Carl Thomson on his way to another Church to Church victory. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0837372)

CARL THOMSON led the field from virtually start to finish to retain the title of Church to Church men’s champion.

He finished in a time of 2hr 58min. 7sec., slightly quicker than his winning time last year, to win the Victory Cup sponsored by Harrods Bank.

Walking at a steady tempo he reached 10 miles in 93 minutes, pushing on to 2-17-20 at Vale Church and the 15 miles point, where he had around a five-minute advantage over Peter Ryan and Jason Le Noury.

The advantage was increased over the final miles to eight minutes.

Fiona Bishop from Woking AC, in her first Church walk and longest competition to date, walked steadily throughout and came home as first woman in a fast time of 3-41-25.

In second place, surprising even herself, Jayne Le Noury finished five minutes quicker than her winning time set last year, to get her name once again on the Star Trophy sponsored by Network Insurance, as first local woman home.

Le Noury’s time of 3-55-32 was a new personal best time for the course, beating her previous best set way back in 1982.

She also took home the Jenny Elliott Salver as first local over 35.

Carol Bates took third place while Fiona Bishop won the Newcomers award, sponsored by Saffery Champness.