Scott Overall (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, 30:29) was back to defend his title and trimmed 10 seconds from his previous winning time however the course record was retained by Ed Prickett (Nottingham University, 30:17) from 2003.

Also feeling the love were Overall's closest challengers Andrew Brooker (London Heathside, 33:18) and Matt Jiggins (Epsom and Ewell, 34:48), who enjoyed a PB by over 30 seconds.

The age group leader was over-50 master David Freeman (Tadworth, 38:12) in 11th overall. There were some fine winning performances further up the age groups by M60 Andy Fay (Epsom and Ewell, 41:45) and M70 Peter Giles (Hercules Wimbledon, 42:34).

The women's course record has been owned by former duathlon world champion Vicky Gill (Aldershot, 35:08) since 2009. This year's winners was Rachel Gifford (Worthing Harriers, 37:50) and the female rostrum was completed by W45 Julie Humphries (Alton, 40:30) and Lydia O'Donoghue (West 4 Harriers, 41:33). Top masters results included W55 Liz Killip (Stragglers, 42:52) and W70 Sue Garner (Lingfield, 52:21).

The Valentine's 10K is promoted by the Surbiton-based 26.2 Road Runners Club. Competitors receive a free technical T-shirt and top runners are attracted by the £100 winners' prizes and the fast course that loops out to Horton Country Park from Chessington Community College.

More than 160 finished inside 50 minutes and the midpoint was marked by Katie Cahill-Smith (W45 Lingfield, 54:04).

Full results are available at runABC South race listings here

Valentine's 10K logo image courtesy 26.2 RRC