Milarvie and Twell crowned champions after a victorious final day

All three lead runners cracked the old marker of 31min. flat for the concluding Grandes Rocques to Northside 10km on Monday, but there could only be one winner and overall champion.

Those shoes were a good fit for Milarvie, who overcame Callum Tharme in a decisive head-to-head as defending champion Joe Morwood finished third on the day and overall.

It was a splendid, sunny morning and runners had favourable winds for much of the race, which helped the lead trio set a hot pace along the west coast.

They were quick to break from the opposition but stayed tightly-packed for the first half, before Milarvie made a decisive move at around 6km.

He pushed on through some less favourable winds in the closing stages to triumph in 30-23 as Tharme followed 7sec. back, with Morwood the same gap again behind. All beat the previous mark held by Hampshire athlete Jacob O’Hara.

The Dulwich athlete said it was ‘really nice’ to claim the title.

‘We train hard, and to walk away with a nice little title is lovely,’ he said.

‘We do not get wins often in running. It’s a hard sport to win titles in, so it’s an honour.’

Alex Rowe ran a lonely race but succeeded in maintaining fourth place, clocking 32-09 for top Guernsey runner.

Richard Bartram finished 9sec. back for fifth overall but, thanks to his strong results in other races, topped the Sarnian standings for the Easter weekend.

Rick Weston (32-23), James Priest (32-34) and an over-distance Chris Bain (32-43) also produced quick times.

Being a first-time visitor to the island, Milarvie enjoyed his stay and marked his intention to return.

That was no doubt helped by his strong impression of the field.

‘There was a really good standard of guys we were racing against,’ he added.

‘And the women’s field was even stronger – some big names showed up.’

The big names he spoke of were Steph Twell and Louise Small, both Great Britain athletes affiliated to Aldershot.

Twell completed the hat-trick of victories with a 33-57 to confirm her title as Small, who posted 35-54, took second on the day and for the festival.

Small’s presence made the trip even more enjoyable for the winner.

‘It’s even more memorable to share the running experience with friends,’ Twell said.

‘It’s delightful to be over here with our family and friends and make it even more of an experience.

‘Guernsey has a lovely community and it’s great to be part of it. Wonderful memories, and it’s great to have first and second from Aldershot.

‘Thank you for bringing out the sun.’

Nat Whitty took third woman in 37-06 and also ensured Guernsey had a presence on the overall podium.

She did so by outduelling Saint Edmunds’ Katie King, who had headed her in Saturday’s cross-country.

RELAY RESULTS

The family-themed A Rowe of Galpins had won the previous day’s 4x1 mile cross-country relay at Delancey Park.

Chris Bain produced the top individual leg – 4-51 – to open for his aptly-named It Started So Well, but Dan Galpin handed off in second and set up father Sean, brother Sammy, and fast friend Alex Rowe for victory in 22-08.

They won by 43sec. from James Priest’s Composite Team Three.

The Plain Janes, comprising Nix Petit, Jamie Ingrouille, Emma Etheredge and Alex Hurrell, claimed mixed honours and fourth overall in 23-38. Petit also clocked the fastest woman’s leg at 6-04.

Of the all-women teams, the junior quartet of Orla Montgomery, Indi Warren, Lexi Fletcher and Grace King – racing as Eat Our Dust Bunnies – came out top in 26-33.