HALTWHISTLE runner Paul Rogan returned home to retain his Vindolanda 10K title.

Born and bred in the Tynedale town, Rogan has since moved away to Scotland but returned to the district to post the winning time in the Run Nation event at Vindolanda roman fort.

Winning the inaugural race in 2016, he was again first to cross the finishing line this year. Due to the blazing heat, his winning time of 37:09 minutes was nearly a minute slower than last year.

In a race not for setting personal bests due to the many inclines, it was a close-run thing with PH Racing Club's Jonathan Peebles second with 38:34 and unattached runner Craig Bradshaw (39:04) third.

Not far off a top three finish was Haltwhistle resident Matthew Brown (39:58).

Allen Valley Strider Ruth Bentley (45:03) just missed out on top spot in the women's race to Claremont Road Runner Catherine Young (44:36). Jo Kilner (46:58), of Jesmond Joggers, was third.

Young, who ran with her colleagues at Gateshead's Cardinal Hume Catholic School David Heron and Martin Bell, said: "I was bullied into running it by David who said it was going to be gorgeous scenery and he promised me a lovely race.

"Even though I was exhausted when I got to the top, I made a point of looking around when the sun was hitting the trees, and I thought, 'this is a really beautiful race' and it was nearly worth the pain of getting up the hills!

"I really enjoyed the race because time goes out of the window in runs like this and I was nowhere near my personal best because it was so hilly, but it's good that you can take the route rather than run for time."

Bentley picked up some big points as the Vindolanda race was part of Allen Valley Striders' grand prix series.

She was joined on the start line by Michael Sanderson (42:28), Jason Forster (44:18), Brendon Jackson (49:02), Emma Alpin (50:41), Celia Sanderson (59:02) and Graham Fraser (59:12).

Celia Sanderson, who competed for the second year running, said: "I love this race. It's hard but it's well organised and is enjoyable. I prefer hills and it is in a fabulous setting, plus you get a great medal."

Fellow Haltwhistle resident Alan Hanlon, known through his role working at Lloyds TSB in Hexham, also returned for a second year, but this time was prepared for the tough challenge that faced him.

Despite the unbearingly hot conditions, he shaved a minute off his time by finishing in a time of 47.48.

He said: "Even knowing how tough the course was, I was impressed enough to come back and I have been practising on hills. It took me a bit by surprise the first year so the practice helped.

"The first time I came to Vindolanda was last year for the run, and it's such an amazing place."