With so much uncertainty facing us all at the moment, the racing scene is nonexistent. Races and events across the world are being cancelled for the foreseeable future and we are left wondering what to work towards.

It is at this time when we all need to remain positive. There will be races for us to return to at some point, it is just unknown as to when this will be, but the whole world is in the same situation.

However, just because the races ahead of us are being cancelled, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the races that have happened in the past and look forward to when they do return. Racing might have stopped, but as much as is safely possible, training continues.

With that in mind, this post will reflect on some of the great results from this weekend in the years before now. It may even provide that much needed motivation you are searching for at this time, by allowing you to see the progression of some of the nation’s best.

Photo: Allison Curbishley

Weightman runs a storming PB

This time last year, Laura Weightman proved she had no intention of slowing down as she explored the longer distances. The Morpeth athlete stormed to fifth position on the UK all-time rankings after a stellar run at the Parelloop 10k.

Weightman crossed the line in a rapid 31:40 to sit only behind Paula Ratcliffe, Liz McColgan, Gemma Steel, and Wendy Sly on the all-time list. This is still her PB to date. Paulos Surafel 29:46 for 25th place.

A strong England team also raced with the quickest finisher, Jack Gray, clocking 29:21. The Cambridge athlete now boasts an impressive 28:57 10k personal best. You can read more about Jack’s current battle back from injury in his latest Fast10 post.

The remainder of the England team were Dejene Gezimu (30:05), William Mycroft (30:08) and Lucian Allison (30:26). For the women Danielle Hodgkinson ran a PB at the time of 34:13, Lucy Crookes clcoked 34:35 and Dani Nimmock ran 35:13.

Credit: Fotos Brunssum

World Half marathon champs

2018 saw GB athletes take to the roads in Valencia for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

Sadly, this year’s event has been cancelled due to the current circumstances, but the athletes selected can revel knowing that their training is heading in the right direction. The right time will come to show their fitness!

In 2018, British Athletics took a full team of 10, consisting of 5 women and 5 men to the Spanish city. This included, Charlotte Purdue, Gemma Steel, Charlotte Arter, Tracy Barlow and Faye Fullerton for the women and Ben Connor, Luke Traynor, Tsegai Tewelde, Mohamud Aadan and Dan Studley.

The first two women home were Purdue in 21st (71:21) and Arter in 31st (71:52). Purdue’s lifetime best now stands at a phenomenal 68:08, which she set at last year’s Great North Run and Arter’s is 69:40 which she set in Barcelona. For the men it was Mohamud Aadan with a time of 62:34 and in 62:38 was Luke Traynor who were the first two athletes’ home for GB.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

Hawkins showing signs of the future

Despite the uncertainty surrounding whether the Olympics will or should be on this year, there is no denying it, Callum Hawkins is in the form of his life and competing among the best in the world.

However, his streak of impressive performances has been developing for years. Back in 2017, in the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, Hawkins finished second in a rapid 60:08, just 4 seconds behind the winner and 8 seconds off the Scottish half record at that time (which he ran in Japan a month prior).

Hawkins PB now stands at 60:01, oh so close to that sub 60-minute barrier. He also holds a 2:08.14 marathon best to his name which he set at London last year.

Weekend of world indoors.

Whilst currently proving her strength over the 26.2 mile distance, Steph Twell has never been short of some speed. Back in 2016, at the World Indoors in Portland, Twell competed over the 3,000m distance for Great Britain.

The now self-coached athlete was at the time under the watchful eye of Aldershot’s Mick Woods. Twell stormed home in sixth place with a rapid time of 9:00.38. Her PB is however now, 8:40.98! For the men, Charlie De’Vall Grice also ran himself through to the final of the 1500m, where he finished 8th in 3:46.50.

Masters Success

This weekend in 2019 stood out as a monumental one for some of GB’s masters athletes competing at the World Masters Indoor Championships. The fantastic five proved their strength by securing 5 gold medals in the 3,000m across the age groups on the first day. This included Guy Bracken who was the first Brit to take home gold in the M55 category.

An astonishing performance came from W70 athlete, Angela Copson, who took home the gold medal in a rapid 12:52. 36. Ros Tabor, in her last year as a W65 that year, also secured a gold medal with a 6 second lead in 13:20.96.

The fourth gold medal of the event went to W55 world record holder, Clare Elms. The Dulwich Runner at the time secured the win in 10:31.69 and only half an hour later took home gold in another event! The final GB gold, also in the 3000m was achieved by Zoe Doyle in a tactical race. Doyle played the waiting game and in doing so out ran her competitors to take home the victory in 10:26.40.

Step back in time

2015 saw Mo Farah make history as the first British male to run under the hour for the half marathon distance at the Lisbon Half Marathon with a time of 59:32. He lowered this to 59:07 at last year’s Great North Run.

At this current time of writing, the Olympics are still planning on going ahead in Tokyo later this year. However, there is a lot of uncertainty as to if this will or should be the case. It was exactly 105 years ago on the 19th of March 1915, the president of the Olympic committee revealed that the Olympics the following year would be cancelled because of WW1.

In crazy times such as these, it will be the temporary escape running offers that we will be so thankful for. We must remember, racing will return, but for now, the sport stands for so much more than just an opportunity to race.

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The post This weekend in history – roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

Juniors shine as British records fall

Our younger athletes were on fine form this weekend. It would be fair to say that Jemma Reekie stunned everyone (including, from her twitter, herself) when she ran 1:57.91 for 800m to take half a second off the British indoor record and beat Laura Muir in the process at an invitation women’s 800m race at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena. Laura Muir ran an indoor 800m PB herself of 1:58.44.

In Vienna Track & Field meet Tom Keen (Cambridge & Coleridge) set a new UK U20 indoor record when he ran 3:41.44 to place 3rd right behind his older team-mate Archie Davis who took was 2nd in 3:41.18. Keely Hodgkinson ensured that the ladies held the limelight in Austria too, clocking 2:01.16 and defeating not just the UK but the European indoor record for the women’s 800m. Finally, and despite reportedly taking a body blow from one of the pacers in his 800m race, Alex Botterill managed to hold his nerve and run a punchy indoor PB of 1:47.93. While not a ‘race’ (in case you hadn’t heard), it’s worth noting that the Welsh didn’t want to be left out of the record breaking, so Charlotte Arter ran a parkrun world best of 15:49 in Cardiff.

Revee Walcott-Nolan (800m) and Kieran Reilly (1500m) were competing for England at the Reykjavik International Games. We are awaiting times but we know Revee was a comfortable winner amd Kieran was 2nd.

