HAMPSHIRE have been crowned champions of the Sweatshop/UK Athletics Road Race Grand Prix - thanks to the efforts of the Winchester & District club.

As Hampshire's top Road Race League club for the past two seasons, the cathedral city club were invited to send five runners up to represent the county in the Robin Hood Half Marathon which doubled up as the Grand Prix final.

A hilly course meant a tough race for all concerned, but Winchester's wonder men proved equal to the task, ensuring Hampshire came away as UK champions.

First home for the team was Andrew Greenleaf in a superb time of 75 minutes and 48 seconds.

He was followed home by new member Andy Woodcock who came 23rd in 77.49. Behind him were George Hide in 28th (78.13), Paul Sidaway 46th (79.40) and Tony Britten (86.12).

Proud Winchester & District team manager Alan Coveney said: "Although these five took the honours on the day, the achievement is due to the efforts of all the members of the club who helped the team win the Hampshire Road Race League last year."