Road leads to success as Roberts wins D-Day 10k race

After taking the lead early on, the Reading athlete quickly settled into his rhythmn at the front of the strong field for the City of Portsmouth race.

He blasted on to win in a big personal best time of 32min 08sec and really enjoyed the course.

‘It’s nice to get a race win,’ said Roberts.

‘Somebody went off even quicker and I wasn’t even first at the first turn.

‘I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. I had to just hang on and keep at that pace so it was nice.

‘It was a personal best by 35 seconds so I was happy with that.

‘The course was really nice, really flat. I hadn’t actually done a road 10k before, I’ve only been on trail so it was a nice change for me.’

Defending champion James Baker finished second (33.28) with Peter Concannon third (33.40).

Southampton athlete Ellie Monks was first lady with a time of 37.19.

She has been in superb form in Portsmouth recently, also winning both of first two Lakeside 5k Series races at the North Harbour venue.

Lesley Locks, of Hart Road Runners, finished second (39.22).

Bryher Bowness, of Southampton, finished third (39.31).

City of Portsmouth invited Portsmouth Joggers (PJC) to provide the guest starter for the race.

It was a great way to mark the year of celebration for the 40th anniversary of Portsmouth Joggers, who are based at Lakeside for club nights.

PJC chairman Ian Jones took on the responsibility.

He said: ‘It was a great privilege and honour for me to represent Portsmouth Joggers in that role.’

Peter Gilford, one of the founder members of Portsmouth Joggers, was also present at the race.