CHRIS Perry was quicker than his rivals for the second successive summer as he claimed victory in Vale Royal Athletics Club’s Pie and Peas Five.

The 23-year-old reached the finish almost a minute earlier than Damian Nicholls (Wilmslow RC) after completing the multi-terrain course in a time of 26:07. He won last year in 26:18.

A field of 300 runners entered this year’s edition, run over 5km between Northwich and Winsford.

“It was the biggest one yet,” said Vale Royal AC spokesman Shaun McGrath.

“The Pie and Peas is our main fundraising event, so it’s great that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Elliot Bowker finished third overall, while Vale Royal AC pair Tessa McCormick and Kate Spilsbury followed women’s victor Diane McVey (Wilmslow RC) over the line.

There were category wins too for the hosts in the under 20s men’s class, where Zack Bamber claimed first prize, and over 35s men’s for Tom Armstrong.

Amelia Pettit was fastest in the under 20s women’s group, timing 31:27, while Vale Royal was the first team to finish in both the men’s and women’s races.