ONE of the biggest entries in recent history witnessed a thrilling battle for the men's title in the Sub4 Stafford 20-mile road race.

More than 500 runners toed the start line as Steve Marklew and Dave Stevens fought for the men's crown, with the result only being decided in the final two miles.

Marklew, from Royal Sutton, and Stevens, from Enfield, blasted clear of the field in the opening stages, with Marklew pushing the pace.

The duo were around 40 seconds clear after the opening eight-mile circuit, with Stoke's race debutant Steve Bazell and veteran Chris Hollinshead battling for third spot.

At the end of lap two (14 miles), Marklew looked to have the race sewn up as he extended his advantage over Stevens to more than a minute.

The situation remained the same until the final two miles where Marklew began to slow dramatically. He paid for his earlier efforts as Stevens judged his challenge to perfection. He began to rapidly reel in Marklew and passed the disconsolate long-time leader with less than a mile remaining.

Stevens duly collected his first Stafford 20 crown and the Staffordshire championship.

Marklew was almost a minute adrift at the finish, but had the consolation of a AAAs silver medal and was first veteran home. Bazell completed a well-deserved third spot and claimed his first championship medal over the distance.

Stafford's Hollinshead scooped the over-40 gold and led the Stafford squad to the team prize.

The ladies' race witnessed an awesome display of power running by Stoke's Great Britain road running international Michelle Ross-Cope.

She completely demolished the field as she scorched to a new women's record, becoming the first lady to break the two-hour barrier on the course.

The previous record of 2:04.37 had stood for nine years. Ross eclipsed most of her male rivals as she recorded sixth place overall. She is now looking forward to the Flora London marathon on April 19 with renewed confidence. If she can repeat her Stafford form in the capital she would be on course to clock a time of around 2:32.00, which would place her near to the top of the UK rankings.

She said: "This is my first win over the 20-mile distance. I am really looking forward to making my debut in London. I have made the pace for the first half, but it is a much different situation when you run the full distance."