SERGIO Martinez-Gonzalez took time off from a holiday in Spain for a popular victory in his home town of Vitoria-Gasteiz, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The 31-year-old Swindon Harrier, who works for CH2M in Burderop Park, won a 5k race around the streets of the town, which is in the Basque Country in the north west of Spain.

“It was really good to win as a lot of my family and friends were there to watch me,” said Martinez-Gonzalez, who was proudly wearing his distinctive Harriers vest.

“I ran the same race last year and came second and the year before I was fifth or sixth – so I am progressing!”

Working closely with Harriers coach Neil England has clearly benefitted Martinez-Gonzalez and his form has improved steadily throughout the year.

For that reason don’t ready too much into his winning time of 17mins 40secs which was well outside his personal best of 16mins 32secs that he set earlier this year.

“The course was a bit long due to road works and was actually re-measured at 5.4k,” explained Martinez-Gonzalez.

“The time wasn’t so important for me; it was just nice to win my home town race even if there was only a small field. I really enjoyed it.

“I also won in a sprint finish which I think surprised Neil!”

The victory will certainly given Martinez-Gonzalez a boost as he heads into his autumn/winter training programme after a successful summer in which he set PBs at 1500m (4:20.7), 3000m (9:11.4) and 5000m (16:05.76).

“My main target was to break 16 minutes for 5000m and while I just missed that I got very close and did improve,” added Martinez-Gonzalez.

“Hopefully that will come next year but for now I am preparing for the South of England road relays for the Harriers and then onto cross country.”

Also on the road, fellow Harrier Hannah Claydon finished third woman in the Chippenham Half Marathon on Sunday.

Claydon, who has raced sparingly in 2018, clocked a time of 1hr 26mins 59secs which was well outside her personal best of 1:21.28 which she ran earlier this year.