THE fifth and final race of the Sweatshop York and District Road Race League produced the fastest time of the series for the winner, Cameron Brooks.

The Knavesmire Harrier clocked 32 minutes 58 seconds but was actually beaten to the line by guest runner Richard Burney, of the league sponsors, whose time was 32-21.

Andy Hilton 33-45 (York Acorn) took second place, while Knavesmire's Ian Anderson 33min 50sec again finished third, as he has in all five races.

The women's race was another triumph for Lisa Guscott-Trout (Knavesmire Harriers), in 36-57, with fellow Knavesmire runner Rebecca Weekes second, in 39-23. York Acorn's Lara Gibbs was third, in 40-51, five seconds ahead of her mother, Dawn.

The men's team competition was won by York Acorn 'A' with 49 points, from Knavesmire Harriers 'A' (81 points), with York Acorn 'B' third (132 points).

In the women's team event, Knavesmire Harriers 'A' and York Acorn 'A' tied for first place, both with 20 points each, followed by Tadcaster Harriers, with 60 points - their best result of the series.

Most runners achieved their best time of the series on the course - the only flat course in the five events - but it produced the lowest number of finishers with only 154 completing the course.

The final event of the season is the traditional handicap race from Stillington on Tuesday, July 22 (7pm). The slower runners set off first, followed by the quicker ones depending on everyone's best times from the five-race series.

The fun race is followed by a pie and peas supper, courtesy of the Wigginton club, and the presentation of the trophies for the league's successful runners.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, July 17, 2003