THE WHITNASH 5km road race in memory of ultra distance runner Cavin Woodward produced a thrilling finish.
The 52 runners battled the heat of Sunday and the top three runners last year again finished in the top three – only in reverse order.
Cian McKeaney, who has won the under 16 trophy for the past two years, won in a time of 17 mins 36 secs beating Ray Ball by one second in a sprint finish.
Ray retained his title as first Whitnash Resident home. Previous winner Dean Mawby finished third in a time of 18 mins.
Martin Dorrill finished fourth overall to take the Male Over 40s trophy in a time of 18.41, and Jane Phillips was the first woman finisher in 13th place in a time of 21.29.
In the under 16 category, there were some excellent performances, with 13-year-old Ryan Hill winning and breaking 21 minutes by just one second to take home the Thomas Ellard Memorial Cup.
Other notable performances were a trio of grandfather, father and son, William, Craig and Angus Foster who crossed the line together in 34 mins 35 seconds.
Bringing up the rear in the last two places were mother and son, Susan and 49-year-old Paul Gibbins finishing in 63.15, who ran the race hand in hand. Susan was the oldest competitor in the race.
* Visit the sport page at www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk to see more pictures from the race.
