HUNDREDS of runners turned out to compete in one of Exeter's most popular races on Sunday.

Organised by city-based South West Road Runners, the First Chance 10k attracted 503 competitors to race on footpaths around Exeter Canal.

Tavistock AC's Jim Cole claimed victory in a time of 31mins 51secs – well clear of second-placed Lee Turner of Torbay AAC in 33.31. Unattached runner Ashley Hamilton was third in 33.35.

Alison Thorne of Erme Valley Harriers was the first lady in 39.07, followed by Tiverton Harriers' Serane Burd in 39.10 and South West Road Runner Alexandra Cutts in 40.03.

It was a good day for the home club, with four of their female runners finishing in the top three of their age groups. Jo Pearce's time of 44.14 saw her top the over-40 section and Karen Cook claimed first place in the over-50 category in 41.13. Cook was followed by Kathryn Hough in second in 45.13. Mandy Wheeler finished third in the over-35 category in 41.46.

James Prentice was the first SWRR athlete home in seventh place overall with a new personal best time of 34.55.

Race organiser and SWRR womens captain Ayse Vahiboglu said: "We had a great turnout. It was a real pleasure to see all the runners happy at the finish line.

"Our new race headquarters at the Quay Climbing Centre provided us with great facilities.

"I was proud to be part of an event that is one of the biggest and most popular in the county."

Other South West Road Runners finishers were: Ian Pang 22nd in 36.38, Stephen King 65th in 40.36, Jonathan Major 111th in 42.44, John Caswell 113th in 42.54, James Robson 114th in 42.58, Amanda Perry 120th in 43.21, Rob Graham 125th in 43.39, Alister Ferguson 129th in 43.41, Sam Beare 137th in a new personal best time of 44.13, Neil Popham 196th in 46.50, Julie Hedges 207th in 47.27, Emma Pearcy 279th in a new personal best of 50.41, Tracy Bennett 288th in 51.11, Susan Lewis 386th in 57.03, James Ferguson 421st in 59.57

On the same day, Karen Cook travelled to Bicton College for the South West Cross Country Championships, clocking 29.22 for fourth place in the over-45 age group and 30th overall in the women's category.