Bailey wins Wrekin Fell race

Simon Bailey from Mercia Fell Runners strode to an impressive 50 second victory in a sunshine-blessed 32nd Wrekin Fell Race.

Staffordshire's Bailey, a former international fell runner, made light work of the 5.5 mile course that climbs the Ercall, then the Wrekin before returning over the Ercall.

He finished back at Wellington's Ercall Wood School in 36mins 5secs – a course personal best by three seconds.

Bailey won the Telford AC promotion in 1999 and finished third in 1998 and 2000 – and Sunday's time is the 17th fastest time on the course behind the record of 34.27 set by John Wilde in 1980.

Tim Davies, winner in 2002 and just one of 14 runners who have ever gone under 36 minutes on the courses, was second.

Another Mercia runner, Davies – from Forden, near Welshpool, was second in 36.55.

Eryri's Richard Roberts, winner of last year's Wrekin Streak, was third in 39.02.

Wrekin College's Steven Cale was fourth in 42.08, with Ian Grindley of Wolverhampton & Bilston fifth and first over 40 in 42.21.

Oswestry's Paul Jones was sixth in 42.46, some two minutes quicker than last year when he was ninth.

Peter Ball was the first Shrewsbury AC finisher in eighth in 43.40 – the same position as last year but 30 seconds quicker.

Newport were led home by Noel Hogan (13th in 46.17) and the second over 40, while Hayden Jones starred for Maldwyn Harriers, 12th and the second over 45.

Jamie Paddock led a strong Shropshire Shufflers contingent in 15th place in 46.26 as Telford AC's Simon Daws took first over 50 in 18th (46.57).

• It was the final race in the Shropshire Winter Fell Running Series – the Summer Series starting with the Wrekin Streak on Wednesday, April 22.

By PAUL SANDERSON