The first race in this year's series of Chichester city road races was won by an 800m specialist from Portsmouth University.

Oliver Heeks stormed to a comfortable victory in Wednesday night's rain-hit opening race in the 2010 series of three – beating local favourite James Baker into second place.

We'll have all the action, including a full list of finishers – in the Observer next Thursday (March 4)

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Heeks, 20, from Essex, is between clubs at the moment but the Portsmouth-based student showed the form that won him an 800m silver in the southern outdoor championships last year.

He said: "I enjoyed the race. I did it for the first time last year and I came fourth. I can't run in the second in the series but I'll be back for the final one."

Baker was three seconds under 14 minutes – almost a minute outside his best time for the course – on a night when wet conditions underfoot slowed down the field, particularly at the corners.

The Chichester Runners ace was still happy though as he explained: "It's the 21st consecutive Corporate Challenge race I've finished in the top two.

"I was a bit leggy after running in the Brighton half marathon last weekend but am still pleased with my finish."

Third was Corporate Challenge veteran Colin Dixon, running for the DSTL team.

Earlier, four junior races saw hundreds of boys and girls turn in good performances, cheered by a hardy band of parents, teachers and friends.

The primary schoolboys' race was won by Oakwood's Edward Williams, while Hollie Olding from East Wittering School was first primary girl home.

Chichester Runners junior Beth Garland, from Portsmouth High School, won the secondary girls' race.

First year eight boy home was Harry Leleu and Chi High School for Boys student George Richardson was the Year 9/10 winner in some style.

The next races in the series are on Wednesday, March 10.