The week started well with Jemma Reekie continuing her winning streak with a 3rd victory in 6 days to take gold over 800m at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Chorzów. Her time of 1:58.63 is a GB U/23 record and world lead time as she continues here sensational form.

1.58.63 world lead GB U23 record ( held since 1979) 3 wins in 6 days pic.twitter.com/JJZcxAQFgc

— JemmaReekie (@JemmaReekie) August 25, 2020

Elsewhere on the international stage, plenty of Brits were in action at the Göteborg Friidrott Grand Prix. Melissa Courtney-Bryant (Poole AC) nabbed gold, covering 1500m in 4:05.07, with Australia’s Jessica Hull in second(4:05.47) and Katie Snowden (HerneHill /Notts AC) finding form again to place third (4:09.63). Rosie Clarke was 7th in 4:11.42.

In the men’s 800m Daniel Rowden (WGEL) showed that his form is continuing to rise. In 2018 he became the youngest Briton in 34 years to run sub 1:45 for the distance and this week he ran a blistering 1:44.74 to win in Sweden, after judging the race perfectly to take the lead after the final bend. The home favourite Andread Krawmer placed second (1:45.03) but the Brits nabbed third again thanks to Piers Copeland’s PB of 1:46.24. Guy Learmouth was 6th in 1:46.32.

In the women’s 800m Keely Hodgkinson (Leigh) won silver in a PB of 2:01.78, just behind Raevyn Rogers of the USA (2:01.24). Mari Smith (Birchfield) finished in 2:05.65). Jonny Davies (Reading AC) also placed 9th in the men’s 5000m in 13:31.24

You can watch the highlights from the Folksam GP, including Daniel Rowden’s 800m British lead, @AmyHunt02’s rapid 100m and @mcourtneybryant’s 1500m success on the @VincoSport website. https://t.co/oqKyvsnkBD pic.twitter.com/MzbQNOwAnl

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) August 30, 2020

Just missing the roundup last week, the Sunset Tour 5k took place late on Sunday evening at a “secret location” (Lake Balboa) in California. GB’s Sam Atkin took second place in 13:23.28 in the men’s race, running a new PB to finish behind Edward Cheserek (13:21.78). Amy Eloise-Neal (Wakefield) who runs for Reebok Boston, was ninth in the women’s race in 15:44.93

Steyn & Craig win Mid Cheshire 5km as Harrison clocks a fabulous debut

Friday evening saw the return of the Mid Cheshire 5k. South Africa’s Gerda Steyn took on a much shorter race than we would normally see her running – the Comrades Champion, who represents Nedbank Running Club, finished first. She was understandably pleased with her 15:44 win given that it was her first time racing in six months.

Gerda Steyn. Photo: Mick Hall for Mid Cheshire 5km

Equally chuffed was Samantha Harrison (Charnwood AC) who took second place in 15:48. She was bound to set a PB given that it was her first ever 5k race (she only started racing at the end of 2018), but that’s a hefty PB to set, regardless!

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First ever 5K race, very pleased with the result. 15.48 happy days! Feels great to be back racing. Can’t wait for the next one already . #racing #5k #newpb #runnersofinstagram #runhappy #runner #2ndfemale #athlete #ukrunning #ukrunchat @midcheshire5k @_fastrunning

A post shared by Samantha Harrison (@samanthaharrison95) on Aug 28, 2020 at 12:34pm PDT

Third place by time went to Sophie Wood from Sale Harriers. Her 16:30 in the B race took her well ahead of the next time run in the A race. Under 21 Holly Weedall ran 16:35, Abigail Haworth and Kirsty Longley both clocked 16:36. Longley’s time saw her move to 2nd in the UK V40 rankings for 2020 behind Aly Dixon. 7th place went to Lucy Niemz in a big PB of 16:40.

The men’s races were more to-form with the A-wave racers taking the podium spots by time as well as position. Adam Craig of Team NBR MCR won in 13:52. Omar Ahmed from Birchfield Harriers took second in 14:08 and Sale Harriers MCR took third thanks to Nigel Martin’s 14:09. Also sub 14:20 were Edward Shepherd (14:10), Richard Allen (14:13) and Josh Grave (14:19).

Giles & Tracey in fine form at BMC

The BMC Gold Standard meet in Lee Valley saw Birchfield’s Elliot Giles take the win over 1500m with 3:41.29 on the clock. Brighton Phoenix took second and third thanks to George Mills (3:41.23) and Archie Davis (3:44.75).