Our England team has two record breakers at the Vienna Indoor Track & Field! Congrats Keely Hodgkinson for her 800m win & European Junior Indoor record time of 2:01.16 & Thomas Keen for setting a British Junior Indoor record 3:41.44 in the 1500m! Results: https://t.co/N5hyAwXCHw pic.twitter.com/gkmYS591ee

— England Athletics (@EnglandAthletic) February 1, 2020

Anna Møller and Mahamed Mahamed win BUCS XC

In Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, at the BUCS Cross Country Championships university athletes were in action. Anna-Emilie Møller was never in any danger and retained her title in the 8k women’s race finishing in 28:03 for St Mary’s ahead of Jess Judd (28:49, Loughborough) in second. Fast10 member Jenny Nesbitt (29:22, Cardiff Met) was third. Those at the course tell us that Amelia Quirk was taken off for some medical treatment, so we hope she’s ok and wish her well. Fast Running’s own Hannah Irwin did Surrey proud, finishing in 13th place in 30:26. Loughborough took the women’s team title.

In the men’s 10k race it was Solent’s Mahamed Mahamed who ran a convincing victory in 28:37 to finish well ahead of Bangor’s Joe Steward (29:14) and Aston’s Jayme Rossiter (29:21). Despite not having a podium finisher, the overall performances were enough to ensure team gold was won by St Mary’s.

In the women’s short-race (6k) gold went to Grace Carson (Loughborough) in 22:06. Silver was also Loughborough’s thanks to Giorgia Chattwood (22:14) and Kate O’Neill nabbed bronze for Birmingham in 22:19. St Mary’s took the 1-2 in the men’s short-race (8k) with Joe Wigfield first home in 26:43 and Alex Ediker following him up in 26:48. Loughborough grabbed the final podium spot though as Thomas Patrick came third in 26:54.

Anna Moller on her way to a convincing victory at the BUCS XC. Credit: Callum Gillett

Hawkins and Purdue race in Japan

While they may still be youngsters, Charlotte Purdue and Callum Hawkins can fairly be described as being on the more experienced end of their sport these days. Both were in action at the Marugame Half Marathon in Japan this weekend and both proved that their training is on fire at the moment. These two will be ones to watch in London and Tokyo for sure. Purdue ran a massive 1 minute and 22 seconds faster than last year to take 2nd place in 68:23 behind Helalia Johannes of Namibia. It is Hawkins though that tugged at our heartstrings, running 60:01 to place 3rd. So close to sub 60 Callum, so close! He ran a gutsy race, taking it out on his own terms and digging in at the end to get that tantalising time. Also out to check in on her training this weekend was Lily Partridge who was due to run one of the Murcia Marathon races as part of her long run. We’ll keep an eye out and let you know as soon as the results are published.

60.01! So close for Callum Hawkins (@callhawk) on sub 60. Led from the gun, pushed it on, dug in for 3rd place. We know it’s only a matter of time…………. @NewBalanceUK #Marugame #Racing #Japan https://t.co/k4nYf7C0M8

— Moyo Sports (@Moyo_Sports) February 2, 2020

Elsewhere in Spain the England Athletics squad were racing at the Granollers Half Marathon. In a competition that saw all the England ladies place within the top 10, Lucy Reid took second in 1:14:01 with just one spot between her and Jenny Spink who was fourth in 14:53, Alison Lavender was 6th in 1:16:45 and Katie White eighth in 1:18:26. For the men, Mohamud Aadan (TVH) placed sevent in 1:03:32 and Josh Lunn (Bedford and County) was 11th in 1:07:13.

England Five Mile Champs

The Alsager 5 hosted the first England Athletics Road Championships of 2020. Beth Potter took the debut win of the year with over a minute to spare, running 25:34. Elsey Whyman-Davis was testing the speed in her legs as she builds towards the London Marathon and bagged second place in 26:44 ahead of Kate Holt in 26:58 and another marathoner, Elinor Kirk, who took 4th in 27:51.

It was Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers who took the men’s premier placing in a slightly closer race, though still with room to breathe. Ahmed finished in 23:25 with Emile Cairess (Leeds City AC) shortly behind him in 23:46. In what would have been a winning time last year, Johnny Mellor kept the top three all under 24 with his third-place time of 23:55.

More from the roads around the UK

The Dewsbury 10k kicked off Chris Parr’s racing year with a win for the Morpeth Harriers athlete, breaking the tape in 29:57. Altrincham & District AC’s Muhammad Abu-Rezeq was second in 30:11 and Joe Sagar of Spenborough & District AC took third in 30:45. Sharon Barlow of Harrogate Harriers was winning woman in a time of 34:45 which was nearly a 1 minute PB. Julie Briscoe was runner up in 35:01 and Alice Leake third in 35:05.

At the Chicester 10k it was Nick Goolab who took the honour of first past the post in what looks to have been quite the battle for podium places. In a race where 30 minutes was only good enough for eighth, Goolab managed to bring it home with a safe 10 second lead in the end to finish in 29:01. Ben Bradley and Owen Hind were placed second and third respectively despite having the exact same finishing time of 29:11 and Charlie Hulson was right on their tails for fourth place in 29:14. Norwich’s Danni Nimmock was given a good race but took the win in 33:58 despite being chased home by clubmate Sarah Astin (34:12) and Southampton AC’s Laura Brenton (34:14).

Nick Goolab wins Chichester 10km credit: Elliot Hind

The undulating course of the Watford Half Marathon is always a good challenge and a favourite for those looking to test fitness in the earlier stages of their marathon buildups. After the race was cancelled in 2019 due to unsafe conditions on the course Paul Martelletti and Rachel Felton were both back to see if they could retain their crowns from 2018. It was not to be though and both were toppled by new challengers to the gold-spot. Martelletti was held off to second place by a 1:07:29 from Hercules Wimbledon’s Jonathan Cornish who looks to be having a rather promising start to 2020 after running a 10k PB just two weeks ago. Martelletti settled for runner up in 1:10:10 and Chris Oddy took third place in 1:10:57. Annabel Gummow of Winchester and District made her Watford Half debut with a winning 1:14:50, leaving Rachel Felton to take second in 1:18:10 and Sophie Delderfield took third in 1:19:59. Though not traditionally a PB course, that didn’t deter Harrow AC’s Lucy Ashe who took 4th in 1:21:02, a 2 minute 45 second best.

At the Serpentine RC Last Friday of the Month 5k their own runner Jonathan Poole held off a fast field to take the win in 14:57 and Herne Hill’s Julia Wedmore won the women’s race in 18:21.

A new month means also means the next race in the QEOP Winter 10k series and it was Sam Wardle (Horwich RMI) who took the February top spot in 33:31. In second place was Oliver Knight (St Albans Striders) in 35:18 and in third was Alex Douglas with 36:22. In the women’s race, St Alban’s Striders’ Katie Tebutt ran 36:24 for the win, followed by Cy Cano of Trent Park RC in 39:57 and Julia Grant in 40:19.

