Holmes travelled from South Africa to take part

The Commonwealth 1500 metres champion, who travelled over from South Africa where she is warm-weather training, stormed home in four minutes 35 seconds.

But she had to dig deep to fend off a tough challenge from Helen Clitheroe, who was third behind Holmes in Manchester last July.

Clitheroe set the early pace, passing through halfway in two minutes 11 seconds - four seconds quicker than the men.

She pulled Holmes, the Republic of Ireland's Freda Davoren and Welsh number one Hayley Tullett clear of the remainder of the field.

But with 400 metres left, Holmes burst clear to take victory from Clitheroe and Davoren.

"That was tough, really tough," said Holmes.

With the wind gusting I was really having to dig in Kelly Holmes

"But that's what I came here for, a hard race and Helen certainly made sure I got one.

"She pushed it at ferocious speed from the very beginning and I have to tell you with the wind gusting I was really having to dig in."

Holmes, who is training for August's World Championships in Paris, added: "I know it is a long way to come for a road mile. But I do like them.

"The time difference also is only an hour and as I am not planning to run a track race until the end of June, I decided Balmoral was a good meeting to start at.

"I'm very pleased with the time and as I haven't raced since winning the World Indoor 1500m silver medal in March, it was a great opportunity to transfer from training sessions to the track."

Meanwhile, Michael East, also a Commonwealth 1500m gold medallist, edged out John Mayock to win the Entenmanns mile in 4:09, with Anthony Whiteman third.

As the weather turned to driving rain, Berhane Adere took the Entenmanns five-mile race in 25:12 from Australia's Benita Johnson and Jo Pavey.