Adam Cowin led from gun to tape to record his best 10km performance for quite some time on a chilly morning at the NSC roadway on Sunday.

The event was the Isle of Man 10km and younger age group road walking championships and Cowin’s fellow Manx Harrier, Gianni Epifani, gave chase but the pace was too hot for him.

Nevertheless, the latter recorded a lifetime best for the distance, around 40 seconds down on Cowin.

Hannah Hunter took the women’s title and is showing signs of a return to fitness, ahead of third man, James Quirk, who had a lonely race.

Hunter was in turn well clear of Jayne Farquhar in the women’s class, who showed great powers of recovery after a 20km walk and a 20-mile run in recent weeks.

Sharon Cain was another to record a lifetime best to take the third podium spot.

A notable mention for Lalage Earnshaw-Cain who tackled her first 10km event, pacing it well to finish strongly, as did Sylvia Kennaugh who not only recorded a very respectable time for her age group but also provided fantastic home-baked biscuits for the post-race refreshments.

In the junior 5km, Keira Heavey was the lone representative, with Alice Bellando sidelined by illness. Keira looked smooth throughout and recorded a time not far off her best, with veteran Phill Swales a further 40 seconds back.

Mia Dunwell also did well to record a great time, in view of the fact she had been representing the island at the English Schools Cross-Country Championships in Leeds less than 24 hours earlier.

The stylish Grayse Fletcher took the 2km prize ahead of Dominic Dunwell who also put in a great effort.

In the 1km event, Amy Surgeon took her second win in the two races she has entered and looks to have lots of potential. More importantly she appears to really enjoy racing.

Lilee Fletcher was equally delightful to watch in second spot, Harri Swales taking the final podium place with a determined effort.

Thanks to the volunteer officials for helping the event run so smoothly.

l Manx Harriers next hosts the 10,000m track walking championships at the NSC track on Monday, April 1. There will be support distances for juniors.

In accordance to new British Athletics rules, the under-13 age group and over athletes need to be registered with a club to take part in track events.

There will also be a 10,000m track run after the walks. Signing on will be from 5.15pm trackside on the night.

10km and younger age group road walking championships, Manx Harriers, NSC Roadway, Sunday - results

10 kilometres: 1, Adam Cowin (Manx Harriers) 46min 42sec; 2, Gianni Epifani (MH) 47.24; 3, Hannah Hunter (MH) 54.37; 4, James Quirk (MH) 57.17; 5, Jayne Farquhar (MH) 62.33; 6, Sharon Cain (MH) 63.51; 7, Louise Hollings (MH) 64.55; 8, Vicki Heavey (Northern AC) 66.55; 9, Colin Moore (IoM Veteran Athletes’ Club) 67.59; 10, Lalage Earnshaw-Cain (Unattached) 68.37; 11, Maura Kelly (NAC) 69.40; 12, Voirrey Earnshaw-Cain (NAC) 70.01; 13, Sylvia Kennaugh (IoM VAC) 76.29.

5km: 1, Keira Heavey (NAC) 31.45; 2, Phill Swales (NAC) 32.25. 3km: Mia Dunwell (NAC) 17.06. 2km: 1, Grayse Fletcher (U/t) 15.05; 2, Dominic Dunwell (NAC) 15.24. 1km: 1, Amy Surgeon (U/t) 7.41; 2, Lilee Fletcher (U/t) 8.10; 3, Harri Swales (NAC) 8.13; 4, Aalin Heavey (NAC) 8.35; 5, Jay Jay Fletcher (U/t) 9.07.