Adelle Tracy was in action in the women’s race, breaking the tape in 4:12.62 and a convincing victory over Beth Kidger (4:17.31) and Gamma Kersey (4:16.34).

Over 3000m, U20 Henry McLuckie ran a PB of 8:15.91 to top the podium for Shaftesbury Barnet. Robbie Fitzgibbon (Brighton Phoenix) was next in 8:17.31) and WSE&H’s Blake Moore also ran himself a tasty PB to take third in 8:21.03.

The ladies had to run their 3000m in a mixed race – Alice Garner (U20 AF&D) ran a 10:01.04 and Annabel Morton (U23 Horsham Blue Star) joined the PB brigade with her 10:04.22. Hannah Nuttall also PB’d over the 3000m steeple (10:31.43).

Meanwhile, walking, not running Callum Wilkinson broke the long standing British 10000m record with a time many a club runner would be happy to clock – 39:52.05!

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀!

@CWilko97 smashes Ian McCombie’s 31-year 10,000m race walk record with a stunning 39:52.05 clocking in Ireland! pic.twitter.com/dbGqLg57gF

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) August 29, 2020

RunThrough restarts regular road racing in London

Lee Valley got plenty of pounding this weekend, with the Velo Park hosting Run Through’s Half marathon, 10k, and 5k today (Sunday). Over the two Half Marathon waves it was Edgars Sumkis who finished the multi-lapped course first in 1:08:42 – a very safe distance ahead of his nearest rivals Dave Edwards (1:15:36) and Jack Tattum (1:15:50).

Sarah Sawyer brought it home for the ladies in 1:28:47. Jenna Wilknson followed her up with a 1:29:05 and Maya Hilton ran 1:29:42.

In the 10k Andy Bond ran himself a 33:42 win, to beat Phil Dicken (34:24) and Andrew Merry (36:24). Ellie Cookson can also go home with a champion’s smile, thanks to her 39:31 finish. She was also the only lady to duck under the 40 minute mark, leaving Sarah Black (41:16) and Ellie-May Brooks (41:52) a safe distance behind.

Keeping on the “Ellie” theme, it was Ellie Osmond who clocked 18:45 over 5k to storm home with a gaping lead. Laura Donnelly was second in 20:49 and Ultra-fan Laurence Letki-Nicolay finished her race in 24:09 to take third.

For the men, it was Garry Mellish and Max Duckworth battling it out, with Gary just pipping it in 16:55 leaving Max to take runner up in 16:59. Jay Belham didn’t join the battle but can be happy with third in 17:27.

Earlier in the wek Run Through Chase The Sun Tatton Park 10k saw Ali Lavender back in action over the distance. She set a 34:03 PB back at the start of the year and returned to win this race extremely comfortably in 35:31. Carla Davies was second in 37:15 and Julia Matheson third in 38:31. Callum Rowlinson took the men’s win in 33:23 ahead of Gavin Browne (33:55) and Matthew Orford (34:32)

Local clubs are doing a great job of hosting events in whatever format they can. Nuneaton’s Night of 800m PB’s saw Birchfield Harriers’ U20 Ryan Shields run the fastest time of the evening with a 1:59.0 and U15 Zoe Gilbody (Wolvs and Bilston) take the women’s honours in 2:23.6.

Harrow AC also continued their track series this week and Shaftesbury Barnet’s Finn Harvey took the chance to race seriously and was rewarded with a 1:57.4 win and a new 800m PB. Holly Henderson (Chiltern, U17) was fastest female over the distance in 2:24.9.

PBs also fell over 1500m as Alex Alston (4:06.3), Martin Turton (4:09.1) and Harry Brodie (4:09.5) all rewrote their Power of 10 records and stood atop the podium. AF&D’s Maisie Grace topped the women’s times in 4:29.9.

Ultra running goes virtually global

The IAU 6H Global Solidarity Run was this weekend and British Athletics selected 12 debutant athletes to run for six hours in their local areas.

With only Sarah Cameron in France able to compete within an actual race on the correct weekend, the 24hr runner was able to win with 44 miles (70.49km). So a 100% race victory rate for the team.

Selected with just over a month to prepare, all 12 athletes answered British Athletics call and performed brilliantly. Jo Murphy (47.66 miles, 76.70km) and Ry Webb (55.06 miles, 88.61km) ran the furthest distance within the allotted time.

