Andy is Moor the merrier after a win on the Sly.

Byline: BILL MCGUIRK

THE 'No More Entries'' sign for the first running of the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon was posted within days of them opening.

And the North East Vets Association, the promoters of the event, were delighted that its multi-circuit course proved to be a resounding success despite strong winds, giving athletes an extra obstacle to add to the 26-plus miles ahead of them.

However, while the inaugural marathon in the heart of the city didn''t produce many fast times it did give those who travelled to Tyneside the chance to add another race to their long list of marathons here in this country and abroad.

Victory went to Redford''s Andy Sly, who won in exactly three hours in what was his sixth marathon this year, though his time was 12 minutes slower than his best, which he ran in Paris.

The course was always going to be a huge test for those who were fortunate to get an entry, and the five five-and-a-quarter mile laps, which included a 500-metre grass section each circuit, didn''t help at all.

Sly, who was last in the region in September to compete in the Great North Run, said: That was hard work, especially after the second lap.

I''m about 10 minutes down on what I was expecting but having said that, the grass section, which was also uphill, didn''t help.

It''s always good to win any race so I''m off now to have a well-earned pint!'''' While most competitors found it harder the longer the race went, that couldn''t be said of Steve Edwards, who finished in second position.

The Bourton runner, who competed in three marathons in September and was running his 20th this year, came through strongly on the final circuit to take second place in 3:04:36.

Peter Stockdale (UKnet) had held second place for the first four laps, but slowed remarkably on the final circuit, letting in Edwards to celebrate the runners-up prize.

Michael Jones, of South Shields, was the first local finisher in fifth place after running steadily throughout.

Durham City''s Anna Seeley set the early pace in the women''s contest but was overtaken before the halfway point by Midlands visitor Catherine Charlton, who went on to take first prize in 3:30:57 - and then revealed her inspiration.

Charlton, who was born in Newcastle but has settled in Nottingham after completing her university degrees, was delighted to be back in the North East and taking part in the first Town Moor Marathon.

I had to come home and run here today,'''' said the 30-year-old Redhill Road Runners club athlete, who only started running three years ago.

I ran my first marathon earlier this year in London and I was slightly quicker, but you can''t compare the two courses at all as this was quite tough.

I''ll be back in the North East over the Christmas period and I hope to fit in a race then. I know there is a race on the Town Moor but I think I''ve had enough of that for a while so may run the one in Morpeth on New Year''s Day instead."

Seeley, despite slowing in the later stages, hung on for second place with Kate Sloan, of Heaton Harriers, crossing the line in third place.

RESULT: 1 A Sly (V45, Retf) 3:00:00; 2 S Edwards (V45, Bour) 3:04:36; 3 P Stockdale (UKnet) 3:08:33; 4 A Rumbles (V40, Colling) 3:11:36; 5 M Jones (V45, SthSh) 3:11:57; 6 D Ivens (V45, Stckp) 3:12:47. Women: 1 C Charlton (Redh) 3:30:57; 2 A Seeley (DurC) 3:45:53; 3 K Sloan (Heat) 3:49:29; 4 L Stern (W40, Unatt) 4:01:12.

CAPTION(S):

HANDY ANDY: Retford''s Andy Sly crosses the line to win the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon