INVICTA runner Annabelle Stearns finally took the Kent Fitness League ladies' title after more than three years of trying.

She recorded her fifth successive win of the season at Minnis Bay on Sunday and now has an unassailable lead with two races still to come.

She finished in front of all but 14 of the leading men at the weekend in what was her most emphatic victory to date in a field of more than 300 competitors.

The race was run over a 6 mile circuit, taking in waterlogged paths and ditches.

Reigning champion Elaine Murty (Dartford Harriers) finished third behind Kent Under 17 Champion Amy Smith and Murty is now vying for second place in the championship with Larkfield’s Nicola Susans who finished fifth.

Emma Harraden was the leading Medway and Maidstone AC runner in 4th place which helped to ensure that her club won the team race and go 5 points clear at the top of the table.

In the men’s race, Andrew Pickett (Dartford Harriers) was the winner by more than a minute to make it four wins out of four starts. He now needs to complete just one more race to be sure of retaining his individual title from last year.

Medway and Maidstone’s Clayton Barrett finished second and there were top 10 finishes for two Paddock Wood runners James Ridger (eighth) and Steve Roberts (10th).

Invicta East Kent AC moved into second spot in the table helped by good performances from James Hogg (seventh) and Mark Wilkins (12th) while a reduced stregth Larkfield AC slipped to third place.

The next race is at Oxleas Woods, Eltham on 18th February.