Colchester Harriers enjoyed a one-two-three at the annual Dedham 10K road race, staged last Sunday.

East Anglian Daily Times: The top three finishers at the Dedham 10K, all members of Colchester Harriers, from left: Richard Heath, winner Ramadan Osman and Ermeas Afewerki. Picture: JOHN HYLANDThe top three finishers at the Dedham 10K, all members of Colchester Harriers, from left: Richard Heath, winner Ramadan Osman and Ermeas Afewerki. Picture: JOHN HYLAND (Image: Archant)

An in-form Ramadan Osman led the way as the green vests filled six of the first seven places, an impressive display of packing, from an entry of more than 350 runners.

Fresh from his win at the recent Langham 10K, a flying Osman surged to victory from the gun, smashing the course record with another strong run.

Osman triumphed in 32mins 31secs, enjoying a winning margin of more than three minutes. It was a terrific time for what is a hilly course.

Just seven days earlier, Osman had won the Langham 10K title in a scorching 31:50, although he has gone even quicker over the 10K distance – he managed 31:18 at the very competitive Vitality London 10K at the end of May. His other wins on the roads this year have included the Colchester Half-Marathon (in March) and the Great Bentley Friday Five (in July).

His Harriers’ club-mate, Ermeas Afewerki, took second spot at Dedham in a personal best time of 35:27, a good run from the promising 17-year-old.

A little older but just as effective was Richard Heath, who was third overall and the leading over-40 veteran in 35:39.

The Harriers’ procession was broken by Dan Widdowson, of Hadleigh Hares, who posted 36:57 in fourth slot.

Then came the next Harriers trio of Alex Sales (fifth in 38:23), Rob Smith (sixth in 38:40) and Gavin Scanlon (seventh in 39:02).

Simon Fenn, of Hadleigh Hares, was the first over-50 veteran in 43:30

Claudine Benstead, of Harwich Runners, was the first female finisher. The consistent over-50 veteran stopped the clock at 46:33.

Vicky Moore registered 47:36 and Sarah Fletcher, of Great Bentley RC, was third and first over-40 with 49:12. Junior athlete Millie Crewe won her category in 49:31.

The supporting Dedham 3K event was won by Sam Gardiner in 12:30. He finished six seconds ahead of Dylan Robins, with experienced Colchester Harrier Malcolm Statham third with 13:26.

The event was sponsored by Fiducia, with funds being raised for Dedham Primary School.