This weekend was quite possibly one of the biggest weekends in the marathon calendar. Many athletes fled to Valencia in search of quick times, and in some cases, Olympic qualifying times, at one of the quickest marathons in the world and an IAAF Gold Label event, The Valencia Marathon.

The women’s race was stacked with competition as the GB women came out in full force. It was Clapham Chaser’s Steph Davis that had the race of her life, finishing a fantastic 13^th in the women’s elite field in 2:27:40. Davis smashed the Olympic qualifying time by nearly 2 minutes, putting herself in contention for those three marathon spots at Tokyo.

“’The focus was to have a fun run in the sun.” said the marathoner, “I felt in good shape and hoped to PB but did not expect to run that time at all! It’s still sinking in!’. Hopefully you’re still smiling for a long while with that one Steph. 

Steph Davis at 25km. Photo: Tom Craggs

Second brit across the line in 19^th place, after pulling out in Frankfurt, was Hayley Carruthers. Carruthers secured herself a marathon personal best of 2:32:42, improving on her time from the London Marathon back in April. Shortly behind Carruthers in 21^st position with a cracking time of 2:33:24 was Preston’s Eleanor Davis. After a strong year with personal bests over road 3k, 10k, and half marathon, Davis now adds a marathon best for the year.

Fourth Brit with yet another strong performance in Valencia was Elinor Kirk. Kirk secured herself a finishing time of 2:34:36, a PB by just under 2-minutes! With yet another impressive performance over the marathon distance was Georgina Schwiening (Cambridge Runners) with a time of 2:35:22, another PB of the day by over 2 minutes. 

Shortly behind Schwiening in 29^th place was Emma Mitchell with a strong 2:36:47. The Northern Irish athlete made her debut performance in the event and proved her strength after an impressive run at the Valencia Half in October. Unfortunately, after a tough year battling against injury, Lily Partridge pulled out at around the 25km mark after having gone through half way in 74:09. 

Fast running’s own marathoner, Gill Bland also headed to Valencia to complete the 26.2-mile distance. After a tough race, Bland had a strong finish and crossed the line in 2:55:31. 

Olympic qualifying time for Pollock

The men’s race did not disappoint either with some speedy marathon times secured. There was an outstanding run from Paul Pollock with an impressive Olympic qualifying time of 2:10:25. This will not be Pollock’s first Olympics after he finished 32^nd in Rio.

Liverpool athlete, Charlie Hulson had a strong debut performance crossing the line in 40^th position with a time of 2:14:23. Just 16 seconds behind Hulson was Andrew Davies with a lifetime best and UK40 record of 2:14:46, a 25 second best time.

Ben Johnson also gave a big PB performance after just missing sub 2:20 in London to finish with a time of 2:17:34. Other men contributing to the strong British and Irish field were Gary O’hanlon (2:20:07), Lloyd Biddell (2:20:49), Kev Quinn (2:22:12), Karl Welborn (2:22:57), Ben Shearer (2:23:23), Jo Turner (2:23:37), Paul Piper (2:23:43), George King (2:24:00), and Nick Bowker (2:24:16). 

Charlie Hulson with a fine debut. Credit: Tom Craggs

Barlow finishes 3rd in the 10km

The men’s world record fell in the Valencia 10km with Joshua Cheptegei running a stunning 26:38. Josh Grace (AFD) had a PB run, securing himself an 8^th place finish in a rapid time of 28:59! Tom Craggs coached athlete, Tracy Barlow had a powerful race, securing herself a 3^rd place finish over the 10k-distance with a time of 33:44. Some confusion with chips means we don’t have the full rankings just yet.

Fast 10k running at home too

At another 10k event, the Wesham 10k, athletes took to the roads in the North West over a slightly undulating course, running around the lanes of Salwick and Lea Town.

The winner of the entire event was Chris Livesey of Salford Harriers in 31:54, just eight seconds outside of his seasons best. Next was Wesham Road Runner, Robert Danson, in 32:03, followed by Matthew Laior (Ribble Valley Harriers) in 32:44. For the women it was Toni McIntosh (Ayr Seaforth) who ran a strong race to finish first, clocking 37:13. Second place went to Catherine Carrdus (Lytham St Annes) in 40:46 followed by Sue Coulthurst.

Wesham 10km. Credit: Dave Biggs

At another of the Sri Chimnoy London Marathon Events race was the Grizzly Bear 10k. These races provide yet another opportunity for athletes in search of pure racing without all the added extras. Podium finishers are presented with a piece of fruit and cereal bar, proving it is all about the element of racing in a fast environment.

All of the top three women came across the road in under 39 minutes. The winning fruit went to Rebecca Piggott of London Heathside who ran a solid 36:19, a 25-second personal best. Second female home in a time of 38:08 was Matilde Lomba and in third was Evangelista Divetain (London Heathside) in 38:20. 

In the men’s race it was Alix Ramsie who landed himself the top place on the podium. Ramsie of South London Harriers crossed the line in 32:28 in what was a close race. Only 4 seconds later, Tom Goulding of Birtley AC finished the race. It was Serpentine Andrea Fraquelli who rounded off the men’s podium with a finishing time of 32:36. Impressive running! 

British Ultra running in good health

Over the much larger 100km distance, the 100km Ultra Trail Cape Town race occurred. Salomon runner Beth Pascall secured herself an impressive win with an even more impressive top 10 overall finish. A sub 11 hour finish, less than an hour behind US men’s winner Cody Reed, meant a course record for the medic, who caps off an excellent 2019 that included top five positions at Western States and the UTMB. 

Over the impressive 300km distance, the Algarviana Ultra Trail race took place in Portugal. Paul Giblin was the well-deserved winner and beat the previous record by around three hours with a time of 38 hours and 6 minutes.

Paul Giblin training in the Swiss Alps in 2018. Photo: Robbie Britton

The modest athlete was taken outside of his mountainous comfort zone and tested with some flatter patches of running but did not disappoint. Despite stomach problems early on he kept relaxed and had an incredible race. 