Youthful talent won out at the Ashford and District 10k as U20 Charlie Bisley charged home in 31:45. With a bit of an age difference, his nearest challenger was the V40 Adrian Musset who placed second in 33:11 and Harrison Tremain was third in 34:00. Laura Archer was first female in 43:16.

David Lee (34:34) and Natasha Mansell (36:57) won the Thorpe & Egham 10km and Manni Ovola (35:29) and Maria Bocanegra (38:54) won Regents Park 10k.

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The post British records broken and BUCs titles awarded – weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

Amongst the high-quality mix of African and European talent are a number of the biggest names in Gb distance running.

Rhonex Kipruto who sits 4th on the all-time rankings for 10km with his 26:46 from Birell Prague 10km in 2018 will compete with the likes of 27:10 man Bernard Kimeli and the European record holder Julien Wanders.

With a sub 30 minute 10km from the Prague Grand Prix in 2019 Sheila Chepkirui will be amongst the women’s favourites along with the likes of European record holder Lonah Salpeter and 30:07 runner Norah Jeruto.

Arter, Newsbitt & Piasecki to build on Autumn success

Whilst her 31:34 clocking at Leeds Abbey distance was chalked off due to the short course it clearly demonstrated that Chartlotte Arter is in fantastic shape. After a year that included a 7th place finish at the European Cross Country Championships, 69:40 at Barcelona Half and winning Cardiff 10km the Cardiff athlete will be looking to revise her PB at the start of a big year.

She is joined on the start line by fellow Cardiff athlete Jenny Nesbitt, also coached by Chris Jones, who finished 11th at last year’s edition of the race in 33:10. The 2019 Inter-counties XC Champion was 2nd to Arter at Cardiff 10km in September to set her PB of 32:52 and ran 15:30 over 5000m in August.

Jess Piasecki ran a stunning marathon debut in Florence to move to 3rd on the UK all time list with 2:25:28. Her 10km PB of 32:33 from the Vitality 10000 saw her ranked 9th in the UK in 2019 and after running sub 71 for the second half of her marathon she could be set for a big PB.

Hawkins brothers and Ben Connor look for a good start to 2020

British 10000m champion Ben Connor was one of a number of athletes who ran sub 29 at the Corrida de Houilles last week where the Derby AC man clocked 28:37. With a 27:57 10000m and 61:11 half marathon PB Connor will look to make the most of the high quality field and flat course.

He is joined on the start line by Callum and Derek Hawkins. Callum was the only British marathon runner to achieve pre-selection for the Tokyo Olympics after his stunning performance to finish 4th in the World Championships. Hawkins ran 28:54 at the Beach to Beacon 10km in August and has been in a rich vein for form since including running 60:38 at the Great North Run.

Derek Hawkins set a new marathon PB when finishing 10th in the Frankfurt Marathon in 2:12:49 in October and recently set a 10km PB running 29:40 at Ribble Valley 10km in December. Hawkins will be one of a number of athletes aiming to join his brother Callum on the start line of the marathon in Sapporo.

Go to location for fast times

Valencia is becoming a go to location for British athletes looking to run fast over 10km, half and full marathons.
In December Steph Davis clocked 2:27 and Charlie Hulson and Andrew Davies both ran sub 2:15 at Valencia Marathon with the likes of Hayley Carruthers, Eleanor Davis, Ben Johnson and Dan Studley also running fine PBs.

In October Ollie Lockley (63:01) and Jack Gray (63:15) had fine runs in the half marathon and in 2018 the city hosted the World Half Marathon Championships.

The flat fast streets of Valencia have seen world records broken at 10km and half marathon in the last two years. The wide open streets, flat promenade and fabulous gardens with dedicated running trails make Valencia a perfect city for runners to race and visit.

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The post Brits set for a flying start to Olympic year in Valencia appeared first on Fast Running.

Hawkins, who placed ninth over 26.2 miles on his Olympic debut at Rio 2016, produced one of the best British performances at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in October, finishing fourth in the men’s marathon and just narrowly missing out on a place on the podium in the final stages.

It marked the second successive World Championship marathon in which Hawkins has finished fourth and British Athletics have taken the opportunity to pre-select him seven months in advance of Tokyo 2020 in order to give him the best possible preparation to compete for a medal.

British Athletics will officially select Hawkins for nomination to the British Olympic Association following the final marathon selection meeting on April 28, provided he has demonstrated form and fitness prior to the meeting taking place.

The 2019 London Marathon on April 26 acts as British Athletics’ official marathon trial for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, with the top two finishers guaranteed selection as long as they have also achieved a qualifying standard, which is 2:11:30 for men and 2:29:30 for women.

The press announcement from British Athletics makes no further mention of any other pre-selections. So despite four British women running inside the qualification mark, and all four inside the UK all time top 10, it looks as if Purdue, Piasecki, Twell and Davis will need to race the London Marathon if they want to race the marathon in Tokyo.

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Across the seas

Whilst the Kenyans swept the titles in the Beach to Beacon 10k, the strong British performances meant we didn’t fade into the background. On what can only be described as a beautiful day, 6,413 runners took to the roads in Cape Elizabeth.

The race was started by Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the first Olympic women’s marathon in 1984, to realize her vision of creating a major international road race in her home state and her legacy is a fantastic 10km race that draws global talent.

Purdue and Piasecki amongst a lead pack containing fellow Brits Tish Jones and Lily Partridge. Photo: Kevin Morris

There was a hint of a breeze, but the sun shone, as did Charlotte Purdue, Callum Hawkins, and Jess Piasecki. Purdue, a recent 2:25 marathon runner, proved she has some impressive speed in her too. The British international claimed bronze in an incredibly high-quality field in a time of 32:16. Not far behind her in sixth place was the Stockport athlete, Jess Piasecki, in 32:51.

Fellow Brits Tish Jones and Lily Partridge were also in the lead group battling it out with the world class field. Jones hung on for a superb 33:09 for eighth, whilst Partridge slowed to post a 34:47.

Scotland’s Hawkins continued to add the success across seas with a fifth place finish that saw him just dip under the 29-minute mark in 28:55. Older brother Derek ran 30:50 for 18th place. 

Photo: Kevin Morris

On home turf

Back in the UK there were some shining stand-out performances in London over 10k. Lauren Deadman of Havering Athletics was the first female finisher at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10k.This was more than just a ‘jog round the park’ as Deadman crossed the line in 35:55 to claim gold for the women. Andrew McCaskill gave a similarly impressive performance, giving his all to bag himself a strong lead. McCaskill finished in a time of 32:53, over 3 minutes ahead of the second male. 

Just a stone’s throw away was the RunThrough Victoria Park 10k. GB International Tracy Barlow, was not only first woman across the line, but also the first overall winner. Barlow ran a rapid time of 34:26, claiming the win by over 3 minutes! 

