And it ended with Chichester ace James Baker being beaten by surprise entrant James Ellis, who hails from Emsworth.

Ellis, 24, back on the scene after a long spell out following an horrific road accident, crossed the line in an impressive 13.08, around 18 seconds ahead of Baker, who has now finished in the top two in 22 consecutive Corporate Challenge races.

Third was Harry Carter, 18, from Gosport, a City of Portsmouth AC member.

There were some familiar faces crossing the line first in the youngsters' races.

Edward Williams again took first in the primary boys' race while Hollie Olding did likewise in the primary girls.

Beth Garland was first secondary girl home, Harry Leleu was the first Year 7/8 boy past the post and George Richardson wasa comfortable winner among the Year 9/10 boys.

Organisers and runners were unhappy with the police, who had parked a large CCTV van right at the spot where the start line is sited. Police turned down a request move it.

An officer at the scene said it was there for 'operational' reasons but could not expand further.

The third races in the series take place on Wednesday, March 24.

For a report, pictures and a full list of finishers and their times from the latest race night, see next week's (March 18) Observer.