It was Scotland-based athlete, Patricia De Carvalho, who was the winner of the women’s race in her 3^rd time doing the event. Carvalho finished in a time of 64 hours 47 minutes.

High standards at Podium 5k as usual

Over the shorter, but speedier 5k distance was the Podium 5k road race. The podium race’s offer the perfect, true racing experience without the added frills, but with a tried and tested fast course. The podium 5k race series is the perfect opportunity for athletes to test their fitness and chase after PB times.

This weekend’s runners were faced with chilly, yet speedy conditions. It was Andy Smith who was first male across the line in a rapid 14:52 for Pudsey & Bramley AC. In a close finish it was Matthew Crehan (St Helens & Sutton) who landed the silver medal in 14:54. Preston Harriers’ Kian Davis took the bronze medal position in 15:08. 

Ciara Mageean (Team NB Mcr), European Bronze medalist in 2016 and 2019, did the women proud with a speedy, sub-16, 15:48 finishing time. The second female finisher with a time of 16:52 from Manchester Harriers was Rachael Franklin. Completing the top three women was Leeds City’s Alice Leake in 17:25. 

Andy Smith & Ciara Meagaan Photo: Podium 5k Twitter.

Also over the 5km distance was the Croft Circuit 5km. It was North Belfast Harrier’s Andrew Milligan who was the first male to cross the line in 15:06. The U23 athlete ran himself to an impressive 21 second personal best. Closely behind Milligan in 15:20 was Joe Armstrong of Morpeth Harriers & AC, another U23 athlete. Completing the top 3 male finishing positions was David Green in an extremely close 15:23. The race boasted a total of 6 men running under 16-minutes.

Following on from an impressive win for England at the Rennes 10k last month, Danielle Hodgkinson of Wallsend ran a cracking 16.30 for a first-place finish for the women and an incredible 11^th overall. Second woman across the finish line was Gateshead Harriers & AC’s Gillian Manford in 18:08 followed by Georgia Campbell in 18:09. A very close race! 

73rd year for Victory 5 miler

In its 73^rd year was the Victory 5-mile race. Matt Bergin landed himself the win in a time of 23:40, a close 5-seconds outside of his personal best. In second place was U20 athlete, Henry McLuckie with a time of 24:18 for his first ever 5-mile race. Third place was secured by Joe Wade in 24:31. 

The winner for the women was Tonbridge AC’s Lucy Reid. Reid matched her personal best of 27:05 exactly. Following shortly was Maisie Trafford of Arena 80 in 27:35. The final woman on the podium was AFD’s Emily Wicks in 28:02 who came 65^th in the World Cross Country Championships back in 2013. 

Over the 5-mile distance again, but this time through the mud, was the Midlands 5-mile cross country championships. It was Gemma Steel who took home gold for the women. We’ll include more results if we can find them.

Festive marathoning in Nottingham

Also over the marathon distance this weekend, was the Nottingham Christmas Marathon. The overall win went to Loughborough Student, James Ford, in a finishing time of 2:42:37. The second finisher was Ben Harris of Retford AC in 2:44:16.

An impressive third overall and first woman was Johanna O’Regan of St Neots Riverside Runners in 2:45:24, just 3-minutes outside of her lifetime best set earlier this year in Manchester. It was fellow clubmate Caroline Brooks who secured herself the silver woman’s medal in 2:49:32, in a solid 5^th place overall. 

As part of the same event was the shorter distance 10k race. Euan Wilson ran an impressive race, finishing in a time of 33:07 for first place. 1^st female finisher, in third place overall was Johanna Gurney. Gurney stopped the clock on 34:24. 

The RunThrough Lee Valley Velo Park Race saw athletes race over various distances including that of 10-miles. Victory for the men went to Stephen Fabes in 57:44 and it was Sally Svenlen who ran herself to the top of the women’s podium in 1:12:09. In the half marathon event, Ben Toye secured himself the gold medal in 1:15:41 whereas Katie Brown obtained the woman’s first-place finishing position in 1:23:52. 

There were some extremely noteworthy performances in the mud as well as on the road. In the Alton Sports Hampshire Cross Country League, Aldershot & Farnham District AC dominated the men’s race, however it was Reading AC that secured the women’s team gold. Jess Gibbon ran a storming race to secure herself the position at the top of the podium with a 32-second lead followed by AFD’s own Steph Twell. Third through the mud was Annabel Gummow of Winchester. The men’s results are yet to be uploaded. 

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Arter and Nesbitt go head to head again

The Senior women’s race was perhaps the highlight at the 2018 edition and promises to be fiercely competitive once again.

Charlotte Arter took the British 10,000m title in 2018 and more aptly won the European trial race in Liverpool. She will be joined by training partner and current UK Inter-Counties Champion, Jenny Nesbitt.

The pair warmed up for Cross Challenge opener by leading their Cardiff AC team to the outright race win at the ERRA National Autumn Road Relays last weekend. Clara Evans and Lucy Marland are the remaining members of the team and will also be in action on Saturday.

Phoebe Law is another UK Inter-Counties Champion (2018) that will be racing. Iona Lake of City of Norwich AC is a notable athlete who is likely to feature along with Amy Griffiths of Aldershot, Farnham & District who was seventh in Tilburg last December.

2018 Cardiff Cross Challenge Photo: Paul Stillman

In form Hulson to face Stabler, Mahamed Mahamed and Marc Scott

Charlie Hulson was the winner of the men’s race 12 months ago and will return to the Capital hoping to overcome the challenge from 2017 winner, Sam Stabler.

Hulson warmed up for the event with a 64:28 clocking at the Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon last week but is better known for winning the English National Cross Country Championships in 2015.

Stabler has also recorded several podium finishes at the English National and Inter-Counties Championships and is a previous winner at the Armagh International Road Races.

Mahamed Mahamed was second here in both 2017 and 2018. The Southampton AC athlete will return a third time looking for a race win and competes as the defending British Cross Challenge Series Champion.

Marc Scott is likely to feature following a season that saw him as the runner-up in the British Championships over 5,000m earning himself a place at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.

Scott proved his Cross Country pedigree last season with a ninth place finish at the Spar European Cross Country Championships in Tilburg.

