Peel athlete Keith Gerrard played a vital role in helping Newham and Essex Beagles win the Saucony South of England 12-Stage Road Relay Championship on Sunday.

Gerrard ran the fastest time of the day for the short leg - 14:37 - finishing with a
15-second advantage over the next athlete and heading a list of 237 competitors.

Forty-four teams lined up, each consisting of six athletes running the 7664m long leg and six on the 5053m short leg.

The Beagles got of to a slow start and were placed 18th at the end of leg two, however as the race progressed they moved through the field with Gerrard starting the eighth leg in eighth position.

The Manx athlete gained four places, closing the time difference on leaders Kent AC by 1 minute 50 seconds and leaving the team within reach of a podium position.

Newham completed the 12 stages in 4:03:41, finishing 33 seconds ahead of Highgate Harriers with Kent AC third in 4:04:25.

The Martin Bullock Manxsport-sponsored athlete now heads to New Mexico for altitude training, as preparation for the Mount Sac Relays and The Payton Jordan Invitational in California on April 20 and 29.

Keith would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland International for his 2012 scholarship and the Manx Sports Aid Foundation for their continued support.