SOUTHAMPTON'S long-distance runners are taking a post-London Marathon breather, but will be back in action on Sunday, May 19 for the 16th annual Netley 10K.

Organised by Southampton Running Club with the sponsorship from Eric Robinson (solicitors), the event is widely known as the "Run in the Park" being virtually unique on the south coast as a traffic-free race course.

The parkland setting overlooking Southampton Water provides a perfect backdrop for a family outing, allowing everyone to run - or play - in safety over a three-lap circuit inside the park.

Competitors need to be over 15 years of age and can enter by downloading a form off the club website www.southamptonrc.freeserve.co.uk or by collecting one from a local leisure centre. Alternatively ring 023 8090 9327.

SRC's members are generally discouraged from entering their own event to enable full marshalling cover for the safety of runners on the course. However, a limited number of club members will be permitted to compete as they have done for the past two years.

SRC returned 16 finishers in the much publicised London Marathon but Jamie Jones, who had been looking for a sub two hour, 30 minute time, was forced to withdraw having been elbowed during the Southern 12-Stage Road Relay at Milton Keynes earlier in the month.

Jones sustained severe bruising to the ribs in what he believes was a deliberate attack by an unknown man who was walking the reverse way round the course.

Pick of the club returns in the marathon came from 72-year-old Ray Gee who finished fourth in the over-70 age group in three hours 43 minutes and 41 seconds.

Other SRC results: Alan Tulip (v45) 2.59.40, Peter Kidwell (v50) 3.06.31, Martin Nobbs (snr) 3.10.22, Derek Warn (snr) 3.14.26, Malcolm Knight (v55) 3.27.36, Dave Roots (v45) 3.28.09, Sophia de Maria (marathon debut) 3.37.24, Ray Gee (4th v70) 3.43.41, Steve Smeeth (v40) 3.57.28, Roger Howard (v55) 3.58.46, M. Phillips (snr) 4.06.08, Jenny Richmond (v50, marathon debut) 4.07.59, Roy Hazelgrove (v40) 4.13.04, Richard Dance (snr) 4.20.29, Chris Taylor (V55) 4.23.52, Ken Williams (v45) 4.33.45.

The previous week Shaun Tew recorded a time of 2.59.0 in the Paris Marathon.