Kingsnorth has been impressive in the Friday Five Series this summer, and was in a class of his own over the 12.5-lap challenge. His winning time of 15mins 15secs was a minute clear of Gavin Davies (16.16), who was running for the host club, JAFFA.

Pacers were also third and fourth, thanks to the efforts of Peter Barker (16.27) and Peter Golding (17.15).

Other Pacers in action included Jon Lockwopod (20th in 18.43), Tim Fox (21st 18.56), Bryan Reid (24th 19.23), Chris Perry (25th 9.39), Ian Gooderham (27th 20.05), Stephen Williams (32nd 21.24), Dave Overman (35th 21.28), Robert Price (37th 22.02) and Roger Brand (28th 22.11).

Julie Heath was an excellent second in the ladies' race, which was also held over 5k.

Over-40 veteran Heath, has shown big improvements in her running this summer, and the extra training again paid off.

She clocked 19.39, finishing just 16 seconds behind winner Marie Shirley, of Sudbury Joggers.

Pat Partridge was eighth with 21.35, followed by fellow Pacers Cathy Lambert (ninth in 23.09), Eloise Calver (10th 23.18), Rebecca Gooderham (14th 24.51) and Emma Hatton (16th 26.57).

Meanwhile, hundreds of runners will be converging on Nowton Park this evening, for the annual Bury Friday Five and supporting junior fun run.

The main event starts at 7.30pm. Organisers, Saint Edmund Pacers, have already received more than 300 entries. There will be entries on the night, and the club needs help with marshalling and car parking duties. Helpers are therefore very welcome.

The junior race will begin at 7pm, with the course all within the park. The main event takes to rural roads out to High Green and back down to Nowton. This is the fourth race in the five-event series. The last will take place at Great Bentley, on Friday, July 10.

Meanwhile, three junior members of the club were in action at the Capel St Mary one-mile fun run, and all had success.

Emma Watts (11) was the first girl in 6mins 10secs, while Gaia Johnstone (11) was third in 6.58. Chloe Jermyn (12) finished fourth in 7.16.