TOM Carson produced a stunning victory on his first appearance in a 10k race in Majorca.

The 22-year-old Horwich RMI Harriers runner beat off the challenge of 2,700 runners from all over the world to win the Palma 10k in a time of 33mins 33secs, 18 seconds clear of the field.

It is the latest impressive performance by the Horwich man who has made a winning start to his bid to win the annual Red Rose Cross Country Championships for the fourth successive year.

He was first at Leigh on October 11 in the opening race of four and will be the man to beat when the challenge continues at Chorley then Bolton and finally Hindburn.

With the best three performances counting towards each runners’ overall points tally in this prestigious competition, Carson may have the luxury of having the title wrapped up before the last event, such has been his dominance of the event in recent years.

But he says the runs are equally important in playing a part in his training programme, as well as giving him the chance of having a bit of fun one does not get the chance to do in normal life.

“I love the event,” he said. “It’s brilliant and I’ll do it every year. I love being able to run through mud and get filthy and not get shouted at.

“It’s great winter training as well as a chance to win something so it kills two birds with one stone.”

He is also aware the other runners see him as the main scalp they want to take.

“Every club wants to take the title off me because I have had it for three years,” he said.

“It’s a great feeling to know that people are trying to beat you.”