RICHARD Gould went close to providing a local victory at the Andy Reading Memorial 10K Road Race around Chesterton on Sunday.

The 44-year-old member of Alchester Running Club, who organise the event along. with Bicester AC,finished a close second in the men’s V40 race.

Gould battled it out with Headington Road Runner James Eve, who took the V40 title in 35mins 8secs, just two seconds ahead of runner-up Gould.

There was a promising run, too, from Gould’s 15-year-old son Tom – a member of Bicester AC – who came 44th overall.

Alchester Runners prominent in the men’s race were Andrew Stickley, who was was 16th overall – and fifth V40 finisher in 35.47 and Paul Swanton 17th in 35.55secs. A field of nearly 400 runners came under starter’s orders for the race which took in the environs of Chesterton and Weston-on-the-Green airfield.

There was a high quality battle at the front of the field and Harry Earl from Border AC made the long trip worthwhile as he took the took the title with a splendid 32.35.

He was closely pursued by Alexander Miller (Belgrave) who was just 27 seconds down. Mathieu Marshall (Oxford City AC) claimed third with 34.12.

Samantha Amend, from Belgrave Harriers, successfully defended her women’s title with an improved effort of 36.18s, also winning the vet lady over 35 race.

Runner-up Diane Moore from Headington Road Runners came home in 38.03. Tony Lock from Witney AC ran a swift 36.15 to win the vet 50 category. A super time was needed to win the over 60 male race with Kevin Best, representing the Stragglers clocking 40.32.

Phil Kimber (Oxford City AC) ran an excellent 44. 03 to take the over 70 prize.