The team ran on a mixture of track and short tarmac loops, expect for 2019 British 100k Champ Charlie Harpur, who used his six hours to set an excellent 5:33 FKT on the 75km (46.6 miles) Peddars Way. Harpur suggested that the point to point choice might have been better if it weren’t for the 45kmph headwinds (or if he’d gone the other direction).

Completing the ladies team were Jo Newens (45.6 miles, 73.39km), Sophie Mullins (47.45 miles, 76.37km), Lynne Allen (75.3km, 46.8 miles), Betty Bohane (40.7 miles, 65.5km) and Melissa Venables (70.9km, 44.32 miles) who had just recently won the Centurion North Downs Way 100 mile race as well.

The men’s team also included Ollie Garrod (50.4 miles, 81.1km), Dave Andrews (48.59 miles, 78.19km) and Rob Payne (54.89 miles, 88.34km).

Rob Payne keeping it local and happy to be finished after a fine run.

A more complete insight will follow in the next few days. 

SOAR are part of the UK club running scene and we are delighted to support the weekend roundup. To find out how we can help you match your club kit to your ambition check out this article or get in touch here.

The SOAR X TOUR is our way of staying true to the pursuit of summer speed. With a three-staged virtual races series, open to runners worldwide.

SOAR X TOUR sees racers test themselves over 1km, 1 mile and 5km consecutively over a 10 day period, with both stage and overall rankings and prizes up for grabs.

The post The SOAR Running weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

Last year’s event at the University of Stirling track saw 83 of the 91 competitors run personal bests over the classic one mile distance. Even though it isn’t a distance as commonly run in a more metric world, a good mile PB is still something a British athlete should value.

On top of equal prize money money of £100/75/50 for first, second and third in the male and female main events, there is  also a £500 prize fund for those running quick times. The fund will be reserved for males running quicker than 4:05 and females running quicker then 4:40.

Any athletes that break these time barriers will share the money. If two men run sub 4:05 and no women break 4:40 then they will each receive £250. If no men break 4:05 but the female winner runs under 4:40 then they will get the whole £500!

Last year’s winners, Ben Greenwood (4:10.48) and Mhairi MacLennan (4:54.23), overcome tough conditions on a Wednesday night to win, but neither benefited from the fast time bonuses. As promised the organisers have increased these for 2019 to £500 and hopefully the weather is a little friendlier this time.

Fast times ahead

Leading entry so far is Scottish international Adam Craig of Inverclyde AC. The 2019 Scottish national cross country champion has a personal best of 4:08.28 indoors for the distance and has already finished second at the Armagh International 5k this year in a personal best of 13:45 for the distance. Craig’s 1500m time of 3:48.88, set whilst in the US running for university of Mount Olive last year, puts the athlete on target for a quick time this May.

At least one else female is lined up to feature so watch this space for an announcement. Do you yearn for the days when athletes ran 1,609.344 metres instead of 1,500 metres? Read on for how to get your place on the starting line.

How to enter

So far the majority of entries have been male and the organisers have been in contact with Fast Running to call for fast female runners to come perform at the event. If you are a speedy lady or know someone who is then this could be a great opportunity for a new mile PB and some prize money.

Any athletes who have 1500m Personal Best times of 3:55.00 for males and 4:35.00 for females. Please contact Michael Wright (Central A.C. Secretary) at michael.wright@watts.co.uk or 07814 238 993, to confirm your interest in the first instance.

More information and the entry process can be found on the race entry website here.

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The post Fast runners wanted for Monument Mile Classic appeared first on Fast Running.

When Adam Craig toes the line at the Inter-Counties on Saturday (March 9) it will be the first time the US university graduate has competed in the UK’s most prestigious cross country event.

The 23 year-old Scottish international returned from three years studying Exercise Science at the University of Mount Olive last summer, and has wasted no time making his mark on the British racing circuit.

Craig’s emphatic victory at the recent Scottish National was a deafening war cry to his competitors at the forthcoming Inter-Counties that he’s a real contender for the title at the event in Loughborough.

Inter-Counties and World Cross

“Since I decided to end my indoor season early after the British Championships in Glasgow, I’ve done more cross country training to increase my strength and endurance ahead of the National and then the Inter-Counties,” he tells Fast Running. 

