In blustery conditions, the former track international (pictured top) broke clear seven kilometres into, what will be his last race before the Olympics, with a decisive change of pace, going on to win in 29min 34sec.

Yarod Hagos, a local runner from Wallsend, finished runner-up 25 seconds behind, with Jussi Utrianen, who will represent Finland in the Games marathon in three weeks' time, coming in third.

"The race came at exactly the right time for me and I now I will get on with my final preparations for London," said Overall eager to produce a good performance on home soil.

"I don't feel any real pressure about the Olympics, in fact if there is any it probably comes from myself when thinking about the race.

"I want to produce a good performance that will reflect I have given it my best effort and I would love to get a top 10 finish.

"Today's race was definitely one that I wanted to do and win," added Overall who coped easily with the wind and the final uphill stretch of two kilometres.

"It's always nice to return and defend any title."

Gemma Steel (right) competing at the 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki

Gemma Steel, the reigning English Cross Country champion, who has emerged from obscurity in the last 18 months and defeated almost every top British woman including Paula Radcliffe, Jo Pavey and Mara Yamauchi, won the women's event.

Steel kicked hard at the 7km point to break clear of Japan's Akiko Matsuyama and win in a time of 32:56.

Laura Howarth, winner of the recent Blaydon Race, was third in 33:09.

"I just let myself go for it the last three kilometres," said Steel winner of several high profile races in the Great Run season in the last 18 months.

"Yes I am surprised how well I have done, particularly as I didn't start racing seriously until I was 20.

"Now I'm looking forward to coming back up here and taking part in the Great North Run and also the Great Yorkshire Run which I won last year.

I cannot believe how my career has just taken off."

The Bupa Great North 10k – Gateshead, is the biggest road race in the region behind the Bupa Great North Run.

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