

RESULTS

Overall Winner: Tanith Maxwell (Liberty Nike) - 1-18.02.

Men: 1 Steve Gould (Halesowen A&CC) 1-18.09, 2 Richard Worth (Wye Valley Runners) 1-20.36, 3 Paul Glennie (Great Western Runners 1-21.45.

Ladies: 1 Tanith Maxwell (Liberty Nike) - 1-18.02, 2 Emma Newton (Civil Service SC) 1-31.56, 3 Aileen Brown (Great Western Runners 1-33.47.

Men's Veteran categories: 40-45, Peter Lloyd (Gloucester AC) 1-22.13; 45-50 Martin Flowers (Worcester AC) 1-25.18; 50-55 Phil Miles (Club 69) 1-28.06; 55-60 Ian Price (Croft Ambrey) 1-27.46; 60 plus Jeff Jervis (Club 69) 1-45.49.

Ladies' Veteran categories: 35-40 Sally Green (unattached) 1-41.29; 40-45 Alison Cooke (Hereford Couriers) 1-35.00; 45-50 Julie Simmons (Herts Phoenix AC) 1-38.50; 50-55 Lorna Toon (Chepstow Harriers) 2-13.50; 55 plus Patricia Seabrook (Finch Striders) 2-15.09.

Men's team: Halesowen A&CC - Steve Gould (2), Matthew Clay (9), Carl Harris (17).

Ladies' Team: Civil Service SC - Emma Newton (33), Jo Weadon (112), Andrea Bennett (247).