MORE than 100 runners completed the hardest race in the York and District Road Race League Tuesday evening series, the fearsome Bishop Wilton 10km circuit.

Paul Gobel, of York Acorn, was first home, followed by Knavemire's Jon Pavis and Alan Beavers, who was first Over-40.

York Acorn's 'A' team ensured outright series victory in the team competition with all six runners in the top nine finishers, comfortably ahead of Knavesmire Harriers 'A' for the third race in a row.

Fiona Strange won the women's race, ahead of Knavesmire team-mate Mandy Clarke with Acorn's Julie Simpson third.

Knavesmire Ladies 'A' have an unassailable lead in the series, ahead of a close battle for second between their 'B' team and York Acorn 'A'.

With just one more race to go in the league, at Selby on Tuesday, the open men's title is still undecided. Gobel and Pavis are tied in first place ahead of Pocklington's Simon Richardson.

The over-40 class is led by Bob Duncan, just ahead of Acorn's Andy Normandale and Pock's Richardson.

The over-50 class is equally tight with Acorn's John McDonough leading Mike McGrath, of Knavesmire, and Clive Read, of Pocklington.

The over-60 section is between Malcolm Fawcett and Brian Latto, both Knavesmire, and Selby's John Dale.

The women's open race is led by Clarke ahead of Strange with a tie for third place between Simpson and Pocklington's Christine Jeanette.

The women's age groups have Jeanette leading Tadcaster's Joanne Ward and Wigginton's Jayne Chapman in the over-35 section, while Knavesmire's Sue Hampton leads the over-45 section.

The over-55 category has Winnie Lawn, York Acorn, leading Knavesmire's Sheila Latto and Dot Holden.

Updated: 12:15 Wednesday, July 04, 2001