TWO Southampton-based athletes took hot conditions in their stride as they came across the Lordshill 10k finish line first in the men's and women's races.

Andy Morgan-Lee, running for Salford Harriers, stretched the field from the start line and was soon half-a-minute clear of the chasing pack.

The second string Southampton Road Runner kept up the pressure and was almost three minutes ahead of second-placed Peter Davis when he broke the winner's tape.

But even Morgan-Lee could not match the victory margin of Shaftesbury & Barnet's Lucy Elliott who came within 20 seconds of her own course record when she claimed first spot in the women's race.

The veteran international runner managed to put four minutes - all but four seconds- between herself and second-placed Helen Lockyer. Elliott's outstanding time was only bettered by the first and second men.

The number of runners taking part in the popular event has steadily increased since it was moved from a mid-week evening race to Sunday and a record 270 entered last weekend with 230 completing the course.

The relatively flat course, which has a small section that is off-road, is attracting people who want to set personal best times at the distance but Sunday's heat and humidity took it's toll in the latter stages of the race.

"Maybe it was a bit hotter than people would have liked but they still managed to enjoy the race," said an organiser.