“I brought my mileage down to 70 to 75 miles a week for the indoor season, so between now and the end of the cross country season I’ll keep it there before taking a break before the summer track races begin.

“While I’d love to earn the chance to run for GB at the World Cross Country, I know how incredibly strong the field will be at Loughborough. I will just do my best, trust my training and enjoy my first senior Inter-Counties experience!”

The quality of that trusted training has been boosted by regular runs with his new club mates at Inverclyde AC, who he joined last summer after moving to Glasgow.

“I train with them whenever we can fit it in around our individual schedules and other commitments, like work,” he explains. “It’s very different now I’m back in Scotland, living on my own, compared to living on campus in America with 120 people on the athletics team!

“It’s going well though, I’m a bit of a loner anyway so I don’t mind!”

Craig enjoys the benefits of two coaches on his side

As is often the case with British athletes returning to the UK from studying across the pond, Craig has continued his coaching set up with his American mentor.

“I’m still coached by Matthew van Lierop, who coached me when I was at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina for three years,” he reveals. “However, I also enjoy the help of Inverclyde’s Mark Pollard, who oversees some of my sessions back here in Scotland.”

Pollard is also Scottish Athletics’ National Endurance Manager and a decent runner in his own right. The V35 finished 44th at the recent Scottish National Cross Country, and has a very useful 2:27 marathon PB to his name.

Craig continues: “Mark is really interested in how athletics coaching works in the US, so we chat a lot about that. We help each other out in turn, as alongside overseeing some of my training he also helps me get into the right races on the circuit.”

Surprisingly Craig doesn’t yet have an athletics agent, who would normally be the person finding quality races across Europe and the rest of the world for athletes of his calibre to enter.

Perhaps now he’s clocked up that incredible 13:45 5k PB and the Scottish National win that may well change.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

“I’m definitely in the market for an agent!”, he adds with a laugh. 

A typical training week

So what does a typical week’s training look like for the Armagh 5k runner up and nine time All-American?

“I usually do three main workouts a week, and my mileage hits around 85 to 90 miles on average,” he explains.

“Those three workouts will include a track session such as: 10 x 1k, 6 x 1m, 5 x 2k, all at tempo pace off a short recovery.

“I’ll also do a tempo run with some race specific work included. This might involve lots of reps within the run at different paces, but including race pace itself. I never ‘red line’ these sessions, or go ‘eyeballs out’. It should be hard work but not over-lactating it!

“The final session will either be a race or a sub-tempo progression run. A regular session like this is a 10 mile progression with the first five miles at 5:50-6min/mile pace. I’ll then ramp it up to do the last five miles at 4:45-4:50 pace. 

It’s a proper staple session, and while I sometimes run it by the River Clyde I’ll often do it on the treadmill to make it more controlled.

“I actually did that very session this morning in the gym with my friend Sam Kinghorn doing her own session on the hand bike next to me!”

T53 GB para-athlete Kinghorn is a double world champion, world record holder, Paralympian and world bronze medalist. Not a bad training partner to have next to you in the gym then! 

What about ‘easy’ runs though, and that other staple of any endurance athlete’s training armoury – the long run?

“All my other runs are at a steady pace, which for me is between 6-6:30min/mile,” he explains. “I’ll double up three days of the week too, add in a medium long run of 12 miles on a Tuesday, and do a long run of up to 19 miles on a Sunday.”

First time heading to altitude ahead of the World Championships trials at Highgate

2019 will certainly involve a lot of ‘first-time experiences’ for the 23 year-old Scot.

Along with his first British Indoors in February and his first senior Inter-Counties on Saturday, he is also looking forward to joining the party at this year’s Highgate Harriers’ Night of the 10,000m PBs in July.

Before that, though, the reigning Leeds Abbey Dash 10k title holder is heading to Font Romeu for his first ever altitude training trip in June.

Photo: Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ll be out there for four weeks,” he reveals. “It’s the perfect altitude (about 1800 metres) to be able to train fairly normally but also enjoy the benefits afterwards.

“I’m hoping it’ll help me prepare really well for Highgate. While I obviously want to do well there, I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’ll just run as fast as I can and be as competitive as I can be.”

RELATED: Laura Weightman: how I train at altitude

Good luck routines and the importance of support networks

While the fastest Scottish athlete over 5k in many years may have swapped the (probably) endless sunshine of North Carolina for the streets – and British weather – of Glasgow, his pre-race good luck routine has not changed.

