SVENJA Abel won her weight in wine when she was the first woman to cross the line in the inaugural Anthony Nolan Trust Royal Romp 5k road race in Regents Park on Sunday. Abel clocked 17 minutes and 23 seconds to win the top prize and set up a memorable on

SVENJA Abel won her weight in wine when she was the first woman to cross the line in the inaugural Anthony Nolan Trust Royal Romp 5k road race in Regents Park on Sunday.

Abel clocked 17 minutes and 23 seconds to win the top prize and set up a memorable one-two for Harriers by beating clubmate Becky Penty into second place in 17:36.7.

The race, organised by Highgate's Ben Pochee, offered as a prize to the first man and woman finishers their bodyweight in wine.

The men's award went to Neilson Hall who runs for Herts Phoenix and Bedford County, who clocked a course record 14:57 when first from the 150 runners.

Paul Martelleti (Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets) was second in 15:15.3 with Tom Gardner third (15:44.9), Steve Murphy (Shaftesbury Barnet) fourth (15:49.3) and Highgate's Henry Dodwell following in fifth in 15:50.1

Other Highgate runners included Dale Bickham (16:31.5), Shane Snow (16:34.9), and veteran Chris Bailey (18:12.4).

Race director Pochee said: "The Inaugural Royal Romp attracted elite fundraisers and elite runners who combined to celebrate the creation of a new and special Annual Antony Nolan event in Regents Park.

"Camden's Deputy Mayor, Abdul Quadir, gave a rousing toast to both the event and the fantastic work of the Anthony Nolan Trust.

"Maurice Raynor of the Mornington Chasers, Royal Parks, Asics, and Runners Need plus other volunteers, helped make the event go with a swing and I look forward to another event like that next year."

Elsewhere, Shaun Dixon notched an impressive personal best when he recorded 8:40.3 in the British Milers Club regional race and Richard Stewart won the Grovelands Park Run 10k for the second time in 17:55.

n IT was a successful weekend for the few London Heathside runners to take to the tracks, as Liam Proudlock and Philip Bentley both won their local park runs.

Proudlock was first across the line at the Finsbury Park 5k park run, recording 18 minutes and three seconds.

Proudlock's time was a full 15 seconds better than his clubmate Bentley, who won the Hackney Marshes 5k park run with a time of 18:08.

Heathside also had four finishers in the top 50 at the Burnham Beeches half marathon, with Ricardo Suarez-Lee leading the team home in 77:53.

Following him across the line were George Stewart (31st in 80:42), Ken Heney (39th in 81:55) and Gavin Evans (48th in 83:26).