Deep fields kick off their cross country campaigns

Tom Evans of Lewes AC was a top 10 finisher from the inter-Counties who will also be in action.

Ieuan Thomas, Mike Ward and Ciaran Lewis of Cardiff AC and Jon Hopkins of Swansea Harriers add further local flavour and are all likely to feature.

Shannon Flockart was the series winner at u17 level last year and will race at u20 level in Cardiff. Amelia Samuels was the Midland Counties Champion last season and a runner up at Loughborough. The Cross Internacional winner from Elgoibar is likely to be hard to stop on Saturday.

Matt Willis will lead Welsh hopes in the Junior Men’s race as he faces Rory Leonard of Morpeth Harriers who was the runner up last time behind local star, Jake Heyward. Willis is the current Inter-Counties Champion and led the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team home at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus earlier this year. Leonard is the English National Champion and was the second British scorer in Denmark back in March.

Zakariya Mahamed is the current series Champion and will again be in action in the junior men’s age-group

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Whilst this weekend may have been a quiet weekend for racing, that isn’t to say the races that did occur weren’t of an impressive standard! This weekend included 10k’s in St Levan and Birchwood, fast times in the Podium 5k and Race the Train event, and some noteworthy ultra-running performances. The Diamond League on home turf in Birmingham also saw some promising times ahead of next weekend’s British Championships.

Laps of speed

The Diamond League in Birmingham gave British athletes the chance to familiarise themselves with the Alexander Stadium ahead of next week’s home championships. Whilst the weather conditions weren’t ideal, the performances still shone.

The men’s 800m race had an incredibly strong British attendance, including the U20 athlete, Max Burgin. Elliot Giles was first out of the British boys to cross the line in third place with a time of 1:46.27. Closely behind in 1:46.38 was Jamie Webb (4th) and Guy Learmonth in 1:46.50 (5th). Also finishing in under 1:47 was Spencer Thomas (7th). Just behind Spencer in 1:47.28 was Thomas Staines (8th), and in his first ever Diamond League event, Max Burgin crossed the finish in 1:47.99.

Lynsey Sharp gave her all and ran a smart race in the women’s 800m to place herself second in 2:01.09. Alex Bell, who recently proved her strong form with her first sub 2-minute race of the season at the Diamond League Anniversary Games, gave a cracking run, coming 5th in 2:02.41.

The women’s mile was PB’s galore for GB. Eilish McColgan crossed the line in an incredible third place, clocking a time of 4:24.71 and a PB. Jemma Reekie also ran herself a PB coming in 6th place in 4:27 flat.

The men’s 1500m saw our British athletes take all places from 10th to 13th . Chris O’hare led the string of GB athletes in a time of 3:41.98, followed by U23 athlete, Piers Copeland in 3:43.55. Recently we had the pleasure of catching up with Piers and his sister Grace in the relaxed environment of their home. The 12th athlete, and 3rd Brit home was Jake Heyward followed by Zak Seddon in 3:43.72 and 3:44.44 respectively.

The strong British performances continued over the barriers in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. Elizabeth Bird was the first GB athlete to cross the line in 9:50.97 in 13th place. Rosie Clarke also gave an impressive, strong performance, finishing with 9:54.25 on the clock. Just four seconds behind her in 9:58.68 was Aimee Pratt.

Earlier in the week, there were some impressive times ran in the Cork City Sports International. Conor Bradley of City of Derry AC clocked 7:58.30, a new PB, whilst Swansea’s Jonathon Hopkins was only three seconds of his all-time best with a time of 8:12.09. The women’s race similarly had some speedy times, with Charlotte Arter taking home silver in a time of 9:02.29. Four places behind Arter was ADFD’s Emily Hosker-Thornhill in 9:20.48. It was only last weekend Hosker-Thornhill made her GB track debut at the European Team Championships in Poland. The third Brit home, in 8th place, was Beth Kidger with an impressive PB of 9:24.11.

Internationals out on the road

Down in Cornwall, Peter Le Grice dominated the St Levan 10k. The Frankfurt marathon bound athlete who will be representing England, proved his strength is not only confined to the 42-kilometre distance. Le Grice took the win in a time of 31:09, a very encouraging performance in the final few months before Frankfurt. In home territory, Heidi Tregenza of Cornwall AC took gold in the women’s race in 38 minutes dead, closely followed by Emma Stepto in 38:11.

1-2-3 for Cornwall AC – Photo credit: Yvonne Turner

Over in the States it was the 45th running of the famous Falmouth Road Race with Brits Tish Jones and Lily Partridge again in action over the 7 mile course. Jones finished 4th in with a well paced performance of 37:43 and Partridge was 15th in 39:48.

At the Birchwood 10k there were some impressively speedy performances. The Sale Harriers athlete, Nigel Martin, took the win in a rapid 30:30. Martin recently runner dipped under 30-minute mark at the Trafford 10k back in March. In a clear second place, in 32:06, was Daniel Cliffe of Liverpool Harriers & AC. Cliffe also holds an impressive sub 30-minute PB. Ian Salt took third prize, crossing the line in 32:37, just 2 seconds outside of his lifetime best.

Similarly, the women’s race was filled with some strong performances. Eleanor Jones took her place at the top of the podium in 36:39, her fastest 10k time this year. Jones was followed by Hannah Cowley of Helsby Running Club in 37:38 and Chloe Dooley in third with a time of 38:09.

Once again, the Podium 5k proved the strength of its field, however on a slightly drier evening to the last. Liverpool Harrier, Charlie Hulson, took the win in an incredibly speedy time of 14:17 in his first 5k of the year. Second to cross the line was Ben Johnson in 14:42, a 50 second PB! Only 10 seconds behind him in third was Euan Brennan of Ilkley Harriers. The event saw a cracking five people run 15 minutes or under!

The women’s field was just as strong with five athletes dipping under the 17-minute barrier. The Dutch Manchester New Balance athlete, Jip Vastenburg, ran a very impressive 16:05, claiming herself a clear win. Crossing the line in 16:27 to earn second position was Lucy Crookes of Leeds City AC. Stephanie Pennycook finished off the podium, running 16:31 for a bronze medal. Outstanding running!

