DAVE IBBOTSON’s famous kick decided the battle for top spot in Jersey Spartan AC’s Autumn 10K race.

A tremendous field of 224 braved the torrential rain, but as the finish at Gorey’s Longbeach car park came in sight the men’s race was a close affair between former winner Jon Coote and Ibbotson.

Coote had failed to pull away on the hilly course and Ibbotson surged ahead to win by six seconds, in 34.56.

Both men recorded personal bests over the course from Gorey to St Catherine’s and back.

Dropped Newcomer Andy Murfin had been up with the leaders for the first half, but dropped back over the final 5k, finishing in 35.53.

Jo McGarry finished fourth overall but was an easy winner of the ladies’ race in 36.24.

Paul Raimbault was top veteran man in 37.34 followed by Rob Douglas and Dave Hallden.

The male 50 winner was Peter Le Couilliard who finished in 36.52.

Second woman home was veteran Maria de Jesus making a welcome return to local distance running in 39.25.

Third was Island Games gold medallist Lisa Fox, breaking 40 minutes for the first time in 39.31.

Fourth and first Woman 45 was Carol Knight in 39.56.

Full report in today’s JEP.