The reputation of Chichester Priory as one of the fastest 10k races in the South was enhanced yesterday as a star-studded field set the course on fire.

Both the men's and women's course records were smashed as the strongest field to gather in Sussex for more than a decade battled it out for the AAAs National title.

Peter Riley sliced 35 seconds off the previous best men's time to retain his AAAs crown while former European Cross Country gold medallist Hayley Yelling carved more than a minute off the women's record on her way to victory.

The pair pocketed £950 for their efforts and Riley said he hoped it would not be another 12 years before the national championships returned to Sussex.

"I thought it was a good course and the whole race was very well organised," said the British international. "Obviously the national championships have to move around the country but I'd like to come back in the future."

The breathtaking pace of the race was underlined by the fact the first nine in the men's race all dipped under the magical 30-minute mark with silver medallist Keith Cullen also beating the previous course record.

None of Sussex's top athletes were able to stay with the leaders but Julie Briggs finished an impressive 11th to win the Sussex Championship in the process.

Briggs, of Arena 80, clocked 36min.44sec to see off the challenge of Chichester Runner Linda Spencer who was second over her home course.

Gemma Sharp, of Arena 80, took the bronze medal.

Briggs said: "It's great having so many top runners at an event in Sussex because it gives you the chance to see how you match up to them.

"I was pleased with the way I ran because I don't usually do 10k races. I'm training for the London Marathon so I'm doing two hours a day which meant this was a nice, gentle run out."

Louis Jones had to run a personal best to hold off the challenge of Tom Naylor and clinch the men's Sussex title.

Jones, 23rd overall, finished 12 seconds ahead of Naylor in a time of 31min.11sec with James Baker, of Chichester Runners, in third.

"My aim was to do better than the 27th I managed last year so to achieve that and run a personal best as well was brilliant," said Jones.

"It makes a big difference having so many good runners around you. Last year I ran 32min.27sec around this course but this time I tried to stay with the pace and the quality of the field pulled me along."

Chris Naylor yet again proved she is the best road runner for her age in the country by claiming the AAAs over-50 title to go with the national marathon title she won last year.

Naylor clocked 38min. 17sec to finish well clear of her nearest challenger, Gayleen Scott, of Arunners, while John Alexander, of Hastings Runners, was also crowned AAAs champion after winning the over-70 race in 45min.04sec.

Results, AAAs Championships -

Men: 1 Peter Riley (Leigh Harriers) 29min.02sec; 2 Keith Cullen (Highgate Harriers) 29min.34sec; 3 Jermain Mays (Kent) 29min.40sec; 4 Andy Norman (Altrincham) 29min.41sec; 5 Moumin Geele (Newham & Essex Beagles) 29min.44sec.

Women: 1 Hayley Yelling (Windsor, Slough & Eton) 32min.31sec; 2 Natalie Harvey (South London Harriers) 33min.53sec; 3 Jade Wright (Shaftesbury Barnet) 33min.57sec; 4 Holly May (City of Bath) 34min.40sec; 5 Erica Martin (Southampton) 34min.58sec.

Sussex Championships - Men: 1 Louis Jones (unattached) 31min.11sec; 2 Tom Naylor (Bedford AC) 31min.23sec; 3 James Baker (Chichester Runners) 32min.11sec; 4 Bryan Brett (Brighton and Hove City) 33min.06sec; 5 Paul Prosser (Brighton and Hove City) 33min.57sec.

Women: 1 Julie Briggs (Arena 80) 36min.46sec; 2 Linda Spencer (Chichester Runners) 37min.18sec; 3 Gemma Sharp (Arena 80) 37min.32sec; 4 Erica Martin (Phoenix) 38min.13sec; 5 Charlotte Saunders (Hailsham Harriers) 38min.16sec.