Charlie Hulson and Jip Vastenburg. Photo credit: Podium 5km.

On different tracks

Ever wondered who can go faster, a human or a train? Well you need look no further than the 36th Annual Race the Train event in Tywyn, Mid Wales. This unique event for all multi-terrain loving runners is a must for your race diary. Not only are athletes racing against each other and themselves, there is also the added challenge of chasing down the train as it weaves along the Talylln Railway. The course goes out and back to the town of Tywyn and through the Welsh valleys as runners go over rocks and cambers, and through bogs.

This year’s winner of the technical 14-mile race was Alexander Lanz, in an impressive time of 1:22.26, a whole 26 minutes ahead of the train! Only 7 seconds behind Lanz was Rob Corney who was shortly followed by Mark Hopkinson in 1:23.24. This year a huge 73 people all beat the train, running under 1hr 48 mins. Les Croupiers’ Katie Beecher was the winning woman in 1:40:46, 75 seconds clear of 2:37 marathoner Hayley Munn in 2nd. Only nine seconds further back in 3rd was Carli Baldwin of Birchfield Harriers.

Photo: IOF/WOC2019

Saturday also saw the conclusion of the World Orienteering Championships in Østfold, Norway. There were some impressive performances in what was a different environment to many of the British athletes. Kris Jones gave a full report here.

Charlie Harpur put in a solid performance to finish third at the competitive UltraVasan 90km ultra-marathon in Sweden. Based on the route of the world famous Vassaloppet cross country ski race, the net downhill trail event is super quick, and this year’s winner was HOKA ONE ONE athlete Jim Walmsley in 5:47, just two minutes off the CR.
Harpur, part of the Centurion Running Ultra Team, ran 6:09 for the trail event and said afterwards that “the Walmsley train was fast from the start, but it was a great experience running in such a beautiful area.”

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Charlotte Arter aims to continue her dream start to 2019 with another record breaking performance at the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run on Sunday (March 31).

Charlotte Arter will attempt to smash the 35-year-old Welsh 10K record set by Angela Tooby in New York when she leads a 6,800-strong field around Cardiff’s iconic bay.

The British 10,000m champion clocked 69:40 in Barcelona to break Tooby’s Welsh Half Marathon record last month. That superb performance came four weeks after running the fastest women’s time ever at parkrun.

Now she is determined to slash just three seconds off her 10k road personal best to break Tooby’s 32:15 mark.

“I’m looking forward to racing the Cardiff Bay 10k, it’s always fun to race on the streets of Cardiff and there looks to be a great race line up,” said Arter.

“I’m also looking forward to racing over a shorter distance, having raced over the longer distances of half marathons recently, so will be good to test the legs over 10k before heading off to the U.S next week for some racing and a stint of altitude training.

“I’m putting no pressure on myself for Sunday, I just want to have a solid run, enjoy it and see where I am at. I’d obviously love to run a PB and if I can run a PB then the Welsh record could be in sight!”

Arter will battle it out with a top field on the first leg of the Run 4 Wales 10K Series. The fastest woman in the race will be 2008 Olympian Kate Reed, who will be out to turn back the clock on the streets of the Welsh capital to get close to her best of 32:07.

RELATED: Charlie Hulson and Elsey Davis star in Cardiff

Belgian 5000m champion Nina Lauwaert will bring some continental flair alongside Norway international Maria Waagen, who will get a taste of her homeland when the race passes the Norwegian church twice along the flat and fast route.

The event will host the Welsh 10km Championships for the first time, and the men’s race is also set to be fiercely contested.

Seven time Welsh Cross Country champion Dewi Griffiths is the man to beat as he returns to the event for the first time since setting a new course record of 29:08 in 2017.

Photo: Paul Stillman

Charlie Hulson, who recently spoke to Fast Running about his approach to running, family work life and training, is the reigning champion and returns to defend his title.

ABP Newport 10K winner Ieuan Thomas is also set to start alongside the in-form Sam Stabler, who ran 13:45 over 5k in Armagh last month, and Healthspan Wales 10K series champion Matt Clowes, who was second last year.

Commonwealth Games athletes Jonathan Hopkins and Josh Griffiths will also line up in Cardiff.

RELATED: Charlie Hulson is carving his own path to success

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The post Charlotte Arter has Welsh 10k record in her sights appeared first on Fast Running.

“To keep it simple, I do what I want,” pretty much sums up Charlie Hulson’s attitude to training and balancing an elite running career with long hours in his family’s bakery.

“It can be my downfall but, more importantly, it’s what makes me – or will make me,” he adds. “I believe in myself 100% when I’m confident I’m in shape.” 

The Liverpool Harrier was dominant on the roads last year, winning 10ks at Telford, Cardiff and Chester as well as posting the fastest leg at the Northern 6 Stage Relays.

Not content with impressing on tarmac, Hulson also took the Cardiff Cross Challenge title before finishing 17th at the European Cross Country Championships – all the while juggling 5am starts with twice a day training.

Although the 26 year-old describes himself as ‘uncoachable’, he has been working with Welsh Athletics’ national coach Chris Jones to find a system that allows for his long hours as well as his strong character.

Finding a coaching system that works for an uncoachable athlete

“When I met Chris he didn’t take offence to the fact I do what I want,” he explains. “Instead, he was straight to the point with me and told me coaching is something that won’t work for me. 

“So instead he advises me and plans sessions specific to what I need and he’s very good at it. I then plan the training around these key sessions and when to do it all. 

“Chris knows how to get the best out of any endurance athlete. I challenge anyone to rival his knowledge of the sport.” 

Alongside those impressive 10k victories and European action, Hulson also made his mark over two very different distances last year, winning the Chester Metric Marathon 26.2km and running a superb 14:00 to finish runner up at the Armagh 5k.

Getting the balance right and taking advice from the right people

“Working with Chris worked perfectly last season, which is why I progressed so quickly and was getting back to where I know I can be,” he says. “Sometimes, however, I get the balance wrong, which usually results in my performances suffering for a little while, but I sort it out.

