A BUMPER field of 700 runners converged on the town of Southwold, both to tackle the popular Adnams 10K road race, as well as to rub shoulders with Olympic medallist Steve Cram.

Cram had run last year’s event, but on Sunday he was at the Suffolk coastal town in the role of race starter. The 51-year-old former 1,500m world champion (from 1983) also handed out the prizes at the end of the race.

Tim Topper, of Norwich Road Runners, was first home in 34mins 09secs for a flat 10K course featuring two main loops, starting from the Harbour Inn.

It was a case of one better for Topper – he had finished second to Lowestoft’s Carl Prewer during last year’s event.

EADT news editor Brad Jones was an excellent second in 34.53, a minute clear of third-placed James McNally (Liverpool-based Penny Lane Striders). Jones had finished third in 2010.

Norwich athlete Alexandra Smith was first lady in 41.41. Suffolk ladies to the fore included Tonya Antonis (44.09) and Ipswich JAFFA’s Verity Smith (44.42).