RYDE Harriers were the dominant force at the Isle of Wight's annual Ryde 10-Mile race, which saw them populate the top four places — Matt Sharp the winner from a record entry.

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In almost perfect conditions for the popular race — mild and cloudy, but windy — 524 athletes took on the challenging race, organised and staged by Ryde Harriers.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ryde Harriers ladies in action.Ryde Harriers ladies in action. (Image: Simon Levrier)

Isle of Wight County Press: Charlie Metcalfe won the women's race.Charlie Metcalfe won the women's race. (Image: Joy Furmidge)

The race, with a hilly route, had a new start, along Eastern Gardens towards Appley, taking in Pondwell, Nettlestone and St Helens.

The Harriers proved too strong for the opposition in both the men’s and women’s races.

The first stage of the race saw the four Harriers — all coached by Geoff Watkin — grouped together in the lead and 'trading' places. 

But shortly before the half-way point, the lead group began to settle down into their eventual finishing positions.

First home, pulling steadily away from his team-mates was Sharp in a time of 53mins 50secs — an impressive time considering the undulating nature of the course. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Diana Swyers, of Ryde Harriers. Diana Swyers, of Ryde Harriers. (Image: Joy Furmidge)

Isle of Wight County Press: Jack Elton-Walters, of Wight Tri. Jack Elton-Walters, of Wight Tri. (Image: Wight Tri)

Isle of Wight County Press: Gillian Johnson, of Ryde Harriers.Gillian Johnson, of Ryde Harriers. (Image: Megan Still)

Dan Eckersley (54.32) came in second and Chris Newnham (55.59) came third.

Dave Hunt, in 57.32, not only took fourth spot, but was also the first Vet 40 home. 

The Vet 50 winner was ex-Harrier, Daniel Furmidge, of Cowes, who ran unattached to any club.

The first three home comprised the winning men's team, with a Ryde Harriers B team coming third. 

The ladies' race was won by Ryde Harriers ace Charlie Metcalfe in 1.07.11, together with the prize for first Vet 45 — beating her closest rival by more than a minute.

Isle of Wight County Press: David France, of Cowes.David France, of Cowes. (Image: Megan Still)

Isle of Wight County Press: Daniel Eckersley finished second.Daniel Eckersley finished second. (Image: Jo Stevenson)

Islander, Kerry Riches, came third and picked up the prize for first Vet 35.

Ryde Harriers also won the ladies' team race with a team comprised of Metcalfe, Charis Jones and Gillian Johnson.

Louis Forster, running for Vectis Academy Race Team, won the junior category in 1.03.04.
Seven members of Wight Tri competed.

Their first finisher was Jack Elton-Walters, in 1.08.52, to come 56th overall, with Lucy Doorly, their first woman, finishing 236th in 1.24.52.