Garland takes a fine victory

LEE GARLAND will long go down in history as one of Guernsey athletics' most versatile track runners, highly capable at just about everything except sprinting.

Now, at 38, the multiple Island Games steeplechase champion, did not need that missing component as he let his long-lasting endurance fitness base do the talking in a fine win in the latest of the current series of 5k in the Park races.

Just for once this series, Saumarez Park was mild and appealing to anyone in a running vest and shorts.

Garland, pictured, revelled in the early evening warmth and led from start to finish to clock a decent time of 16min. 45sec. and win by 16sec. from the impressive newcomer, Jason James, who had sat comfortably in the runner-up position for most of the race, just ahead of the real battle for third place.