Margaret Deasy returned to winning ways at the five-mile night event in the picturesque Haughley Park near Stowmarket.

It was her first race since running a brilliant debut in the London Marathon, where she finished third in the over-35s in a remarkable time of two hours 54 minutes and eight seconds.

Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club runner Deasey scorched into an early lead over race series leader Kirsty Waterson, of St Edmund Pacers.

The undulating, multi-terrain course suited the hard-working Deasy who extended her lead over the second lap to finish a clear winner in 29m 53s.

Team-mate Sarah Stradling, currently second in the five-race series, ran a personal best of 31m 38s to take a comfortable third place behind Waterson, an excellent achievement given the tough course and humid conditions.

Veteran Lynn Tanner was one of many affected by the high pollen count but she ran bravely to finish in tenth place and bring the trio home as top women's team for the second race in succession.

Her time of 33m 52s was not good enough to beat her age group rival Pat Partridge of St Edmunds Pacers, who is now tied in first place with Tanner in the over-50 section of the series.

Twelve-year-old Natasha Duffield ran very well in the 1.5 mile junior run, finishing strongly in third place.

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette