New Forest's Lee Rodriguez got this year's Road Runners Ten series off to a great start in his usual speedy fashion.

Rodriguez - who was crowned overall champion in 2001 - crossed the finish line ahead of the rest to register his fourth consecutive victory at the Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley.

The first race of the season looked like being a bit of a wash-out but torrential rain, which had fallen all day, gave way in time for the start.

That did not stop runners looking as if they had taken part in a cross country event by the time they had completed the course which was off-road in parts.

Rodriguez' clubmate Chris Olden took third spot, with Owain Jones of Team Solent claiming second.

But New Forest still had to settle for second place in the men's team event as Winchester packed in five scoring finishers in the top 14.

The women's race saw several new names making a mark, with only Hardley Runners showing any real strength in the team race. Their three scoring runners finished in the top seven.

Team Solent's Laura Brenton was the first woman home, ahead of Romsey's Lizzie Adams and Sue Sleath of Hardley.