He crossed the finish line in 34 minutes and 17 seconds, ahead of second-placed David Lipsumb.

There were 24 members of Rutland Running Club taking part and the first of them to finish was the youngest, student Jack Loveday, who came home in 12th position in a time of 36.48.

The second club man home was the oldest of the contingent, veteran Robert King, who was 13th in 37.08. Third home for Rutland RC was Matthew Lowe, who was 29th overall in a time of 40.07.

Several of the runners were competing in club colours for the first time and 16 of them improved their personal bests over the course.

More than 200 competitors completed the six-mile course, which started at the junction of Sherrard Close and Stapleford Road and ended at the village green last Thursday evening. The event is traditionally part of the village's feast week.

A party of 10 walkers set off before the main field last Thursday in dry, mild conditions.

Guides and brownies prepared a barbecue at the finish for runners and spectators. Special horsehoe trophies, made by local man Mort Wakely, were given to the fastest man and woman, plus the first Whissendine villagers home.

Every runner received a unique glass bottle of Ten Fifty beer plus vouchers to use in The Three Horsehoes pub in Whissendine and sponsors The Grainstore in Oakham.

Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Laurence Howard, presented winners with crystal cut glasses and a voucher for sponsors Land's End clothing company in Oakham.

Co-organiser Ian Tan, who thanked his sponsors, said: "We want to increase the amount of runners that take part each year and we would like to talk to anyone who might be able to take our measured six-mile race as part of their leaque or circuit."

Race results: 1 Sean Fenwick (Harborough AC) 34 mins 17 secs; 2 David Lipsumb 34.49; 3 Andrew Hart (Leicester) 35.13; 4 Nicola Clay (Stilton) 36.10; 5 Mark Botteley (Bourne) 36.17; 6 Elliot Hart (Leicester) 36.20; 7 Andrew Skailes (Scarborough) 36.27; 8 Darren Glover (Stilton) 36.36; 9 Phil Hands (Leicester Coritanian) 36.38; 10 Matthew Green (Bourne) 36.42.

Other trophy winners: senior male – Mark Botteley; senior female – Nicola Clay; veteran male – Phil Hand; veteran female – Julie Bass; first Whissendine male – Andy Hart; first Whissendine female – Lizzie Bingham; team winners – Bourne Town Harriers A.