Last Tuesday night the Milton resident, who immigrated to Canada nearly two years ago, won the Grimsby Peachbud 10K race, taking his third title in the first four races of the series.

Ongeri was just short of a record, finishing the 10K with a time of 29:53.7, just two seconds ahead of second-place finisher Michael Njoroge of Kenya. Paul Njorge of Hamilton was third with a time of 30:35.7.

The cloudy conditions bode well for Ongeri.

"It was good. It was not too hot like last year, so I was feeling ok," said Ongeri following the race.

The win came just days after he ran a half marathon in Vancouver, where he finished second overall. He wouldn't miss a race in the series, however. He's won the Grimsby Half Marathon, Confederation and Peachbud races, coming second in the Jordan race.

"I like to run in this series. Jerry puts on a good series," said Ongeri.

The women's winner was Josaine Aboungono of Toronto, finishing with a time of 36:47.

In the 5K, 11-year-old Tracy Myers of Beamsville won the women's field with a time of 19:47.4 -- finishing nearly half a minute ahead of Deanna Brasz, who recently won gold in the 3,000 metres at OFSAA track and field.

Asked about her key to winning, Myers' answer was simple.

"Practicing," she said.

Myers has been running with the Niagara Olympic Club and she said she enjoys participating in the Niagara Running Series.

"It feels good to have won," she said of her win in the women's field.

Winning the overall 5K title was Billy Walters of Simcoe, with a time of 17:01.8.

In the 1K Kids Fun Run, top finishers were Matt Wasyleczko (4:01.2), Kai Scott (4:05.7) and Zachery Williamson (4:06.2).

Overall, the Peachbud was a major success says race director Jerry Friesen. In all, there were 958 registered runners -- blowing away the previous record of 806.

It's indicative of the series this year, however, said Friesen.

"So far this year we have had record attendance at three of the four races," he said, noting there have been 2,508 runners participating to date.

Next up in the series is the 10th annual Beamsville Bench 5K and 1K, set for August 9 at EastDell Estates Winery. For more information about the race, or the series, or to register, visit www.instride.ca or call 905-562-8669.