AN ATHLETE collapsed from heat exhaustion after a winning run in Sunday's Michael Page Memorial 10K at Hetton Lyons Country Park.

Sunderland Harrier Len Christopher staggered over the final 200 metres but refused help as he crossed the line to win the over-55 section of the gruelling, multi-terrain event.

Christopher - an experienced marathon runner - was given first aid and doused with cold water in the finishing funnel as clubmates rallied to his assistance and he was completely recovered an hour after the race. He said: "I'm fine now but it was very hot out there and I'm just back after an injury, which didn't help."

The race, staged in memory of a former secretary and club stalwart of Houghton and Peterlee AC, was won by another Sunderland Harrier, 32-year-old Graham Lancaster, who was third last year.

He too, suffered in the heat, but decided to take things easy after building up a big lead at the halfway mark on the undulating course.

"It was far too hot and it was a course full of twists and turns," said the Newcastle PE teacher.

"I looked round to make sure no-one was challenging and after the halfway mark I just switched off. It was a tough course and I think it's a bit further than 10K."

Lancaster, who clocked 36 mins 34 secs, finished nearly a minute clear of Chester-le-Street's Gareth Thraves.

The women's race was won by Claremont's Julie Cross, who beat former World double heptathlon champion Jacqui Elliott (Blaydon) by over three minutes.

The race, which clashed with a big charity fun run in Sunderland, attracted only 33 runners, five more than last year, and the organisers are determined to soldier on.

Club secretary Peter Dodsworth said: "We will keep staging the race, though we might change the date next year and have junior races to try to attract more entries."