THE Hogmanay tradition was brought to the Ely New Year s Eve 10k Road Race for the first time by the Cambridge Bagpiper Roy Sloane. Sloane, whose previous audiences include members of the Royal Family and George Bush senior, performed at the start of the

THE Hogmanay tradition was brought to the Ely New Year's Eve 10k Road Race for the first time by the Cambridge Bagpiper Roy Sloane.

Sloane, whose previous audiences include members of the Royal Family and George Bush senior, performed at the start of the race and then again as the runners approached the final kilometre.

A record 539 runners completed the race, which was organised by Ely

Runners, and drew participants from all over the eastern region.

Rob Joy, of Norfolk Gazelles, romped home to his second victory in the event in 31min 39sec, after a thrilling battle with Hunts AC runner Neil Speaight.

Joy, 29, who won the race in 2004, and was runner-up last year, eventually broke away to establish a clear 47-second gap at the finish line after the lead had changed several times.

Third-placed Derick Lines, of Nene Valley Harriers, came in more than two minutes later.

Rosie Clark, of Cambridge and Coleridge AC, was the first female to finish, in 37min 38sec.

While many Ely Runners were busy organising the race, nine completed the course, which sets off from Little Downham village hall and runs through California and Pymoor before ending up back at the start.

Daniel Regan was the first Ely Runner home, in a personal best time for a 10k race, 40min 26sec, knocking 56 seconds off his previous best effort and finishing in 44th place.

Secretary of Ely Runners John Turner said: "The race entries' list had been full for several weeks, but this year we accepted a few more runners and now we are at the absolute limit. The growing popularity seems to be down to the fact that many people see it as a celebratory race, before they go off to enjoy themselves at night, while some runners also see it as a good country run and mid-winter challenge. People always comment on how friendly and well organised the event is, so I would like to thank all the members of Ely Runners who gave up their time and did such a good job of ensuring that we had another hugely successful race."

- For the full results and more pictures go to www.newyearseve10k.co.uk