“2018 was the first year I’ve really called the shots and done what I believe is best for me. That was also while taking advice from the right people. 

“At the start a lot of my training was simply steady running, aerobic sessions and mainly just enjoying the sport. That’s what I ran 29:12 off and that’s what I won the Cardiff Cross Challenge off. I have a lot more to give yet, this is just the start of my new way of working.”

Photo: Paul Stillman

Fitting training in around long hours at the family bakery and having a strong work ethic

That new way of working has to fit in around his other work at the family bakery in Mold, Flintshire, which he runs with his dad.

The appropriately named ‘Hulsons’ bakery has been in business for 137 years. Rumour has it their pies are the best in Wales! 

Hulson junior is keen to credit his dad for his hard working attitude to life.

“The bakery is a large part of my upbringing, my dad has a completely different work ethic which has transferred over to me,” he says. 

The Liverpool Harrier and former member of the professional Team New Balance Manchester set up is adamant that he performs best by doing things his own way, even if it does get exhausting.

RELATED: An insight into Team New Balance Manchester

“I don’t keep track of hours worked as I think it’d get into my head,” he says tellingly. “Put it this way – I’m late for work if I’m in after 7am. 

“I’m up at 5-5:30am for a 5-8 mile run at whatever pace my body lets me, which is usually slow in the mornings. 

“I will work until 4pm at the earliest, but sometimes it’ll be much later. Basically I work until the work that needs doing is done. 

“I then try and get straight out to run. On a steady day this will be anything between 8-12 miles at around 5:45 pace.”

Charlie Hulson’s training set up – no full time professional athlete life for this athlete.

Hulson joined Team NB Manchester on a two year contract in 2015, and, although he was excited to take up the chance to train as a full time professional athlete, it wasn’t for him.

“It was a great opportunity but, because of my upbringing I really am all or nothing,” he explains. “If I’m not constantly busy I feel like my body shuts down. I have to be all out, all of the time. 

“I know when to rest too though. Being a full time athlete does not and will not suit me, it’s boring. You have to do what’s right for you. If you believe in something, do it.”

The 13:43 5000m athlete always trains alone and relies on his own perception of effort more than worrying about hitting specific times in sessions.

“I literally never train with anyone, it’s always on my own and I really don’t mind that,” he says. “I just get it done and don’t get too het up on target times or splits, I just go off feel.

“If you’re working hard you’re working hard. It’s simple. I’ll also never force anything. Progression can be slow and patience is important.”

Don’t run for mileage sake – make every run count

Hulson is also very keen to underline the fact that he doesn’t aim for a certain number of miles in his training log for the sake of it. Every run has a purpose with no ‘junk miles’ thrown in to top up the mileage counter.

“I don’t believe in weekly mileage,” he says. “I can’t see that doing 100 miles in seven days will make you any fitter than doing 100 miles in eight days. I never aim for mileage on a weekly basis.

“That said, in the winter I’ll tend to average 95 miles a week. I’ve found I run well off this exact mileage so I tend to keep it to that.

“Most of this is steady pace, which is 5:45min/mile pace. It’s the pace I feel comfortable at and, more importantly, it’s the pace I enjoy. Anything slower bores me!”

Speed is of the essence

As if those eye-watering runs aren’t fast enough Hulson then adds in speed sessions and tempo runs. 

It’s clear where his 29:12 and 65:33 10k and half marathon PBs came from, along with his enviable success on the country over the years, which includes an English National Cross Country title and a World Cross Country vest in 2015.

Photo: Adrian Royle

Sub-5min tempo runs certainly help when it comes to preparing athletes of Hulson’s calibre for the international stage.

He goes into more detail: “On session days I’ll head straight to the track or a road loop. These days are chosen simply when I feel I’m ready for a session, which is usually Tuesdays and Fridays.

“There will be one aerobic-based session, such as an 8 mile tempo at sub-5min pace. If I find this comfortable I know I’m fit and it’s a session that will give me confidence. 

“Then there will be more speed endurance-based sessions, such as 600m or 200m reps. Hills are a common session too. Then on a Sunday I’ll do a long run with a progression in there somewhere. Slow runs are done in the morning when I’m half asleep!”

2019 goals for the Liverpool Harrier international

2019 has already proved a fruitful year for the former Sale Harrier who cut his athletics teeth on the track and country in his younger years.

He kicked off his competitive season with a strong run at the Great Stirling Cross Country International, followed by another good outing at the Belfast Cross Challenge race, finishing second Brit behind Sam Stabler.

What’s next for the man who is determined to do things his own way?

“This year I’m training towards 10k on the roads,” he reveals. “I believe this could transfer onto the track where I will be running a 10,000m debut. I’ll see where it takes me but, as I said, I’m patient and I don’t really see any limits as long as I keep just doing what I do.”

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Britain’s top cross country runners will race at Loughborough’s Prestwold Hall on Saturday (March 9), with many eyeing a spot on the GB team for the World Cross Country Championships later this month.

Making the team for the biannual global championships will be the main goal. However, there are also Inter-Counties and overall British Athletics Cross Challenge titles to be decided.

The race distance was equalled to 10km for senior men and women at the last World Cross Country Championships, and this weekend, both men and women will run the same distance for the first time at the Inter-Counties ahead of the Aarhus hosted event.

Mahamed Mahamed, who is the defending Inter-Counties champion, delivered a golden performance at the English National two weeks ago to add the senior men’s national crown to the under-20 title he won a year ago.

Photo: Andy Peat

The Southampton athlete will aim to secure his spot on the plane to Aarhus this weekend and among the top names he’ll face are Marc Scott, Ross Millington and possibly Charlie Hulson.

All three competed for GB at December’s European Cross Country Championships, with US-based Scott the first British finisher in ninth place.

Millington will also fancy his chances on Saturday after winning the Euro Trials in Liverpool, while Hulson won the first Cross Challenge fixture in Cardiff last October.

Another athlete who will be right in the mix is Sam Stabler – a runner-up in Loughborough 12 months ago. Stabler returned to action in January after injury setbacks to take maximum Cross Challenge points at the Nothern Ireland International Cross Country.

