Harwich Runners showed an encouraging sign of a road racing revival at the Ipswich JAFFA five-mile race.

The first event in a series of Friday five-milers, the race provided a stern test for the 12 Harwich members.

Warm and windless conditions were condusive to fast times, as was the mainly downhill opening mile.

The undulations quickly turned upwards, forcing competitors to work hard to maintain their fast early tempo.

Paul McClelland got off to his customary fast start, but team-mate Matthew Knowles was also quickly into his stride and making progress through the field.

The homeward run followed a farm track, before returning for the now mainly up-hill final mile.

Knowles showed he can raise his game when it counts, crossing the line 36th in a time of 31 minutes 5 seconds.

Overcoming recent injury and illness, McClelland was next home in 32m 7s.

The Harwich run of the night came from Marc Driscoll, chopping nearly 45 seconds from his previous best time in 32m 48s.

He was chased by club coach Peter Clarke, giving his all to end four seconds behind.

Solid runs came from Jonathan Burls in 34m 53s, Dennis Warner in 35m 31s, Glyn Peck in 37m 31s, Kate Thomas recovering from the Edinburgh Marathon with 37m 46s and Carla Holroyd in 40m 52s.

While McClelland and Clarke have nearly 50 years of racing experience between them, it was good to see a trio of Harwich Runners in their first season perform well.

Sophie Cole led the way with an encouraging 48m 24s.

Sarah Bond has been bitten by the running bug and was home with 45 seconds to spare on her 50 minute target.

London Marathon finisher Anna Leeds also impressed with 54m 28s.

Showing little respect for the demands of the course was race winner David Miller of Woodbridge in lightning quick 26 minutes 4 seconds.