Time disappointment takes the gloss off Dannii's Lakeside 5 victory

VICTORY was tinged with disappointed for 17-year-old Dannii Johnson after the Cheadle runner finished as top female at last Thursday's JCB Lakeside 5 Fun Run.

The Birchfield Harrier crossed the line more than 30 seconds ahead of nearest rival Jennifer Muston. But after checking her time, Johnson realised she had finished just four seconds off her personal best, clocking 30.55.

"I was a bit gutted," admitted the Moorlands Sixth Form College student. "If the wind hadn't been quite so strong I'd have probably got it."

Despite failing to register a new PB, the win was still an impressive achievement for Johnson, who had only ran one competitive five-mile race previously.

The 27th annual Lakeside 5 was won for the fourth year in succession by Staffordshire Police officer Ben Gamble.

Gamble completed the gruelling event in 26 minutes and nine seconds. He said: "It is a terrific personal achievement. I love taking part in the JCB Lakeside 5 and to have made it four wins on the trot is really the icing on the cake."

Uttoxeter Road Runner Jim Clark was first JCB employee home, clocking 28.24 for fifth spot.

The 2.2 mile junior race, which took place just prior to the main event, was won by 14-year-old Alex Benfield, with 11-year-old Katie Hughes first girl through the tape.

Race organisers JCB announced that £3,000 was raised for the NSPCC through sponsorship and race fees.

Lady Bamford, wife of JCB chairman Sir Anthony, started the race.

Meanwhile, at Sunday's Trentham 10, Uttoxeter Road Runners' Jim Clark took 12th overall in 1:00.41 while Brain Mackey (1.15.17) was first in the over 65 section.

"My strategy was to take the hard climbs steady and hope that I could pick up the pace on the next recovery stage down the A519," said Mackey. "All in all, it went to plan and the cool weather was an added bonus."

Other Road Runners in Trentham 10 action were Grahame Cope (1.11.36), Keith Goss (1.25.49) and Trevor Clay (1.29.15).

For a full list of JCB Lakeside results, turn to page 44.