Other leading entries in the senior men’s race include Scottish National Cross Country champion Adam Craig, who has been in excellent form, Andrew Heyes, Adam Hickey, Alex Teuten, Midlands champion Jack Gray, John Millar and Patrick Dever.

Kate Avery and recently crowned English National champion Emily Hosker-Thornhill head the entries in the senior women’s race.

Avery has been the most consistent performer this season across the Cross Challenge series following strong performances in all four events, including the top prizes in Milton Keynes and Cardiff.

Denmark’s Anna Moller, who is ineligible in the Cross Challenge, was the sole athlete ahead of Avery in Cardiff, with Hosker-Thornhill next across the finish line.

Prior to her superb win at the English National, Aldershot’s Hosker-Thornhill was the first British finisher at the Northern Ireland International Cross Country.

Photo: Pete Brown

British Euro cross representatives Jess Piasecki and Verity Ockenden will also be in contention, while fellow team silver medalist in Tilburg, Pippa Woolven, is set to miss out due to illness.

Piasecki finished second and third at Milton Keynes and Liverpool during the Cross Challenge series, while Ockenden also starred in Liverpool taking the runner-up spot.

Other runners hoping to be in the mix include Jess Judd, Mhairi Maclennan, Welsh cross country champion Jenny Nesbitt, Louise Small and Naomi Taschimowitz.

Also among the leading entries are four of the top six placed athletes at Prestwold Hall last year; Gemma Steel, Abbie Donnelly, Claire Duck and Amy Griffiths.

Ahead of Saturday, Mahamed and Hulson share the top spot in the senior men’s Cross Challenge series, while Avery heads the women’s standing.

After some confusion about the number of senior athletes going to the World Cross Country Championships, British Athletics clarified its intentions to send full teams, up to six per team, with the top two in each senior race guaranteed selection.

Meanwhile, in the junior races, the top three finishers gain automatic qualification for Aarhus.

After winning the English National under-20 crown Rory Leonard is the standout entry in the men’s race. Among those joining him on Saturday are Zak Mahamed, Matt Willis, Jack Meijer and Benjamin West.

In the junior women’s race, Grace Brock is a strong favourite after an impressive cross country season that included silver at the English National a fortnight ago.

The Cornwall athlete currently leads the Cross Challenge standings and her challengers this weekend include Amelia Samuels, Becky Briggs, Grace Copeland, Eloise Walker and Naomi Lang.

The men’s under-20 event at 11.00am is the first race of the day, with the action in Loughborough concluding with the senior men’s race at 2:45pm.

Event timetable

11.00am: Under-20 men – 8km
11.30am: Under-13 boys – 3km
11.45am: Senior women – 10km
12.35pm: Under-15 boys – 4km
12.55pm: Under-17 women – 5km
1.15pm: Under-20 women – 6km
1.40pm: Under-13 girls – 3km
2.00pm: Under-17 men – 6km
2.20pm: Under-15 girls – 4km
2.45pm: Senior men – 10km

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Dewi Griffiths and Charlotte Arter are among the leading names announced for the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run on Sunday, March 31.

The race will host the Welsh 10km Championships and will act as the first fixture in Run 4 Wales’ Healthspan Wales 10K Series.

Griffiths will return to the flat and fast race around Cardiff Bay after last starring there in 2017 when he set the course record of 29:08. The Swansea Harrier will contest the 2019 edition following a return to shape which includes a 61:44 clocking for the Half Marathon at Houston in January and a seventh Welsh Cross Country title.

Charlie Hulson will return as the reigning champion at the end of what has been a successful Cross Country season for the Liverpool Harrier who finished 17th at the Spar European Cross Country Championships in Tilburg and sixth at the IAAF Permit race in Belfast.

Ieuan Thomas has previously run 29:13 and along with fellow Commonwealth Games Athletes Jon Hopkins and Josh Griffiths who was the 2017 British Marathon Champion, will line up in Cardiff.

Matt Clowes was second last year and will race along with Cardiff AAC clubmate Jake Smith who finished just ahead of him at the recent Speedway 10k in 29:45.

2012 Olympian Scott Overall is also entered and may look to improve on his third place finish from last year as part of his preparation for the Boston Marathon in mid-April.

Kieran Clements has an impressive set of PB’s which include a sub 14 minute 5,000m best and a 28:37 clocking for 10,000m on the track. Tom Merson, Shaun Antell and John McDonnell are amongst a further six athletes in the field that have also run sub 30 minutes for the distance in the past.

RELATED: Davis and Hulson victorious at 2018 Cardiff Bay 10km

Photo: Paul Stillman

The women’s race is set to be equally strong with a mix of the top Welsh talent, a selection of the top British athletes and even a Belgian International.

Arter will race in Cardiff Bay looking to record a time as an indicator of shape over 10km following her Welsh record run at the Barcelona Half Marathon in early February. Her time of 69:41 was the fastest by a British athlete since 2015 and took her to eighth place on the all time list of British performers.

Her greatest rival may be the clock on March 31, but the fiercest competition could come from fellow Welsh International Elinor Kirk. Kirk competed for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast over the Marathon distance. Her best time of 32:35 for 10km makes her the third fastest on paper based on current entries.

Belgian 5000m champion Nina Lauwaert will also race in Cardiff along with Kate Reed of Bristol & West AC who is the fastest on paper with a 32:07 clocking to her name.

2018 champion Eleanor Whyman-Davis will return to defend her title and the Cornish speedster told Fast Running: “Cardiff will be the last sharpener before the London marathon and breaking 33 minutes would be really nice.

“I’m in better shape than last year, but hopefully the wind across the barrage is kind.”

Whyman-Davis will be joined by Rachel Felton, Kate Maltby and Leigh Lattimore who have also all run sub 34 minutes in the past.

Further Welsh interest will sit with Clara Evans who stormed to a 72:52 clocking over the half marathon in Barcelona, 2016 Welsh Cross Country Champion Beth Kidger and with Natasha Cockram who became the fourth fastest Welsh Marathoner of all time at Houston earlier this year with a mark of 2:34.18.