“I still try to make sure I’m wearing my lucky pants, tie my left shoe first and listen to feel good music, such as Ed Sheeran and the Greatest Showman soundtrack,” he reveals. “However, I’m not superstitious, so if I don’t have the pants or music I won’t take it as a bad omen!”

The Exercise Science graduate is appreciative of the support he’s received from his employers at Run For It, a running shop in Glasgow offering gait analysis alongside a large range of shoes and clothing.

“They’ve been great at working with me to allow me to take those four weeks off in June for altitude training,” he enthuses. “We also get two pairs of running shoes a year, which is obviously a big help.

“I’m also really thankful to Joma Sport, Scottish Athletics’ kit sponsor, who I have a deal with – it goes a long way, as does the endless support I get from my parents, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Donating prize money to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

Grateful for the support he has received so far in his journey to the top, Craig is keen to give back wherever he can.

A great admirer of the former Scottish international rugby player Doddie Weir – who has the degenerative condition motor neurone disease and lives close to Craig’s family home – he wanted to show support for Weir’s charity at the Jedburgh 10k last winter.

After winning the race in 30:50, he donated his prize money to the rugby player’s ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’, which raises funds for more research into MND.

“Doddie is such an influential character and had a massive influence on me growing up,” he says. “I wanted to do something to support the charity, and, along with donating my prize money, I just thought it would be a nice way to raise the cause’s profile.”

If Craig manages to qualify for the World Cross at Saturday’s Inter Counties, his own profile will be raised significantly, allowing the likeable Scot a greater chance to help causes close to his heart.

This is the second of two interviews with Adam Craig – check out the first one here.

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The post How I train: Adam Craig appeared first on Fast Running.

Such was the extent of his supremacy in Falkirk, Adam Craig crossed the line arms aloft nearly a minute clear of the competition.

Not restricting himself to glory on the country, the Lauder-born star has enjoyed a superb start to the year on the roads and the track, boasting impressive versatility.

Along with a 7:57.66 runner up spot at the recent indoor Scottish 3000m Championships, Craig preceded his National cross win with the equal fastest 5k by a Brit in five years.

Running in the dark blue colours of his national vest for the second time in a matter of weeks, Craig shot around the Armagh International Road Race to post a 13:45 debut for the 5k road distance, finishing just two seconds behind the victor, Finland’s Topi Raitanen.

Asked how he feels about his redoubtable impact on the British racing scene since returning from university in America – and in particular his Scottish National win – he is modest to a tee.

“I am obviously happy with my run at Falkirk but I certainly didn’t expect to win,” he reveals. “It was a pleasant surprise to win and by such a margin. Along with my run in Armagh, I feel I’ve made up for the disappointment at the British Indoors.”

Photo: Keith McClure

Learning from bad race experiences

That ‘disappointment’ he refers to relates to his below par result at the British Championships 3000m in Birmingham, where a gutsy display of front running following a slow first couple of laps did not have the desired effect.

While he may have eventually crossed the line 12th in a time that in no way reflected his undoubted fiery form, the way he attacked the race when it was in danger of becoming a very slow, tactical affair was admirable.

“I knew I was fit and in low 7:50 shape, particularly following on from my run at the Scottish Indoors,” he explains. “I just felt I needed to execute that time, so when we jogged through the first two laps in 67 seconds I went for it.

“By the time we got to the last four laps I’d burned out, but lessons were most definitely learned, and I loved the whole experience. It was my first time at the Birmingham indoor stadium, and to get the chance to chat with people like Chris O’Hare in the warm up zone was fantastic.”

By now it’s becoming clear that Craig is most definitely a glass half full kind of athlete, focussing only on the positives and learning from the negatives.

Bouncing back with a positive attitude

That upbeat attitude and gleaning as much as he could from his first British Indoors outing meant he bounced back in glorious style in Armagh.

“It was a blessing in disguise to race so soon after Birmingham,” he says with a smile. “There were lots of other athletes in Armagh who were also unhappy with their runs at the indoors, so we agreed to help each other to run as fast as we could in the 5k.”

That gentleman’s agreement paid dividends for Craig, Sam Stabler, Andrew Heyes and Phil Sesemann in particular, all of whom buried their own Birmingham disappointments with PBs and top six positions in Northern Ireland.

