ORGANISERS were sweating as much as the runners in the Totton 10k - in fear of having to pay out for a new course record!

In the end, hot weather and a slight homeward headwind meant the magnificent 29 minutes 22 seconds time created by South African Tommy Swartz in the 90s - and the £100 prize for a new record - was safe for another year.

Race secretary Sean Driscoll said: "When we got word back that the front runners were already on the industrial estate we thought we were going to have to pay out!"

In the end Toby Lambert crossed the finish line four seconds faster than he did the year before to retain his title in 30.47, comfortably ahead of Southampton RC's Simon Plummer.

Predictions of 34-minute finishing slot for the leading ladies went by the wayside when some runners failed to make the start line but that will not bother women's winner Kaye Harwood.

The Southampton Running Club athlete put months of winter training to good use to knock half a minute off her 2004 time which moved her from third to first.

The race was thirsty work for the 700 runners who made the Testwood School finish line as the half-way drinks station ran out of water.

"We apologise if this caused any runners undue stress, but this is something that will certainly be rectified for next year," said a spokesman.

The Alton ten-mile road race - part of the Hampshire Road Race League - will be staged on Sunday, May 8 through the country lanes and villages of north east Hampshire.

Entry forms are available from Alton Sports Centre, Alton Sports Shop or by writing to Alton Ten, 8 Vaughans, Ashdell Park, Alton, Hants, GU34 2SQ.