RELATED: Read the full 2018 Cardiff Bay 10km race report 

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Some of the fastest athletes from the UK, Ireland and further afield are ready to race at the 29th edition of the Armagh International Road Races on Thursday (February 14).

Last year in the cathedral city, Sam Stabler led home a record 93 men under the 15-minute mark in the Brooks men’s 5k, while Laura Weightman was at the forefront as 34 women dipped inside 10-minutes in the Intersport women’s 3k.

Stabler clocked 13:59 to clinch the win and returns to defend his crown against another stacked men’s field. However, women’s course record holder and two-time winner Weightman sits out this year, leaving the path clear for a new champion on Thursday night.

After a period on the sidelines, Wreake and Soar Valley’s Stabler is still working his way back to race fitness, but should be in the mix for the top prize once again.

The 26 year-old’s first race back was at the Northern Ireland International Cross Country in January before competing over 3000m at last weekend’s British Indoor Championships.

Also among the leading British entries in the men’s 5k are Luke Traynor, Richard Allen, Jonny Mellor, Kieran Clements, Graham Rush, Philip Sesemann and Luke Caldwell.

Traynor produced a number of impressive runs in 2018, including a 5000m performance of 13:39.95, and no doubt aims to knock a big chunk of his 14:41 5k road best from 2016.

Joining the Giffnock North runner in a strong Scottish team is Caldwell, who ran a PB of 14:05 to finish seventh last year, and 2018 Leeds Abbey Dash 10k winner Adam Craig, who races for the first time over 5k on the roads.

Liverpool Harriers Mellor, who is also a member of the Team New Balance Manchester set-up, is another one to watch and previously clocked 13:57 to finish third in 2012.

Aldershot’s Allen will run for England and is one of the most prolific 5k road runners in the last 12 months.

Photo: Pete Brown

The 23 year-old ended 2018 ranked third in the UK after a PB run of 13:51 in Ipswich.

RELATED: Racing ‘naked’ of technology key for Richard Allen

Also set to race in Armagh for the first time is Shaftesbury Barnet’s Clements who posted a PB of 14:00 in 2018. Leeds City’s Sesemann joins him in the England team and certainly has the potential to lower his 14:09 best.

Leeds City clubmate Rush returns for the third consecutive year and has previously finished seventh and sixth, posting times of 14:07 and 14:05 respectively.

Matt Bergin clocked 14:08 to finish 12th in 2018 and features in the Irish team along with Kevin Dooney, who ran 14:24 two years ago. David Flynn and Brian Maher complete the Irish quartet.

The trio of James Hunt, Abed Teweldebrhan and Guy Smith compete for Wales, while Adam Kirk Smith, James Edgar, Neil Johnston, Ben Branagh and Conor Duffy will race for Northern Ireland.

Among the leading international entries is American Matt McClintock, who has a 13:49 road 5k best, while Belgium’s Yannick Michiels returns to Armagh after a fourth place finish last year in 14:03.

Poland’s Krystian Zalewski is also back and has previously clocked a 14:02 best to finish fifth in 2015.

Meanwhile, Fast Running’s Robbie Britton, who is more widely known for his exploits in ultra running, is set to continue his step down through the distances.

Britton recently clocked a sub 2:30 marathon and now aims to greatly improve his 5k road time of 15:41. Rumour has it he has is eyes on taking to the track over 800m in the future.

Steph Twell, Jess Judd and Kate Avery head the women’s 3k

Steph Twell and Jess Judd are the two standout entries in the women’s 3k field, however, a host of other top athletes, including Kate Avery, should challenge for honours.

Reigning British 5000m champion Twell races in Armagh for the first time – and over 3k on the roads for that matter.

Last November, the 29 year-old announced her plans to focus on the roads following an illustrious track and cross country career.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

The marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games is Twell’s target for future, and after a strong 2:30 debut at the Valencia Marathon in December, she certainly looks to have a bright future over the distance.

The Aldershot athlete, who has a 3000m PB of 8:40.98, most recently clocked 33:17 to break the course record at the Chichester Priory 10k.

No stranger to the podium in Armagh, Judd claimed the runner-up spot last year in a time of 9:03, following a third-place finish in 2017.

The 24 year-old, who has an 8:43.24 best over the distance on the track, most recently finished fourth at the BUCS Cross Country Championships.

Last year in Armagh was one of Avery’s first races back after missing the majority of 2017 through injury.

The Shildon athlete ran 9:26 to finish 11th before working her way back to race fitness throughout the year. Avery ended 2018 with a number of strong cross country performances and few will be surprised to see her on the podium on Valentine’s night.

Lauren Heyes (Howarth) and Amy Griffiths finished fourth and fifth 12 months ago and both athletes are among a strong English team that also includes Elsey Whyman-Davis and Holly Archer.

Northern Ireland 5000m and 10,000m record holder Emma Mitchell finished sixth in 2018 and is set to race in Armagh ahead of making her marathon debut in two months time.

Commonwealth Games steeplechaser Iona Lake finished seventh last year and returns, as does Leeds City’s Claire Duck after securing a top 10 place in 2018.

Also among the entries is 2017 fifth place finisher Katie Snowdon, and Commonwealth Games athlete Alex Bell, who finished 14th last year, while 2:35 marathoner Hayley Carruthers races for the first time in a 3k road race.

Fionnuala Ross of race organising club Armagh AC finished 12th last year and heads the Northern Ireland team that also includes Kelly Neely, Jessica Craig and Teresa Doherty.

Kerry MacAngus, Morag Millar and Eloise Walker join Twell in the Scotland team, while Bronwen Owen and Beth Kidger compete for Wales. Set to compete for Ireland are Grace Lynch, Emma O’Brien, Nakita Burke and Una Britton.

Poland will be represented by Mariola Slusarczyk, who finished 19th last year, while Isabeau Lenaerts and Elise Van Raemdonck compete for Belgium.

The night of racing gets underway with the juvenile races at 6.30pm, before the women’s 3k action at 8.10pm, followed by the men’s 5k at 8.30pm. The open men’s 3k will conclude the 29th edition of the Armagh International Road Races at 8.55pm.