Over 25 laps…

Once again Paul Navesey proves his excellent 2019 form in the final few months leading up to Frankfurt with a 33 second PB on the track. Athletes took on the challenge of 25 laps of the track in the Brighton birthday Boy’s 10,000. The Crawley AC athlete claimed gold by over two minutes in a speedy time of 30:24 to continue his recent run of PB’s. We caught up with Paul last week and heard all about his journey to Frankfurt.

The clear silver medalist was Craig Halsey of Brighton & Hove AC in his track 10,000m debut. Halsey crossed the line in 32:34 whilst the last place on the podium was claimed by Chichester Runners & AC’s Chris Bird. 

Going long 

In the rocky Scandinavian mountains, British international Jon Albon secured another convincing victory at the highly technical Tromso Skyrace in Northern Norway. 

It was great to see Adidas Terrex’s Holly Page back racing over a longer course and the fell runner finished in an excellent second place. We’re looking forward to hearing about this in her next Fast10 blog!

At the Centurion Running North Downs Way 100 there was a new course record of 15:18:41, taking over 20 minutes off the long-standing record of Ed Catmur. 

Photo: James P. Elson – Centurion Running

In the women’s race Karen Hacker finished in 20:40:38, almost an hour ahead of second place after a strong finish.

Down the distances

The Soar Summer Mile in the prestigious Olympic Stadium was another night to remember with an abundance of PB’s. 

The final Soar mile race of the night was won in a cracking time of 4:01.97 by Tonbridge AC’s Dom Brown. Brown showed his strong form in his first ever 5,000 last weekend, running 14:06, and continued to prove this strength on Friday night. Thames Harrier Josh Carr ended the night on a high with a PB of 4:04.08. Just over a second behind him, claiming bronze in 4:05.54 was Kieran Clements. 

The fastest woman of the night, claiming an easy win, was Revee Walcott-Nolan. The Luton athlete claimed a 7 second PB of 4:37.27 and was the first across the line in her race. 

Clare Elms deserves a mention for setting a new world record for the W55 mile in her 53rd race of the year!! The Kent AC athlete ran a very impressive 5:10 to add to her repertoire which includes 18 other world or British records set in 2019 alone! Elms’ records span everything from 800m to 5k on the road. 

A weekend where 10k’s were plentiful

Adding to the success on the road were some rapid male times in the EDF Energy Lydd 10k. Ross Skelton of Hastings AC stormed across the line in an incredible 30:04, getting himself ever closer to that sub 30 goal. Skelton earned a convincing win as Marshal Smith in second place was 2 minutes 54 seconds behind him in a very respectable 32:58. Achieving third place in 33:29 was Aaron Wilson with a three second PB. 

The Barry Island 10k saw some names to watch take on the road. Josh Griffiths won the scenic 10k, adding to his collection of 10k wins this year. Griffiths came home in an impressive 30:22 with Aaron Richmond behind in 31:49. Fast Running’s Fast 10 Class of 2019 athlete, Natasha Cockram, took the title in the women’s race in 34:42, only 8 seconds off her personal best. See a full report here.

The 14th Rye Summer Classic series 10k had another stand out performance to add to the list. The U23 Tunbridge Wells Harrier, Billy Hobbs, ran 31:55 taking a substantial 30 second chunk off his previous 10k PB set at the Leeds Abbey Dash back in 2017. Billy also beat the 30 year-long course record held by Tony Baldock by a whole second. 

RELATED: Dash to a 10k best in Leeds this Autumn

What has been described as one of the UK’s most beautiful city runs, the Asda Foundation York 10k, took place on the streets of this northern city. The runners clearly weren’t distracted by the city’s beauty as plenty of fast times were ran.

Leeds City AC took gold in both the women’s and the men’s race with Graham Rush running 31:20 and Lorna Young a cracking 36:17. Just over half a minute behind Rush was Cameron Strachan in third with 31:51 and Kristian Watson of Heanor Running Club was next across the line in 32:55. Completing the women’s top three was Sarah Hunter of Ackworth Road Runners in 38:56 followed by Georgina Weston in 39:23. 

Once again, the Self-transcendence 10k, part of the London Sri Chimnoy race series in Battersea Park, saw the gathering of many fast club runners. The men’s race was dominated by Serpentine AC claiming both first and third place. Nicolas Besson won by a 42 second margin in 32:08 with Victoria Park and Tower Hamlet’s William Woodcock taking second in 32:50, a new PB! Adding to the Serpentine’s success and the number of PB’s on the night, Benjamin Tolputt claimed third place in 33:04.

The women’s podium was PB’s galore with all three top women claiming a new lifetime best. Mary James of South London welcomed a nine second 10k best to get her first-place prize, whilst Catrin Tyler in second place took an impressive 72 second off her personal best. Completing the trio of PB’s was Susan McDonald in 37:54.

To conclude a busy weekend of 10k races was the Ray Harrison Memorial 10k. Yohannes Eyob was the first male athlete to cross the line in 32:53, whilst Tracy Milmore of Birtley AC took gold in the women’s race in 37:20. 

parkrun

Jonny Hay and Hayley Carruthers are your fastest athletes at UK parkruns this weekend (August 3rd). Full top ten rankings here.

If you would like to run faster at parkrun, top tips to help runners of all abilities can be found here.

RELATED: 7 ways to run faster at parkrun

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patron. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Purdue flies onto the podium at US Beach to Beacon 10k – Weekend round-up appeared first on Fast Running.

At the Swansea Half Marathon, course record holder Tracy Barlow (Thames Valley Harriers) topped the podium again in 75:40.

Though it was ‘a windy & tough morning at the office’ Barlow used it as a chance to show her determination and take the win for the second year running.

Sadly Natasha Cockram, who is only just returning from injury, did not start the race and Hayley Munn ran with her Mum from halfway. That left the stage clear for Bristol & West’s Charlotte Taylor-Green to take second in 76:58 with plenty of clear road between her and last year’s fifth placer Naomi Mitchell, of Reading AC, who moved up to take the final podium spot in 79:00

Photo: Owen Morgan

The men’s race was a similar story with the wind leading to slower times than last year but the top spots looking rather familiar. Cardiff’s Matt Clowes, who like Tracy set a course record last year, ran 65:49 for first place while Swansea Harriers’ Josh Griffiths was second again in 66:37. Peter Huck of  Barrow & Furness finished in 68:12 for third.

You can read a full report here.

Torbay Half Marathon

Down on the south coast, the Torbay Half Marathon also saw a repeat champions in the men and women’s races. Exmouth Harriers’ Tom Merson continued to show that he can not only dominate his local running scene but is on awesome form this year.

Merson absolutely smashed his winning time from 2018, taking nearly two minutes off it, to come home well ahead of any rivals and comfortably inside his PB in a time of 67:11.

In his wake was Phil Wylie of Cheltenham & Country  Harriers (69:33) with Bristol & West AC’s Adam Stokes setting a 37 second PB to come third in 70:21.

Rachel Felton (Shaftsbury Barnet Harriers) successfully retained her title and took her seventh win of the 2019, running a time only nine seconds different to last year and keeping Lindsay Carrick at bay in 77:16. Carrick moved up a spot from last year with an improvement of one minute 22 seconds gaining her second place (78:25). 

Alistair Watson leading Ben Connor around the four mile mark, before being reeled in by the NB athlete. Photo: Stephen Lee

Notts 10 miler

Earlier in the week it was the turn of the 10s. The Notts 10 was won by Derby AC’s Ben Connor (49:25) who was using it for a Friday night tempo run. Alastair Watson (Notts AC) had hoped to capitalise on his home advantage and did manage to stay ahead until mile mile but in the end he was left doffing his twitter-hat to Connor as the better athlete, though he still managed to hang on for second in 49:53.

The battle for first and second might have been a fair way ahead of Daniel Kestrel’s third place (53:37) but the Rotherham Harriers athlete had good reason to finish well with Daniel Bagley behind him, crossing the line only 13 seconds later.

In the women’s race Connor’s New Balance team-mate Gemma Steel utterly dominated, winning in 57:41. Helen Woods of Kimberley & District Striders came second in 67:51 with Barnsley AC’s Christine Laking just a shoelace behind in 67:56.

From 10 miles to 10k

The speedsters were out in force on Friday at the Brian Godwin Memorial 10k in Pollok Park and the Grantham Summer Solstice. 

Making the most of the long evening, Sarah Chynoweth of Grantham RC took a win for the home team finishing in 40:59. Suzannah Fleming (41:16) and Melissa Neal (42:11) completed the top three.

JLF Racing team member Aaron Scott crossed the line first for the men in 30:52, a convincing lead over Lincoln Wellington AC’s Jake Richardson (32:02) and Kent AC’s Sean Fitzpatrick (32:39)

In Glasgow, Kilbarchan AAC’s Callum Hawkins took his legs for a shorter spin that his normal marathon distance and came away with first place in 29:06, only 11 seconds off his PB. After his marathon heroics in London, running a huge PB and getting himself selected for Great Britain for the World Championship Marathon in Doha, it is excellent to see the young Scot in such good form.

Second and third place bagged themselves shiny new PB’s as Central AC’s Jamie Crowe finished second in 29:43 and James Donald of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers was third with 30:11.

Central AC topped the podium in the women’s race thanks to Morag Miller who finished in 33:51. Elspeth Curran (Kilbarchan AAC) was second in a strong field, finishing just three seconds off her previous fastest time, in 34:20. Fiona Brian of Metro Aberdeen RC ran 34:21 for third. All three women within 30 seconds looks like it was a good race for the ladies podium.

At the Withal and Hollywood 10k fun run Hayley Carruthers and Dan Robinson were working together once again to help the England Marathoner to a great time and win. The Birchfield Harrier ran 33:40 and was minutes clear of second place female. Robinson actually finished third himself, one second ahead of the athlete he coaches, who also topped our parkrun rankings yesterday. Quite the weekend!

The winning time for the men’s was 32:53 by James Marshall of BRAT, who was closely followed by Ronnie Wilson of Lincoln Wellington in 33:23. Second and third females were Jane Evans (38:01) and Rachel Gifford (38:34).

The winners of the event’s 5k race were Christopher McLeod in 15:38 and Jessica Saunders in 19:16.

Going long

Photo: Amanda Hamilton

Finally, we head a little further north of Glasgow for the West Highland Way Race, Scotland’s oldest Ultra marathon.

Siobhan Killingbeck was sixth overall and first woman covering the 95 miles of trail and 14,000ft of ascent in 17:41:09. Rachael Campbell finished in second, just under an hour later in 18:18:45 and 16^th overall. Third place went to Rosie Bell in 20:54:43.

Photo: Clark Hamilton

The swiftest to arrive at the Nevis Centre in Fort William was Rowan Boswood who took a mere 15:14:42 to finish – well over an hour faster than last year’s winner and putting him as the fourth fastest athlete over West Highland Way Race history, behind course record holder Rob Sinclair, multiple winner Paul Giblin and FR’s Robbie Britton.

Rob Payne’s time of 16:09:04 would have got him the win in 2018 but was only enough for second place this time around. GB 24hr runner James Stewart didn’t have the day he wanted, but the Hoka One One athlete rounded off a fast podium for third in 16:42:18. 

Also worthy of note are Norma Bone who is still the oldest female finisher (31:45:03) now at the age of 67 and Rob Reid who extended his own oldest male finisher record to 73 (32:16:47). Both were comfortably inside the 35 hour cut off for the race.

parkrun

Hayley Carruthers and Kris Jones are your quickest parkrunners this weekend (June 22). Check out the full rankings here.

RELATED: 7 ways to run faster at parkrun

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The post From parkrun to 95 miles, with everything in-between – The UK weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

The front of both races had some exciting racing with a slow start in the women’s race capitalised on by Irish-born Australian Sinead Diver leading the first half before Brigid Kosgei of Kenya posted the fastest second half of a marathon ever for a female with a 66:42.

Kossi was ahead with only Vivian Cheruiyot for company in the closing stages but the two Kenyans were eventually separated by almost two minutes with Kosgei’s winning time of 2:18:20 ahead of Cheruiyot’s 2:20:14.

The men’s race was a closer affair with three men, Eluid Kipchoge, Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun, still together at 40km and all on course for sub 2:03 at this stage. At this point Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all time, calmly moved across the road to grab his last drink bottle and seemingly stepped it up a gear.

Photo: Eddie Keogh for Virgin Money London Marathon

Crossing the line with his trademark ear to ear grin in 2:02:37, it looked like he was going to just keep going. Afterwards the humble champion said “It was a very tactical race as everyone was there, but I know how to win this race and I was confident and didn’t feel it was in doubt at any point. I’m happy to make history, I’m happy to make it four wins.”

“The crowd in London is wonderful, in the last Kilometre when everyone is shouting it’s just amazing, it made me so happy to cross the line.”

Geremew set a new Ethiopian record and become the second quickest marathoner of all time, but had to settle for second place on the day as well.

Photo: Ian Walton for Virgin Money London Marathon

The best of British and Irish

There were two British under 2:10 for the first time in a while, with Mo Farah finishing fifth in 2:05:39 and Callum Hawkins posting a huge PB to finish 10th in 2:08:14. Farah seemed to struggle after falling back from the lead group and had a tough day at the office. “I didn’t feel great at the start but I followed the pace maker.” said the multiple Olympic champion. “I felt good at halfway and by twenty miles a gap was there. My aim was to reel them back once the pacemaker dropped out but wasn’t able to.”