Photo: Keith McClure

Earning his second Scottish vest in the space of a few weeks – adding to his fine display in his national colours in the Great Stirling Cross Country International 1.5k relays in January – represented the appreciative recognition from Scotland’s selectors of his incredible form since returning from the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina last summer.

Aside from an ultimately ill-advised decision to take up his first invitation to race the British Championships in Birmingham last June – Craig finished a weary 23rd in the 5000m after a hectic cross country and track season in America – he has been an exciting athlete to watch on all surfaces.

Six months of glorious racing since returning from America

Following a well-earned summer break he bounced back to win the Great Scottish 10k last September in 29:43, and, just two weeks later, finished a fine sixth at the Cardiff Cross Challenge.

Switching back to the roads, the former Edinburgh AC athlete took victory at the Jedburgh 10k, before earning his most high profile podium topping result on British shores yet – the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k title in a PB 29:08.

Proving his formidable ability to race just as well on both surfaces, he enjoyed the first of two fierce battles with Perth Strathtay’s Sol Sweeney at the Scottish National Short Course Cross Country Championships to come a close second, before another creditable British Cross Challenge performance at the European trials in Liverpool, finishing 13th in a stacked field.

The American Collegiate athletics experience

“I definitely believe the amount of racing I did in America has prepared me very well for competing regularly at a high level in the UK,” he reveals. “I spent the first year over there adapting to my new programme, but by the second and third year I was getting some good results. 

“Not just that, I enjoyed some incredible experiences at some of the meets, such as mixing with athletes like Paul Chelimo in the warm up zone at the Camel City Invitational 3000m!

“Races like that, where you get special treatment before and after the race, helped me prepare for the championships experience that I hope to enjoy more of in the future.”

The fact that Craig gets as much out of the positive race experiences as the negative bodes well for the future, as what athlete can say he or she always races well, regardless of their level?

Racing on tired legs

Reflecting on last summer’s British Championships he accepts that pure excitement overrode any underlying fears that he wasn’t in the right place fitness and energy-wise for the 5000m European Trials event.

“It was a silly decision to race there, I’d only had seven days off in America between the cross country season and the indoors, and had been racing non-stop from January to May,” he reveals. 

“However, lessons have been learned. I also loved the whole experience again, racing against the likes of Marc Scott and Andy Vernon, I look forward to doing it better next time!”

The nine time All-American graduated with a degree in Exercise Science last summer, and, on his return to the UK, decided to settle in Glasgow.

Inverclyde AC

Joining Inverclyde AC from his old club, Edinburgh, was a straightforward decision for the talented young Scot.

“I wanted to be with a local club in Glasgow, and, because I was already training with some of the Inverclyde lads, it made sense to join up,” he explains.

“We link up whenever we can for long runs and I try to fit my schedule in with some of the endurance group’s longer sessions when possible. It’s also great to be part of a club that puts out strong teams at relay events.”

It’s no understatement to say that Inverclyde AC have been making a name for themselves in recent years, and their award for the Scottish Athletics ‘Impact Club of the Year’ was just reward for the hard work the coaches and athletes have been putting in for more than a decade.

Craig’s storming run at last October’s Scottish Short Course Cross Country Championships helped the club win the team prize for the first time in four years.

Riding high on success boosted by three years of a busy competition schedule in America

It’s clear that the combination of his successful time in America – which included winning the Colonial Relays 10,000m in 29:39.72, the Mt. SAC Relays 5000m in 13:58.52 and a 10th place at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships – and the way he’s hit the ground running on all surfaces since settling back in the UK are signs of much greater things to come from this exciting young talent.

Craig’s next race will be the UK Inter-Counties on March 9th, which double up as the World Cross Country trials.

As balanced as ever in the face of another big challenge, the Loughborough-bound Scot insists he is just looking forward to the experience.

“It will be my first time racing the best of the British elite on the country at this event,” he reveals. “I’ve finished my indoor season early so my training is more cross-country based now before concentrating on preparing for the outdoors. I will do my best at Prestwold Park, and enjoy competing against some top runners.”

Craig may not realise it yet, but he is now undoubtedly counted amongst the top runners he’s referring to. His modesty and refreshing attitude to every race he takes on is something that will surely stand him in good stead as he progresses up the UK, and global, ranks.

Keep an eye out for a follow up piece focussing on Craig’s training and coaching set up and his future racing plans!

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The post Adam Craig is reaping the benefits of his time in America appeared first on Fast Running.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all crowned new cross country champions on Saturday (February 23) as thousands of runner competed at national championships across the UK.

