Russia's Yelana Burykina broke her own course record as she successfully defended her title in last night's Nike Blaydon Race.

The 31-year-old university English undergraduate clocked 29mins 18secs for the 5.7 miles, clipping 16 seconds off the mark she set last year.

Burykina, who completed a 5k track race in Moscow only two days earlier, said: "I am delighted to have won again.

"Last year it was cold and wet and this time the conditions were much better.

"The people at the side of the road were cheering me on and it was a lovely race to run - I'd love to come back next season."

Men's winner Tesfaye Eticha, however, was content to ease off in the final mile and finished in 26mins 25secs, only six seconds off the course record set last year by four times winner Julius Kimtai.

The exiled Ethiopian, now based in Switzerland, broke clear after three-and-a-half miles and was never really challenged.

After that as he sped on to take the £1,000 first prize.

Morpeth Harrier Ian Hudspith produced a storming finish to claim third place and the £500 special prize as the first North-East athlete home.

Hudspith, who was forced to drop out of a race in Manchester the previous weekend with a mystery stomach ailment, was delighted with his run.

He said: "I felt strong towards the end and I passed the third African runner as we ran down towards the finish. I was catching the second guy too and might have got him if there had been longer to run at the finish.

"But I am very pleased after my problem in Manchester. I was lacking a bit of confidence but I felt very strong and I am delighted to be the first North-East runner to finish."

The first North-East lady home was Chester-le-Street Great Britain international Diane Henaghan, who was sixth woman finisher.