WHAT a performance.

Superlatives and adjectives cannot do Lee Merrien justice as he beat favourite and Olympic marathon runner Janne Holmen in the 5,000m final last night.

The Wiklof Holding Arena in Mariehamn was packed with more than 3,500 spectators.

The Aland public had gathered to watch their hero, who had recently announced that he was retiring from competitive running.

They were stunned when with about 500m to go, the 30-year-old Sarnian turned on the gas to overtake Holmen.

But by the time Merrien had made his way back round the track, he was given a standing ovation by everyone, including Alanders, as he crossed the line.

‘It was great and it was one of the best since the Guernsey Island Games for crowd support,’ said Merrien from the centre of the track after the race.

‘I thought there was quite a lot of the home crowd cheering.’

The 31-year-old Holmen competed in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and his biggest achievement was winning the marathon at the 2002 European Championships.

He took the 10,000m gold with ease earlier in the week.