The new Winter Walking League season was blessed with a window in the weather, providing dry conditions for the duration of the races on Sunday morning at the NSC.

As is traditional, the first round of the Manx Harriers series is always a scratch start, with handicaps calculated from the results going forward to the next round (Andreas, November 28) which will be started on handicap.

The junior events were the first to finish, with Lilee Fletcher setting a very quick performance in the 1km event to easily take the win.

Finn Gleave was also a comfortable second, but the race to take the final podium spot was much closer with Bobby Venables narrowly shading Charlie Coole and Noah Sykes who finished in a dead-heat for fourth place.

The standard in the 2km was equally high. Tim Perry was well clear in taking the top spot, but Amy Surgeon and Lula Kinnish in second and third also put on very stylish performances, looking relaxed throughout.

Lorna Gleave took the win in the open 5km event and looks well capable of breaking the 30-minute barrier as the winter progresses.

Leanne Venables was second fastest, around two minutes in arrears, and also looks to have more to come. It was also good to see Sharon Cain back walking and taking the final podium spot.

Angie Robinson, in fourth, was delighted to record a lifetime best, despite having also raced in the Peel to Douglas run the day before.

It was good to see a number of newcomers in the 5km and the standard of walking was good.

Stewart Jones continued his good form of late to take the 10km race win, although he was pushed hard throughout by Adam Killip and Jock Waddington, with less than one minute between the three. Hopefully, this will be the start of some good battles throughout the series.

Tony Edwards was the only other walker to get under the hour.

Jayne Farquhar was the first female home from Louise Hollings and newcomer to the event Hannah Moore, who walked a strong second half to pull away from Frank Dunne.

It was great to see some new walkers as well as those who have competed for many years still enjoying the winter league.

Many thanks to all the officials and helpers who supported the walkers - and also to competitor Diane Brown for making some amazing cakes for the post-race refreshments.

l Check in for round two at Andreas Parish Hall (Nov 28) from 8.45am for a 9.30am start.

Walkers must remember to bring their league numbers from round one if they competed. It is not too late to register for the league as it is the best three scores from five to count.

All competitors will need to wear high-vis kit as it is on open roads and, during the darker days of the year, this is mandatory.

Winter Walking League, round one, National Sports Centre perimeter roadway - sponsored by Up & Running (IoM) Ltd - Manx Harriers, results:

Junior 1km: 1, Lilee Fletcher 5min 36sec; 2, Finn Gleave 7.06; 3, Bobby Venables 7.20; 4=, Charlie Coole and Noah Sykes 7.22; 6, JayJay Fletcher 7.44; 7, Theo Sykes 8.21; 8, Georgia Venables 9.10; 9, Leo Gleave 11.30. Junior 2km: 1, Tim Perry 11.55; 2, Amy Surgeon 14.02; 3, Lula Kinnish 15.18.

Open 5km: 1, Lorna Gleave 30m 25s; 2, Leanne Venables 32.27; 3, Sharon Cain 32.51; 4, (111) Angie Robinson 33.40; 5, Kathryn Clough 33.44; 6, Manual Giordano 33.55; 7, Maura Kelly 33.58; 8, Vicki Heavey 34.40; 9, (109) Cole Hayes 34.51; 10, Les Brown 35.17; 11, Renee Michalogiannis 35.26; 12, Amy Sykes 35.44; 13, Melissa Lines 39.33; 14=, Rosie Glen and Jonathan McNeill 45.20.

Open 10km: 1, Stewart Jones 55m 57s; 2, Adam Killip 56.29; 3, Jock Waddington 56.47; 4, Tony Edwards 58.04; 5, Jayne Farquhar 64.55 6, Andy Green 66.28; 7, Dick Callin 67.09; 8, Colin Moore 67.20; 9, Louise Hollings 67.42; 10, Hannah Moore 68.07; 11, Frank Dunne 68.22; 12, Chloe Spooner 70.12; 13=, Phill Swales and Kerry Palmer 71.31; 15, Dudley Butt 72.22; 16, Diane Brown 74.54; 17, Gordon Erskine 77.12; 18, Alan Gault 78.32.