A £50 incentive for breaking the course record attracted a large and competitive field to the third Hestercombe Humdinger, held on Sunday.

The event, organised by Taunton’s Running Forever Running Club, saw nearly 370 runners – up from last year’s 355 – complete the 9.5mile course centred on Hestercombe Gardens and nearly 50 participate in the Hurtle 5K Run.

Oliver Berry, of Taunton AC, took first prize and a new course record in 55.41. He was closely followed by club mate Luke Scott with 56.23 with Gerry Hogg, from Trull Troggers, winner of the 2008 race, in third with 57.03.

In the ladies field, the runaway winner was Jenny Moore of Wells City Harriers who crossed the line in 1.04.33 taking 18th place overall. Second spot was taken by Kim Hill, of Quantock Harriers, in 1.09.30 with Vicky Ryan, from Bristol, taking third spot in a time of 1.10.17.

Once again the male team prize went to a strong Taunton AC team comprising Oliver Berry, Luke Scott, Tom Mellor and Richard Caburn.

The ladies team prize was a closer affair but Wells City Harriers took top honours.

The 5k Hurtle Run was won in 19.11 by Taunton AC’s Keith Paul, who out-sprinted Alex Rodgers, from Minehead RC, who finished second in 19.13.

The first lady home was Jennifer Hogbin in 22.50.

Race Director Richard Palmer said: “We are absolutely delighted with the way the race went this year. Many members of Running Forever Running Club ran the route the day before the race and with snow falling we feared that the race might have to be called off - in the end though the sun shone and feedback from competitors was excellent.

“The race is now a regular part of the Somerset Series but it also seems to attract runners from all over the country. There was a great mix of abilities from elite right through to fun runners taking part in their first competitive race.

“A big thanks once again to our sponsors, and to Hestercombe Gardens for the use of such a spectacular setting. Our race marshals also did a brilliant job, with many runners commenting on how encouraging they were.

“Putting a race on of this size is a huge team effort and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the countless volunteers who give up their time for free. We hope to make the 2011 Humdinger even better!”

Age category winners:

Men: under-18, Alex Rodgers, 19.13; under-21, Joseph De Silva, 1.06.39; vet 40, Richard Caburn, 59.25; vet 45, Gerry Hogg, 57.03; vet 50, David Booth, 1.06.36, vet 55, Richard Westgate, 1.09.52; vet 60, Colin Williams, 1.13.41. Women: under-18, Hayley Carver, 23.39; under-21, Hannah Taunton, 1.12.48; vet 35, Rosemary Cullimore, 1.10.56; vet 40, Jackie Batten, 1.14.37; vet 45, Jenny Moore, 1.04.33; vet 50, Karen Cook, 1.10.36; vet 55, Jean Grierson-Jackson, 1.19.44; vet 60, Jean Mills, 1.29.43.

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