Steph Twell and Adam Craig delivered strong performances to win the senior titles at the Lindsays Scottish National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk.

Twell, running in the colours of Kilbarchan AAC, was competing at Callendar Park for the first time and her victory completed a special double as she added the Scottish senior crown to the English title she won in 2010.

Taking Scottish silver in the senior women’s 10km race was Cambuslang Harriers’ Moira Stewart, while former champion Morag Millar of Central AC completed the podium.

Like Twell, Adam Craig transferred the speed shown on the roads of Armagh to the country as he produced a commanding performance to win gold in the senior men’s race.

Inverclyde’s Craig led from the off and opened up a huge gap on the rest of the field as he stormed to victory.

Fife AC’s Kevin Wood was next across the line to claim the silver medal, while Edinburgh’s Michael Christoforou took bronze.

Central AC’s men duly delivered to set an unprecedented record after winning their ninth consecutive team gold, while Fife AC, who recently represented Great Britain at the European champion clubs cross country, won the senior women’s gold.

What a record breaking day at the Scottish National XC Championships today. Central Athletics made it 9 team Championships in a row in the senior men to go 1 clear in the history books, What an unbelievable feat, being on 10 next year. pic.twitter.com/81TPz7U6lK

— Andy Colley (@colley_andy) February 23, 2019

In the junior races, Edinburgh AC’s Freddie Carcas won under-20 men’s gold from Max Milarvie of Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds, with Hamish Hickey completing the podium.

After winning under-17 girls gold last year, Eloise Walker of Edinburgh AC made the step up to under-20 level in tremendous fashion to win the under-20 women’s championship race.

Giffnock North’s Erin Wallace took silver with Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds’ Naomi Lang winning the bronze medal.

It was a double celebration for Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds who won both junior team golds.

Griffiths and Nesbitt win senior Welsh gold

Dewi Griffiths claimed a seventh Welsh Cross Country title in perfect conditions at the 115th edition of the Welsh Cross Country Championships on Saturday, writes Alex Donald.

Winds earlier in the day settled ahead of the senior men’s contest which closed the programme at the new venue, Pembrey Country Park near Llanelli.

Griffiths’ victory here came just days after returning from altitude training with Welshman Steve Jones, who holds the record of nine titles that Griffiths now moves a step closer to.

The Swansea Harriers stalwart now feels that he has edged back to the kind of fitness which saw him establish himself amongst the very best British distance runners with a 2:09 marathon and a half marathon best of 61:33.

Photo: Welsh Athletics

Clubmate Hunt completed the podium as the two Cardiff AAC athletes led the club to its first senior men’s gold since 2013.

“This is one of the titles I appreciate the most,” said Griffiths afterwards. “The way last year turned out, I was disappointed to lose my streak but it’s nice to get it back and now it’s one step closer to Jonesy. He set the bar pretty high in these championships so hopefully one day I can emulate that.

“In the grand scheme of things it’s another test and I’ve come through it. This was another stepping stone towards London which is the big aim for the spring.

“Ieuan and James both ran well and I’m happy with that, it’s shows the kind of shape I’m in.”

International Steeplechaser Ieuan Thomas had commented that he hoped to stay within two minutes of race winner Griffiths and finished well inside that, 24 seconds adrift of the 2016 UK Inter-Counties Champion.

Thomas’ club-mate James Hunt was unable to keep his Welsh title finishing third this time followed by Abed Teweldebrhan of Newport Harriers and Guy Smith of Swansea Harriers who finished fourth and fifth respectively.

This meant that the visitors from the Welsh capital were convincing team winners and pleased to regain the title they last won at the Glanusk Estate in 2013.

Worcester AC’s Jenny Nesbitt was untroubled on her way to an emphatic victory in the senior women’s race covering 7,360m in 25:59.

Photo: Welsh Athletics

“I really enjoyed today,” said Nesbitt. “It means a lot to win a Welsh title on the Cross country. It was where my running started so I’m very pleased with that.

“It bodes well going into the Inter-Counties where I’ll be challenging a lot of tough runners with the aim of getting to the World Cross.”

Nesbitt will now chase selection for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, at the trial race in Loughborough in two weeks time hoping for a place in the GB team to race in Aarhus, Denmark.

Melanie Wilkins of Winchester & District AC improved a national bronze medal last year to take away the silverware this year.

