KENYAN Julius Kimtai won the Blaydon Race for a fifth time last night and claimed: "It was easy!"

The 30-year-old course record holder, who picked up a prize of £1,000 for his efforts over 5.7 miles from the centre of Newcastle, clocked 27 mins 16 secs, beating fellow countryman Wilfred Taragon by a comfortable 12 seconds.

His time was 57 seconds slower than the record he set on his last visit to Tyneside in 2002, but he was not at all disappointed. He said: "It was very windy and I wasn't really thinking of trying to beat my record - all I was concerned about was winning.

"I took the lead after a mile and no-one seemed willing to come with me so I just went on. I was never challenged and I felt very comfortable all the way, apart from the wind.

"I knew the course very well and I knew there were three places where I could push the pace, which I did. I'm very happy to have won again and all bein g well I'll be back again next year to defend my title."

Belgrave's Kassa Tadessa was third in 27.50, while defending champion Tesfaye Eticha was disappointed to finish fourth a further 13 seconds behind.

The first North-East finisher, winning a prize of £500, was Morpeth Harrier Mark Hudspith, who finished sixth, beating clubmate Martin Scaife in the final 400 metres by only two seconds.

The women's £1,000 prize-winner was Kenya's Miryam Wangari (30.51), beating Belgrave Harrier Birhan Dagne by five seconds.

First North-East women home was Chester-le-Street's Alyson Dixon, who was seventh woman in 34.01, beating Jarrow and Hebburn's Denise Todd by 21 seconds.