Hawkins was on course for under 2:07 for a large part of the race but battled strongly in the closing miles to record a new Scottish record of 2:08:14 that eclipses Alistair Hutton’s 2:09:16 set 34 years ago. The Scot said afterwards that “It felt amazing coming down the Mall and greeted by the crowd, it was tough out there but I felt comfortable throughout, but I don’t feel too comfortable now. I’m delighted with my time and it’s great to have qualified for Tokyo.”

Photo: Ian Walton for Virgin Money London Marathon

Charlotte Purdue ran a brilliantly paced race from the gun, sticking to her pre race plan and digging deep in the final miles to finish 10th and post a smashing PB of 2:25:38 to go third on the British all time list behind only Mara Yamauchi and Paula Radcliffe.

“I didn’t have a time in mind, I was more worried about my place, I don’t normally look at prize money or finishing times but I was really keen to ensure I got into the top 10 and I am so happy that I did this.” said Purdue whilst recovering at the finish. “I’m over the moon to be back in London and to slash my PB.”

“It was difficult in the last mile but I kept telling myself I never have to run again, I just have to finish.” was how the first Brit home convinced herself to keep going. “But I will run again, that’s not me announcing my retirement.”

Tish Jones was the second British female home in exactly 2:31:00, which is the qualifying mark for the world Championships later this year and it seemed Jones was slightly unaware as she celebrated across the line! Another 2:56 knocked off her PB from London last year is a fantastic result for the Belgrave Harrier.

Three Irish men posted sub 2:20 times with Mick Clohisey the first home in 2:15:06, followed by Gary O’Hanlon in 2:17:32 and Sean Hehir in 2:18:58. Heather Noone was the first Irish lady to the finish in 2:48:35 which is another 2019 PB for the late comer to running who could be a brilliant prospect for the future.

Photo: Ian Walton for Virgin Money London Marathon

Sinead Diver held on for 2:24:11 and seventh place, although there were tweets afterwards to remind that the Irish born athlete was ‘born in Ireland, but made the athlete she is in Australia” and represents her home country. But still plenty of Irish fans were cheering her on from start to finish and she’s got a cracking home accent still.

The quick times missed on the telly

After the top ten had made it home the coverage went straight to the other end of the race and we were denied the chance to see some of the the hardest working athletes cross the finish line.

The women’s elite race did show the finishes of Hayley Carruthers and Lily Partridge who both looked to have less than ideal days, but gave it everything they had. Carruthers had to crawl across the finish line and collapsed shortly after later tweeting that “today I learnt how NOT to run a marathon” but still managed a PB of 2;33:59, whilst Partridge ran 2:31:35 after starting and running for loftier goals under 2:30.

Photo: Ian Walton for Virgin Money London Marathon

Sonia Samuels (2:36:50) and Tracey Barlow (2:36:26) both ran well under 2:40 and Welsh marathoner Natasha Cockram clocked 2:40:31.

Running in the mass start there was a stand-out performance by Stephanie Davis, who ran 2:32:38 to place second in the female rankings for the separate race. Louise Small also ran well in the mass start with a 2:39:43.

For the men there were several excellent performances and PBs in the elite and mass start. Dewi Griffiths was running with Hawkins for a long time but slowed to a 2:11:46 outside of his best, but it is good to see the Welsh runner back racing well over the 26.2 miles.

Jonny Mellor posted a 2:13:28, Josh Griffiths ran 2:14:25 and Scotland’s Robbie Simpson ran a new PB of 2:14:56. Andy Davies (2:15:37), Nicholas Torry (2:16:21), Tsegai Tewelde (2:17;00) and Paul Martelletti (2:17:29) all ran well and John Gilbert ran 2:19:03 from the mass start with Ben Johnson and Alex Milne missing out on the 2:20 barrier by three and eight seconds respectively.

RELATED: Smiling can make you a better runner

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The post London Marathon Round up: Charlotte Purdue and Callum Hawkins both finish 10th in PBs appeared first on Fast Running.

With 10 athletes who have run inside 2:06 in men’s race and six sub 2:20 runners in the women’s race, the Virgin Money London Marathon has once again attracted a super field for the 39th edition on Sunday (April 28).

Defending champions Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot are back once again, with world record holder Kipchoge going for his fourth victory in the UK capital after victories in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Kipchoge will once again race against Mo Farah, who finished third last year in London, and both men head into Sunday’s race having lowered their personal bests from 12 months ago.

Photo: Virgin Money London Marathon

After taking the win in London last April, Kipchoge memorably clocked 2:01:39 to smash the world record at September’s Berlin Marathon, while Farah ran a PB of 2:05:11 to win his first marathon major one month later in Chicago.

It not just about the star duo, and eight other athletes who have run under 2:06 will join Kipchoge and Farah on the start line.

The challengers for the podium include Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata, who finished second in London and New York last year, compatriot Mosinet Geremew who won the Dubai Marathon last year in a time of 2:04:00, former world record holder Wilson Kipsang and 2017 London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru.

Kiptum has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit on the eve of the event. 

Outside of Kipchoge, Farah and the podium challengers, there is the hotly anticipated British duel between Callum Hawkins and Dewi Griffiths.

Photo: Virgin Money London Marathon

After Griffiths ran 2:09:49 on his marathon debut in Frankfurt two years ago, marathon fans have been eager to see the Welshman and the Hawkins go head-to-head over 26.2 miles.

Griffiths, who ran 62:44 over 13.1 miles in Houston earlier this year, is now returning to his best form after an injury plagued two years.

“The moment I crossed the line [in Frankfurt] I thought the world is there for the taking, but unfortunately I got a hamstring injury and then a stress fracture of the hip and I’ve had to wait and be patient to be back on the Start Line,” said Griffiths.

“That’s the exciting thing in many ways – even though I ran 2:09 there was some frustration because I thought I could’ve run quicker. That’s just who I am; I can run a PB and be disappointed. But now I’m excited to be here.”

Hawkins himself has had to overcome adversity in the 12 months, and races in his first marathon after collapsing in the closing stages – with gold in sight – at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The 2:10:17 marathoner heads into Sunday’s race after running 62:50 at last month’s Lisbon Half Marathon.

“Lisbon didn’t go quite as well as I was hoping – I thought I was in better shape,” said Hawkins. “But since then I’ve been going well in training out in Majorca and I feel in pretty good shape.

“Every session I was doing I was setting PBs. I’d probably say I’m in better shape now than before Rio and pre-London 2017.

“This year for me is all planned around making Tokyo and I think [the World Championships in] Doha is part of those plans. It’s a great opportunity to gain selection and then I can have the best build up for the Olympics.”

