The Kenyans had obviously intended picking off all of the best prizes, but Hudspith ran with a determination which ensured that they didn't totally dominate the proceedings.

His example also rubbed off on several of his clubmates as five other Morpeth men guaranteed club dominance in the Team Race by finishing inside the top 40.

Nick Swinburn aquitted himself well throughout to finish in tenth place in 30m14s, and managed to fend off strong opposition in the process. Next home was Andrew Lawrence who ran well to finish 24th in 32m01s. Two places and two seconds behind him came David Swinburne.

Morpeth's next finishers were from the Over 40 Veteran ranks as Phil Walker placed 36th in 33m04s, and Paul Waterston finished 40th in 33m19s.

In the Ladies' race, Morpeth's Aiveen Fox was 17th in 36m59s.

• Newminster Middle School Year Seven pupil Joe Robertshaw won the Morpeth Fair Day Fun Run with a second to spare over Bebside Middle School's Year Five pupil James Young.

Robertshaw, who is the North East U13 Boys' 200m track champion used all of his versatility and speed to hold off his rival in a close finish.

Third place went to another Morpeth Harrier in Dame Allan's Year Six pupil Matthew Denton who was a further three seconds adrift.

In the Girls' section it was Amble Middle School Year Seven pupil Adele Stewart who led the field home by finishing fourth overall.


Second girl home was her school colleague and Morpeth Harriers' clubmate Elske Simpson who was eighth overall.

The third girl home was Niomi Quinn of Druridge Bay Middle School who was tenth overall.

Morpeth Harriers' Club Secretary Mike Bateman organised the event on behalf of the Fair Committee and the run attracted a total of 36 finishers.

• This Sunday Morpeth Harriers' Young Athletes travel to Sheffield to compete in their fourth round Northern One East match against hosts Spenborough, Tynedale and Birtley.