Aldridge completed the course in 32mins 18secs, just under a minute behind winner Nigel Stirk of Tipton Harriers.

Wootton team-mate Melling was ninth, clocking 33mins 42secs.
Nigel Marley was the top man on the night for Rugby & Northampton AC, taking 11th in 33mins 48secs.

Northampton Road Runners had 12 runners taking part in the Silson Joggers-hosted race, with 98th placed Mark Garrett leading the way with a comfortable sub-40 minute performance, a time of 39mins 12secs giving him sixth place in the vet 45 category.

Top lady was Maree Jesson, who was the third-placed vet 35 lady in 40mins 20secs, with Ronnie Ambrose the third runner home in a recent best time of 43mins 38secs, highlighting his good current shape.

Several other NRR runners shook off their marathon fatigue, Nigel Osbourne in 46mins 14secs, and recently crowned double club champion Mick Clarke, fourth in the vet 65 category in a time of 47mins 21secs.

Joanna Cummings, who last week won the club prize for most improved runner, also impressed with a 57mins 23secs, ahead of training partner Pauline Horne, who was awarded the Club's Chairman's trophy at the same awards, who finished in 57mins 58secs.

The wheelchair race was won by Brian Aldis (British Wheelchair) in a record time of 23mins 2secs, smashing his own course record.