The other leading British challengers include Jonny Mellor (2:12:57), Tsegai Tewelde (2:12:23), Andy Davies (2:15:11), Josh Griffiths (2:14:49), Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Robbie Simpson (2:15:04) and debutant Jack Martin.

Irish marathon champion Mick Clohisey also races in the London Marathon for the first time having previously clocked 2:16:21 around the UK capital at the 2017 World Championships.

Clohisey was the fastest Irish marathoner in 2018 after running a personal best 2:14:55 in Seville before winning the Irish crown at the Dublin Marathon in October.

Four reigning marathon major champions battle in the women’s race

With all the bluster around the men’s race we cannot overlook the excellent line-up for the women’s event. Defending champion Vivian Cheruiyot ran 2:18:31 to win after overtaking Mary Keitany in the closing stages last year. Her compatriot and 2018 New York marathon winner Keitany will be looking for redemption after going at world record pace in the sweltering heat of 2018 and we can expect a fast pace again from the 2:17:01 Kenyan who holds the record for fastest in a women-only race.

Four other starters will have PBs under 2:2. Both Brigid Kosgei (2:18:35) and Roza Dereje (2:19:17) have both posted rapid half marathon times in 2019 already. Kenyan Kosgei ran 65:50 to win the Houston Half in January and then 65:28 to win the RAK Half in Bahrain. Ethiopia’s Dereje is only 21 years of age and ran 66:01 to win the Barcelona Half earlier this year.

Gladys Cherono (2:18:11) was the quickest female marathoner of 2018 with her win at the Berlin marathon, but was a disappointing sixth behind Kosgei at h Houston Half in January. Birhane Dibaba (2:19:51) makes up our six sub 2:20 women and makes her London Marathon debut after twice winning the Tokyo Marathon.

The US should be well resented at the from end of the field with Molly Huddle looking to improve on her 2:26:44 from the New York Marathon last year. The 67:25 half marathoner might have some competition for first American female from Brittany Charbonneau (2:36:26) and the exciting debut of her training partner Emily Sisson. The New Balance athlete ran the third fastest 10,000m in US history just last month with a 30:49 at the Stanford Invitational and Huddle also broke 31 minutes at the meet with the Ray Treacy athletes working together, as they might on Sunday.

British women improving together

There is also a host of strong British women who have targeted the London Marathon and it wold not be surprising to see a few under 2:30 this weekend. Charlotte Purdue has been in action with a victory at the Big Half in the build up to London and a 69:46 PB at the Marugame Half in February so will be confident of lowering her 2:29:23 mark from 2017.

Sonia Samuels has the quickest British female PB in the field and actually improved her own half marathon best earlier this year in Barcelona with a 72:19 so it would not be surprising to see the experienced marathoner convert the improvement to the anger distance after a great spring of warm weather training.

Lily Partridge has also remarked that she will be aiming for an improvement on her fine 2:29:24 from finishing eighth in hot conditions in London last year. Even just better weather conditions should see the Aldershot, Farnham and District runner jump forward, with two solid 72 minute half marathons in the wild up to London showing great promise too.

RELATED: Hayley Carruthers discusses London Marathon training 

Tracy Barlow and Hayley Carruthers are two athletes that could well knock some solid time from their previous bests and feature high up in the rankings of British women with Carruthers running 71:57 at the Big Half earlier this year. Expect Fast 10’s Natasha Cockram, Tish Jones and Clara Evans to all run well.

Irish born Sinead Diver, who now represents Australia and won the Melbourne Marathon in 2:25:19 is also one to watch in the women’s race. Diver also ran a PB of 68:55 at the Marugame Half in February, just ahead of Charlotte Purdue.

London Marathon schedule

8:40: Mini London Marathon
09:05: Elite Wheelchair Races
09:10: World Para Athletics Marathon Championships Ambulant Athletes
09:25: The Elite Women’s Race
10:10: The Elite Men’s Race, British Athletics & England Athletics Marathon Championships and Mass Race

Tv Guide

08:30-10:00 – BBC Two – includes the wheelchair start, the IPC races and the Women’s elite race start
08:30-14:30 – Uninterrupted coverage, Connected TV & online
08:55-12:25 – Elite races, BBC Red Button, Connected TV and online
09:00-13:00 – Uninterrupted coverage, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
10:00-14:30 – BBC One – includes the start of the men’s elite race and the masses

The latest news on the London Marathon can be found here.

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The post London Marathon: The big preview and everything you need to know appeared first on Fast Running.

Callum Hawkins, Lily Partridge and Dewi Griffiths are among the latest wave of British athletes named for the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 28.

Hawkins and Griffiths join the previously announced Mo Farah, marathon debutant Andy Vernon, Jonny Mellor, Tsegai Tewelde, Andy Davies, Josh Griffiths, Robbie Simpson and Matt Sharp in the men’s field.

GB international marathoner Hawkins has fond memories in the UK capital after running 2:10:52 in 2016 before clocking 2:10:17 to finish fourth at the 2017 World Championships, while Griffiths memorably ran 2:09:49 at the Frankfurt Marathon in 2017.

RELATED: Andy Vernon to make marathon debut in London

British marathon champion Partridge is joined in the women’s field by previously announced Charlotte Purdue, Tracy Barlow, Sonia Samuels, Hayley Carruthers, Tish Jones, Natasha Cockram, who was recently named in the Fast 10: class of 2019, and Northern Ireland’s Laura Graham.

Photo: Virgin Money London Marathon

Just one second separates Purdue’s marathon personal best of 2:29:23, set at the 2017 London Marathon, and Partridge’s best time of 2:29:24 which she ran to finish eighth in her first London Marathon last year.

The British field in both the men’s and women’s races at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon which will be used as the selection race for the World Championships in Doha which begin in September.

RELATED: Charlotte Purdue announced for London Marathon

Meanwhile, on Monday (January 14), organisers announced the return of world record holder and defending champion Eliud Kipchoge.

The latest news on the London Marathon can be found here.

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The post Callum Hawkins and Lily Partridge set for London Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

Callum Hawkins clocked 28:55 to finish second European runner and 19th overall at the 10k Valencia Ibercaja on Sunday (January 12).

The 26 year-old now boasts an official 10k road personal best under 29 minutes, improving on his time of 29:03 set in the Dutch village of Schoorl last year.

Hawkins has previously run quicker for 10k on the roads and posted splits of 28.28 and 28.27 en route to winning the 2017 Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon in 60:00.

After ending 2018 with a hamstring niggle ahead of the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan, his performance should instil a lot of confidence before racing over 13.1 miles and 26.2 miles later this year.

Jenny Nesbitt ran a PB of 33:10 to finish 11th and third European in the women’s race. The Welsh Commonwealth Games athlete, who won the renowned Nos Galen road race on New Year’s Eve, took 14 seconds from her previous best mark set at the Bourton 10k last year.

