For some reason, despite the inevitability of the outcome, it is a surprise when the outright winner of any race is a female. It has happened before, it will happen again and is testament to the huge number of women athletes competing and the level of fitness many have achieved.

The outstanding woman who succeeded on this occasion was W35 Irish athlete Ann Marie McGlynn (Thames Valley Harriers) who took a mere 33:50 to defeat a field of nearly 500 in possibly the ultimate London running location. The women's runners-up were Olivia Sadler (Bristol & West, 38:53 PB) and Elizabeth Markowitz (41:53) was third.

Hyde Park lies in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and Wellington Arch and competitors run beside world-famous Park Lane, through the lush green space of this jewel of Royal Parks. The two-lap course takes you alongside Serpentine Lake and iconic features like Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Holocaust Memorial Gardens, Achilles Statue, Speakers' Corner, the Old Police House and the Bandstand.

Most of which was lost on the flying TVH winner, of course, as it takes full concentration on the task in hand to front run to win in a personal best. The top three men were Stuart MacGougall (Fulham, 34:24 PB) and unattached runners Robert Collins (35:57) and Daniel Gower (36:02).

There were 130 runners inside 50 minutes in benign conditions with 457 finishing in 1:33:23. Hyde Park 10K is promoted by The Race Organiser and boasts a great atmosphere, rapid results and bulging goody bags with bling for every finisher.

Hyde Park 10K takes place up to four times per year as part of the Royal Parks Summer or Winter Series or as a stand-alone event. For more information visit The Race Organiser website.

Full results via runABC South race listings

Image cortesy The Race Organiser