Kowenicki stuns local field

NOBODY could have predicted the Boxing Day podium placings at L'Ancresse yesterday morning.

Lee Merrien was restricted to the role of frustrated bystander as a seasonal cough and cold delayed his comeback to competitive racing and, out of the blue, in the Olympian's absence it was an unknown islander who took the honours.

Richard Kowenicki, a 34-year-old teacher, ran away from a strong field just short of the one-mile mark and, wearing the vest of Thames Hare & Hounds club, crossed the line first in a handy 25min. 35sec., finishing 42sec. clear of runner-up Danny Ray.

Holidaying Serpentine AC runner Rick Weston took third spot having started out as arguably the pre-race favourite on the back of his 5k track victory at Footes Lane back in the summer.