Tsehay Gemechu took 15 seconds off Tirunesh Dibaba’s Ethiopian record to win the women’s race in 30:15, while compatriot Chala Ketema won the men’s race in 27:23 with 10 men running 28 minutes or quicker.

Staying in Spain, there was a strong English cross country representation at the IAAF permitted Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza in Elgoibar. City of Stoke’s Kate Holt clocked 26:51 over the 6.6km course to finish a strong fifth and first European in the senior women’s race.

World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri won the race in 24:39, while Lily Partridge finished sixth in 27:05 ahead of Ireland’s Sara Treacy and Marshall Milton Keynes’s Rachel Robinson.

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Cross Country hurts. 6th today. Running on soft ground is absolutely a skill that I have massively taken for granted in the past but I'll have another go next week. Thanks to @crosselgoibar for another cool event. Some cool videos on my Twitter… I will try get them uploaded onto here. . …@crossitalica is the next stop . . . #RunnersOfInstagram #FurtherFasterStronger #RunningMotivation #Marathon #MarathonTraining #SeenOnMyRun #TrailRunning #InstaRunners #CrossCountry #Instarunners #LoveRunning #RunnerLife #RunningCommunity #RunningShoes #RunItFast @sara_treacy @englandathletics

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Outside of the top 10, three seconds separated Tonbridge’s Nicole Taylor and Shaftesbury Barnet’s Naomi Taschimowitz, with the pair finishing 13th and 14th respectively.

In the senior men’s 10.7km race, Southampton’s Mahamed Mahamed clocked 33:58 to finished 12th, while Ipswich’s Jack Millar was also in the top 15 finishing in 14th place.

World under-20 10,000m champion Rhonex Kipruto of Kenya won the men’s race in 32:05, finishing 22 seconds ahead of defending champion and under-20 5000m record-holder Selemon Barega of Ethiopia.

Further down the field, Southend’s Adam Hickey and Tonbridge’s Corey De’Ath finished 24th and 31st respectively.

England dominated the under-20 races, with Zakariya Mahamed and Euan Brennan first and second, while Amelia Samuels and Holly Page also took the top two spots in the women’s race.

Rory Leonard finished fifth in the under-20 men’s race with Joshua Cowperthwaite 14th. In the women’s event, Shannon Flockhart finished fourth and Olivia Mason was 10th across the finish line.

RELATED: It’s a family affair for Morpeth’s Inter-Counties champion Rory Leonard

Various cross country league fixtures took place over the weekend, and among the individual winners were Blackburn Harriers’ Jess Judd and Border Harriers’ James Douglas at the Mid Lancs League Cross Country in Burnley on Saturday (January 12).

In the Metropolitan League at Wormwood Scrubs, Luton’s 800m specialist Revee Walcott-Nolan had a 29 second victory over Serpentine’s Isabel Clark in the senior women’s 6k race, while Highgate Harriers’ Roger Poolman was first across the line in senior men’s 8k event.

Also on Saturday, there were individual wins for Trafford AC’s Vicki Cronin and East Cheshire Harriers’ Joe Steward at the Manchester Area Cross Country League fixture.

Newark AC Chloe Hubbard and Peterborough’s Ben Heron won the senior races at the North Midlands Cross Country League at Wollaton Hall Nottingham, while Bedford and County’s Matt Bergin and MK Distance Project’s Dani Chattenton won at the Chiltern League in Keysoe.

At the Leeds Varsity Cross Country – an inter-university sports competition between the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University – Alex Yee won the men’s race ahead of Emile Cairess to secure the first point of the year for Leeds Beckett.

Congratulations to @leedsbeckett men’s team taking the first point of the year in @LeedsVarsity19! Alex Yee also took the individual win. pic.twitter.com/Cu4YeF4cRb

— LBU Athletics (@LBUAthletics) January 12, 2019

On the roads, Winchester & District’s George King and Southampton’s Jen Elkins claimed the victories at the Stubbington Green 10k. King won the men’s race by seven seconds clocking 31:40, while Elkins won the women’s race by over 30 seconds in a time of 35:29.

Birtley AC’s Adrian Bailes and City of Hull’s Becky Briggs won the titles at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York on Sunday.

Bailes clocked 69:44 for the win ahead of Bury AC’s Benjamin Coop, while junior athlete Briggs posted a time of 74:57 to win the women’s race on her half marathon debut.

Going indoors, Jemma Reekie ran an indoor 800m PB at the FPSG Athletics Scottish National Open in Glasgow on Saturday. Reekie clocked 2:03.06 at the event and is now fifth on the Scottish indoor all-time rankings.

At the same event, Sol Sweeney recorded 3:45.04 over 1500m, and Eilidh Doyle clocked 53.38 in her first 400m of the year.

There were 1500m wins for Wallsend Harriers’ Danielle Hodgkinson and Hallamshire Harriers’ James McCrae at the North of England Indoor Championships over the weekend.

Hodgkinson won the senior women’s title in 4:27.83 and also clinched the 3000m crown after a 9:32.41 run. McCrae claimed the men’s 1500m title in 3:59.79 ahead of  Sheffield & Dearne’s James Gormley.

Amber Valley & Erewash’s Tamsin McGraw won the senior women’s 800m title in 2:10.46, with the men’s honours going to Crook’s Markhim Lonsdale after a 1:54.74 performance.

The men’s 3000m race saw Tonbridge AC’s Dominic Brown first across the line in 8:19.49 ahead of  Sheffield & Dearne’s Lewis Jagger in 8:20.56 and Bolton United Harriers’ Jonothan Kay in 8:20.93. Full results can be found here.

Meanwhile, on Friday (January 11), Eilish McColgan clocked a PB of 31:51 to win the Ooredoo Doha 10k. For the last three years, the 28 year-old has clocked a new best at the Doha road race, posting times of 31:56 and 31:53 in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

The Dundee Hawkill athlete moves two second’s closer to her mum Liz’s national record of 30:39. More about the GB international’s performance can be found here.

At the Great Stirling XCountry on Saturday, Laura Muir anchored GB’s mixed relay team to victory over Europe and the USA after first-class early legs by Alex Bell, Phillip Sesemann and Jamie Williamson.

In the women’s race, Charlotte Arter delivered a gutsy performance to set the pace before losing out to Europe’s Elena Burkard in the closing stages. A full report from Stirling can be found here.

At parkrun events across the UK on Saturday, the quickest times were run by Elsey Wyman-Davis and Jonathan Hopkins.

Wyman-Davis recorded a time of 16:55 at the Preston parkrun, while Hopkins clocked 14:44 at the Cardiff event. The top 10 times from UK parkruns can be found here.

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The post Callum Hawkins and Jenny Nesbitt impress in Valencia – weekend round-up appeared first on Fast Running.