Nick Despres continued his period of good form to win the opening race in the GIAACıs Winter league but was made to work hard by 14 year-old Mark Mercier.
The three mile race held over the Cobo loop took place in near perfect conditions and Mercier was one of a number of younger stars pitting themselves against some of the clubıs more established runners.
After getting off to a superb start from Cobo Village Mercier was not overhauled until the Saumarez Park mile mark.
Despres began to move clear along Rue Cohu and, showing his strength over the closing stages crossed the finish line 50 seconds clear in a fast time of 15 minutes 29 seconds.
Pete Wickins claimed third just ahead of his old adversary Markıs father Gordon Mercier.
Youth runners Gemma Mauger and Sarah Mercier were the leading female athletes with Mauger first across the line in an impressive 20 minutes 7 seconds.
| Pos | Athlete | Cat | Time |
| 1 | Nick Despres | 15.29 | |
| 2 | Mark Mercier | U15 | 16.19 |
| 3 | Pete Wickins | V | 17.02 |
| 4 | Gordon Mercier | V | 17.18 |
| 5 | David Dyke | 17.32 | |
| 6 | Nick Loveridge | 17.46 | |
| 7 | Terry Bates | 17.51 | |
| 8 | John Addy | SV | 18.03 |
| 9 | Martin Spratt | V | 18.13 |
| 10 | John Dedman | 18.14 | |
| 11 | Matthew Loveridge | U13 | 18.26 |
| 12 | Phil Touzeau | U17 | 18.31 |
| 13 | Daniel Arblaster | U13 | 18.34 |
| 14 | Craig Addlesee | U13 | 18.37 |
| 15 | Simon Touzeau | U13 | 18.43 |
| 16 | Michael Batiste | U13 | 19.01 |
| 17 | Clive Loveridge | 19.02 | |
| 18 | Toby Grice | 19.22 | |
| 19 | Brian Johnson | V | 19.26 |
| 20 | Andrew Walker | V | 19.33 |
| 21 | Andy Carre | U15 | 19.41 |
| 22 | Phil Guilbert | V | 19.49 |
| 23 | Paul Lavin | 19.53 | |
| 24 | Robbie Beck | V | 20.00 |
| 25 | Gemma Mauger | U15G | 20.07 |
| 26 | Daniel Carre | U13 | 20.20 |
| 27 | Sarah Mercier | U13G | 20.30 |
| 28 | John Legg | 20.38 | |
| 29 | Fiona Argent | VW | 20.39 |
| 30 | Gerry Mackle | 20.47 | |
| 31 | Rob Ferguson | V | 20.53 |
| 32 | Kevin Le Noury | V | 21.05 |
| 33 | Ian Bloese | SV | 21.25 |
| 34 | Peter Touzeau | V | 21.47 |
| 35 | Matin Chapman | U13 | 21.50 |
| 36 | Anne Setters | VW | 21.53 |
| 37 | Rob Carre | SV | 21.54 |
| 38 | Alison Jefferies | W | 22.19 |
| 39 | Shane Loveridge | 22.34 | |
| 40 | Sue Smith | W | 22.43 |
| 41 | Nick Le Messurier | V | 22.46 |
| 42 | Phil Setters | U13 | 22.52 |
| 43 | Sue Black | VW | 23.43 |
| 44 | Terry Greening | SV | 24.39 |
| 45 | Remi Loveridge | U13G | 25.31 |
| 46 | Jane Walpole | W | 25.32 |
| 47 | Melanie Weatherburn | U13G | 34.32 |
| 47 | Faye Loveridge | U13G | 34.32 |