Jones got off to a quick start, using the first three kilometres to pass Keith Lofthouse and Laura Reynolds.

Neil Wilde and Adrian van Raaphorst were running well, but Jones had them in his sights.

Backmarkers Anthony Mellors and Bree Fiscalini made good time, gradually narrowing the gap between themselves and Tayla Notting and Doug McKinnon.

Jones overtook the front marker Gary Saunders with two and a half kilometres to go, before accounting for Ruby Klemm and Sven O'Flynn another kilometre or so later.

Jones took off from O'Flynn over the run home, chalking up a solid win and recording the third fastest time for the day of 34 minutes and 17 seconds.

Mellors recorded the second fastest time with 34 minutes and five seconds, running over the line in third place.

Fiscalini once again took out fastest time honours with a time of 33 minutes and 25 seconds, finishing in fourth position.

Race sponsor David Fenn presented the sash and trophy to Jones after the event, the Club's last eight kilometre event for the year.

On Sunday August 16 the Club will conduct the King of the Hill three kilometre handicap, a shorter race with a steeper incline.

The race up One Tree Hill, Ararat, will start from the car park at 10.15am.