ONE of the region's top young runners has achieved a remarkable victory by winning a major race despite being mistakenly sent off on a 400-metre detour.

Simon Watson, 15, was well ahead in the County Durham Schools 5km race when disaster struck.

With a 100m lead, Simon, who is head boy at Shotton Hall School, in Peterlee, County Durham was misdirected by a race steward.

But his detour did nothing but kindle his resolve to not only keep going but to eventually win the race.

The athlete relived the moment it became clear he had been headed off in the wrong direction during the race at Bishop Auckland.

"I quickly realised I had been mistakenly sent the wrong way and had to make up all the lost ground before catching up with the leading pack."

With three competitors now ahead of him Simon dug in deep, sprinted past the leaders and went on to clinch the race by 30m.

His success against all the odds means that Simon, whose ambition is to become a professional runner, will now represent the county in the English School Championships in Maidstone, Kent, on March 21.

Delighted at his victory, Simon's headteacher, Ian Mowbray, said: Simon is a lovely young man who is determined to succeed. He trains very hard and his success is down to his steely determination and his commitment to simply being the best.''

Simon holds no grudge towards the red-faced steward

"He apologised after the race, but if anything his mistake made me even more determined to win,'' said Simon.