Jade Williams was third, running for Aman Valley Harriers, using her track speed to hold off fourth placed Megan Carter Davies of Cardiff AAC. Lauren Cooper closed the first five places running for Parc Bryn Bach RC

Swansea Harriers retained their club title with relative ease ahead of Cardiff AAC and the Swansea B team.

Englishman Conor Smith followed up on his win 12 months ago by storming away from his rivals to take victory once again in the u20 men’s race. Larry Ryan took u17 honours last year but this time claimed the Welsh title at u20 level.

Steeplechaser Ben Thomas was third running for Carmarthen Harriers, the childhood club of senior men’s winner Dewi Griffths. Cardiff man Morgan James claimed the bronze medal here.

There was a dominant display from Ashleigh Williams winning the U17 title and the combined u17 / u20 women’s race outright.

Katrin Higginson became the u20 champion, running for Bridgend AC with Martha Owen of Deeside AAC second in the championships and Rhiannon Kamink of Colwyn Bay AC in third.

McKinstry and Connolly crowned NI and Ulster champions

Mark McKinstry and Breege Connolly showed their class as they claimed victories at Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior Cross Country titles at Lurgan Park on Saturday.

Photo: Keith McClure

North Belfast Harriers’ McKinstry has been the in-form Northern Irish cross country runner this season and took the win over 2018 champion Declan Reed of City of Derry.

McKinstry finished 37 seconds ahead of Reed in Lurgan to claim his first NI & Ulster gold medal after multiple silvers in recent years.

City of Derry’s Mark Long completed the men’s podium, with the club securing their third consecutive senior men’s team gold.

Newcastle’s Zak Hanna, who won the Irish Novice title at the end of 2018, was fourth across the finish line in the senior men’s 10km event.

North Belfast Harriers took team silver with North Down securing the bronze medal.

Irish Olympic marathoner Breege Connolly secured her second NI and Ulster cross country title after previously winning gold in 2012.

Photo: Keith McClure

The City of Derry athlete finished 53 seconds ahead of Beechmount Harriers Sarah Laverty, who won her first NI & Ulster cross country medal.

Rachel Gibson claimed the bronze in the women’s 5km race over North Down clubmate Sarah Grant. For Gibson, it was her the third straight year on the podium after two previous silver medals.

North Down’s strong women’s team won gold once again, with Beechmount Harriers taking silver and City of Derry awarded the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Emily Hosker-Thornhill and Mahamed Mahamed won the senior crowns at the English National Cross Country Championships. A full report can be found here.

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The post Steph Twell and Dewi Griffiths among national cross country winners appeared first on Fast Running.

Adam Craig and Fionnuala Ross claimed the titles at the 33rd edition of the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash on Sunday (November 4).

Inverclyde’s Craig crossed the line first among the competitive field of runners in a time of 29:08. It was a 35 second personal best for the Scottish athlete and almost 20 seconds ahead of the men’s runner-up Jack Martin.

Stockport’s Martin clocked 29:27 to take three seconds his previous best finishing ahead of Lucian Allison.

Lincoln Wellington’s Allison, who recently spoke to Fast Running about his rapid rise from ‘Couch to 5k’ to dreams of a British vest, took another huge step forward to making that dream a reality running a 21 second PB of 29:33.

Photo: Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash

In the women’s race, Irish international Ross, who lives in Glasgow, clocked a big personal best 33:30 for the win, taking 27 seconds off her previous best.

The Armagh AC / Shettleston Harriers athlete has been in superb form lately including a half marathon PB of  74:11 at the Great Scottish Run in September.

Morpeth’s Mhairi Maclennan also continued her impressive year finishing as the runner-up with a five second PB of 33:36. Fellow Scot Stephie Pennycook completed the podium with another PB of 33:49.

Photo: Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash

Leeds City’s Claire Duck took a huge 47 second slice of her previous best after clocking 34:00 to finish fourth in the women’s race.

Shaftesbury Barnet’s Kieran Clements was fourth in the men’s race in a PB of 29:40.

Meanwhile, Kevin Dooney, who has been sharing his running story on Fast Running this year, crossed the finish line in 12th in a time of 30:17 one place ahead of Andrew Heyes, while fellow Fast 10: class of 2018 runner Dave Norman was also in action and clocked 32:13.

Norman was racing on his 40th birthday and his finishing time places him inside the top 15 in the V40 category on the UK ranking this year.

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