NEW course records were recorded in both the men s and woman s races at the popular Ely New Year s Eve 10k Road Race. And eight Ely Runners, seven of whom achieved personal bests, were amongst the record 549 finishers. The first male runner home was Matth

NEW course records were recorded in both the men's and woman's races at the popular Ely New Year's Eve 10k Road Race.

And eight Ely Runners, seven of whom achieved personal bests, were amongst the record 549 finishers.

The first male runner home was Matthew Barnes-Smith from Bury St Edmunds in a record 30min 54sec.

Barnes-Smith, who now runs for Oklahoma State University, was closely followed by Matt Gunby of Notts AC in 30:58, which was also inside the previous record of 31:08, set in 2003.

The first female finisher was Felicity Milton of Durham City Harriers.

Her time, of 34:35, eclipsed the previous record of 36:30 set in 2005.

Former Ely Runner Claire Hallissey, now with Bristol and West AC, was second in the woman's race in 36:40, only 10 seconds outside the previous record.

Ely Runners' Graham Chapman (39:22), Ian Green (43:19), Chris Bower (45:11), Fraser Badcock (46:50), Nick Dowdy (48:14) and Simon Bottomley (49:58) all achieved personal best times.

Darren Murfitt, the other Ely Runner to finish the race, came 74th, in 40:57.

After the race, all the finishers received a bottle of Ely Runners/Sweatshop Starters Orders ale brewed in Little Downham by the Fenland Brewery.

The prizes were presented by Helen McKay, assistant manager of Sweatshop, Cambridge, who were major sponsors of the event. The event was also sponsored by Savage Haulage Ltd.

The Ely New Year's Eve 10k Road Race is organised by Ely Runners and sees competitors run from Little Downham Village Hall and through California and Pymoor before finishing back at the start.

John Turner, secretary of Ely Runners, said: "I would like to thank all members of Ely Runners and their families and friends who gave their time and diligent effort to make the race an enjoyable success. It was very much appreciated and the club has received a lot of compliments.