BROMSGROVE & Redditch racewalker Sharon Tonks fought off illness to take the honours in the annual "Molly Barnett" Road Walks at Warwick University.

The 5km race, organised by Coventry Godivas, was held on campus roads in bitter windy weather with falling snow.

Right from the gun South African Estle Viljoen led out with the B&R girl hard on her shoulder.

To Tonks' surprise, she took the lead on the second lap only for the effort to start taking its toll at around 3km.

Viljoen chose this point to increase her pace but this ultimately proved her downfall.

Tonks was trailing by around 15 seconds as they approached the finish but at this point the chief judge held the red flag in front of the South African indicating her disqualification.

It left Tonks the winner of the Senior Women's race in 25m 50s. Ann Wheeler, of Nuneaton, was second with Kim Howard, of Southend, third.