CHRIS Williams led a successful charge by Vale Royal Athletics Club members during the Colshaw Hall 10k on Sunday.

He was first to complete a course that starts and finishes in a country estate that is home to the Grade II listed building in Over Peover, stopping the clock in 33:03.

Three of the first four men to reach the finish wore the club’s distinctive blue and yellow quarters with Raif Serif and chairman Stu Doyle ensuring Vale Royal took the team prize.

Serif (under 21s) and Doyle (over 45s) also claimed age-group category wins.

Former Grange School student Sam Dykes, who was second overall, prevented a clean sweep of the podium positions.

Sarah Murphy was the first female to cross the line, timing 39:02, and she celebrated a collective triumph too with Gemma Barnett and Mel Johnson.

Debbie Richardson (over 50s) made her debut for the distance, while Vincent Jensen marked his return to action after an injury lay-off.

Results (selected Vale Royal AC runners only)

Colshaw Hall 10k

Sunday, June 23

Men: 1. Chris Williams 33:03; 3. Raif Serif (under 21) 34:18; 4. Stu Doyle (over 45) 34:23; 15. James Ainsworth (over 40) 36:44; 28. Rob McBain (over 40) 38:51; 37. Matthew Hough (over 45) 39:26; 53. Ian Simpson (over 50) 40:56; 73. Vincent Jensen 42:32; 110. John Todd (over 55) 44:14; 119. Paul Jackson 44:44.

Women: 1. Sarah Murphy (over 40) 39:02; 5. Gemma Barnett (over 35) 41:16; 8. Mel Johnson (over 35) 43:20; 23. Lisa Meadows (over 45) 47:06; 52. Debbie Moreton (over 45) 50:10; 56. Jo Edwards (over 55) 50:16; 76. Jayne Lomax (over 50) 51:17; 261. Debbie Richardson (over 50) 1:00.39.