HE competed in four Olympics, but Hexham's rowing superstar Matt Wells swapped his oars for running shoes at the weekend.

The bronze medallist at Beijing 2008 remains in post as director of rowing at Monkton Combe School, near Bath, but is currently in training for an upcoming Ironman in France at the end of the August.

And all is going well according to his performance over 13 miles as he joined in with the Hexham Half Marathon on Sunday, powering his way to a top six spot in the event.

The father-of-two returned home to the Tyne Valley to take part in the event, and he was among the hundreds of keen runners who enjoyed the new route which started in Beaumont Street, with the domineering Hexham Abbey providing a spectacular backdrop.

He said: "I really enjoyed it and it was nice to be able to do something like this in my home town.

"Each year I set myself a goal, like I did with my rowing, and I've done boxing, played rugby, ran the Great North Run, did a triathlon last year, and now it's on to an Ironman.

"For the organiser to pull the half marathon off is really good, and it was a great event, and it was great that it catered for all people from those inspired to complete it by walking most of it or for those wanting to get a quick time of one hour and 10 minutes."

Wells was kept out the top three by fellow Tyne Valley runners, Allendale's Cees Van Der Land, of Tyne Bridge Harriers, and Corbridge's Craig Bradshaw coming in behind impressive champion Mike Jefferies, of Richmond and Zetland Harriers.

Jog on the Tyne (JOTT) member Fiona Belgian, of Corbridge, continued her great form as she crossed the line ahead of all other female runners.

In a last minute decision to enter the race, she impressed to take top spot.

And it was a special moment as she dedicated the win to JOTT race leader Rachel Chinnery, who will soon relocate to Cambridge.

She said: "Rachel is leaving us soon so I wanted to win it for her. She is amazing and does all the ultras, so I'd like to say a big thank you to Rachel and to say this one is for her!

"I'm pleased to have won and it's lovely for it to be right on our doorstep, and these are routes we do with Jog on the Tyne. I would usually try to do a long run up to 15 miles at the weekend, so it's great to have a local event like this we can take part in."

There was a strong local turn-out, with the district's sports clubs turning out in force to support the local event.

Jaycee Shotton led home the Tynedale Harriers contingent, with Stocksfield Striders providing 14 runners.

Allen Valley Striders were also well represented, with Brendon Jackson enjoying his first taste of the event.

He said: "Other than the climb up Sandhoe Bank, it was a good course and what was nice was that you saw other runners from time-to-time, rather than feeling lonely and carrying on regardless which you some times get on other runs."

After last year's debut, the half marathon has already grown in stature and word is spreading about its reputation.

Changes to the route have proved an instant hit, especially bringing the start to the centre of Hexham.

Organiser Greg Urwin said: "I'm really pleased with how well it has gone, and there's a lot more people than last year.

"A lot of people are really happy that I have taken out that second hill at Sandhoe too, and they only had to go up it once this year!
"Having that element of it starting in the town centre has made a big difference, and I want to grow this event year-on-year and we'll hopefully get another lovely day like this next year."