during yesterday's Romanoff Timeless 5K.

And Jane Christie, after managing second a week ago in the Labour Day Race, found her way to the winners' circle, taking overall honours in the female division.

Appearing fresh and relaxed, while showing little effect of the viral meningitis that sidelined him for several months earlier in the year, Smith played possum for the first two miles, hanging back as the trio of Brett Forgesson, Ronue Cann and Sylvester Jean Pierre set the early pace.

But the two mile mark witnessed Smith initiate a surge and when the others didn't respond it became abundantly clear this was Smith's race.

He would eventually complete the course in a time of 16 minutes, 18 seconds, just ahead of Forgesson (16:31), who had less than a week earlier won the Labour Day event in Smith's absence. Cann (17:05) placed third.

Smith later explained that the event had served as little more than a training run, although he was glad to have won.

"I had no real intentions coming into the race. I was just trying to shake the cobwebs loose and follow the guys out,'' he explained afterwards. "I knew Forgesson had the fitness and I didn't want to press it too much.

"I went off at the (two mile) mark and he (Forgesson) didn't respond and I kept it from there.'' For Christie the scenario was vastly different, with the Masters runner leading from the `gun' and never threatened as she clocked 20:26.

After the first mile the local nurse led by as much as 100 yards over closest rival Melanie Claude and doubled that margin by the finish.

And, like Smith, she said she felt relaxed and comfortable throughout.

"I enjoyed it, it was nice running without watches,'' said Christie. "I ran an easy, relaxed, even pace all around.

"Basically, I just enjoy running and do it to keep fit and it keeps the weight down. But once the hot shots come out again I'll be down the pack.'' Second to Christie was Claude (21:30), with Jane Farge third (24:31).

Full results -- see Scoreboard