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As previously announced on Fast Running, Emelia Gorecka and Kate Avery are among the British challengers, while Fionnoula McCormack leads the Irish hopes at the Northern Ireland International Cross Country on Saturday (January 19).

The cross country fixture will travel to a new venue at the Billy Neill Centre of Excellence in Dundonald this weekend following a 10 year period at the Greenmount Campus in Antrim.

It’s the 42nd staging of the event that hosts the only IAAF cross country permit race in the UK annually, providing a perfect opportunity for the top British and Irish athletes to test themselves against the world’s best.

As well as the incorporating the next British Cross Challenge fixture, the senior, U23, U20 and U17 races will include the Celtic International, and for the first time, the Home Countries International will be contested in the U20 and senior races following a move from the usual March date.

Previous winners in Northern Ireland include Paul Tergat, Paula Radcliffe and Steve Ovett. More recently, the 2018 senior races were won by 2018 Diamond League winner Timothy Cheruiyot and 2018 Commonwealth Games 5000m Silver medallist Margaret Chelimo Kipkemoi.

Top drawer women’s race

The women’s race win is likely to be contested by Kenyan’s Pauline Kamulu who was the fastest women in the world over 10,000m for 2018 with 30:41 and Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei who has a road best for the distance of 30:51.

Hawi Feysa is the African 5000m champion and along with the 2017 African U20 5000m Champion Mekerem Mamo will mount an Ethiopian challenge.

McCormack is the Irish favourite at this event and has won here on two occasions. The 34 year old from Wicklow has had a year long break from racing following childbirth, but was the 2011 and 2012 European Cross Country champion and has been acknowledged as one of Ireland’s top cross country runners of all time.

Gorecka is an interesting addition to the women’s field and could be a real threat despite only making one outing on the country in 2018 and not having raced since September.

The Aldershot Farnham & District AC Athlete has lots of good history on the mud however as a previous European U23 cross country champion, and a former multiple English and Inter-Counties champion.

Gemma Steel will also race and like McCormack is a former European Cross Country champion with her title coming in 2014, while Avery was the runner up in 2014 and currently leads the Cross Challenge standings. The Shildon AC Athlete will lead the England team here.

Emily Hosker Thornhill was eighth at the Great Stirling XCountry last weekend and is in the England team alongside Amy Griffiths who led the GB U23 team to bronze at the European championships.

Hampshire County Champion Louise Small is the final member of a strong England women’s team. Fionnuala Ross, who is sharing her journey this year on Fast Running, leads the Northern Ireland team after representing Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships at the end of 2018.

Mhairi MacLennan is the standout entry in the Scotland team and is another athlete who has performed solidly in the early season fixtures. The Edinburgh University athlete warmed up for this fixture by taking the Scottish Inter-District Title last weekend.

Fast racing expected in men’s race

The men’s race on Saturday will feature the Kenyan duo of Paul Tanui and Richard Yator along with Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew, Ethiopia’s Chalo Beyo and Ibrahim Ezzaydouny of Morocco.

Tanui was the Olympic silver medallist over 10,000m in Rio last August and Yator is a former world U18 champion over 3000m who has dipped under 13 minutes for 5000m in the past. He was also the second fastest man in the world over 10,000m in 2018 with a mark of 27:14 set in Yokohama.

Balew’s Cross Country pedigree was proved with a top 30 finish at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Kampala back in 2017. Beyo was the African 3,000m steeplechase champion in 2016 and should also be on hand to force the pace.

The England team will feature 2017 BUCS Champion Alex Teuten, and current English National Champion Adam Hickey, while Sam Stabler is also set to make his comeback to racing.

Photo: Zach Bridgeland

Kris Jones, who was recently announced in the Fast 10: class of 2019, is a late withdrawal, leaving Charlie Hulson to lead the Welsh contingent a week after finishing 13th at the Great Stirling XCountry.

Sergiu Ciobanu and Irish marathon champion Mick Clohisey will lead Ireland in the men’s race, while Northern Ireland’s Mark McKinstry will lead the hosts on Saturday. The full Northern Ireland team can be found here.

U20 races

Matthew Willis will feature in the U20 men’s race and likely to move to the top of the series standings with a solid run in Dundonald. Southampton AC’s Zakariya Muhamed currently sits third overall behind Willis and absent series leader Jake Heyward.

Grace Brock took maximum Challenge points at the season opener in Cardiff and will lead the England U20 Team backed up by the pre-Christmas U17 second placer Maya Todd-McIntyre.

Scotland’s team will feature Anna Macfadyen who was the fourth British scorer in Tilburg and fifth at the trials in Liverpool.

Action in Dundonald will begin with the girls U13 race at 10.55 and culminates with the senior men taking their turn in the International race over 10km at 14.50.

All of the latest news on the Northern Ireland International Cross Country can be found here.

Timetable

10:55: Girls U13 race – 2km
11:10: Boys U13 race – 2km
11:30: Girls U15 race – 3km
11:55: Boys U15 race – 3km
12:20: Open mixed race – 4km
12:50: Girls U17 race and women’s U20 (IAAF junior women) – 4km
13:20: Primary school girls race – 1.2km
13:35: Boys U17 race and men’s U20 (IAAF junior men) – 6km
14:00: Primary school boys race – 1.2km
14:15: Senior international women – 8km
14:50: Senior international men – 10km

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Charlie Hulson and Danish athlete Anna Moller took victories in the senior races at the Cardiff Cross Challenge in Llandaff Fields on Saturday (October 13).

Cardiff was the host once again for the first of five fixtures in the British Athletics Cross Challenge Series, as well as the opening event of the John Collins Gwent Cross Country League. For the first time, this year’s event also had an international element with athletes from France, Denmark, Belgium and Malta among those competing.

Danish international steeplechaser Moller, who studies at St. Mary’s University, won the women’s senior race in a time of 21:48 after a close battle in the final stages.

The early part of the race saw a host of British athletes tightly bunched with their European rivals which included France’s 2013 European Cross Country champion Sophie Duarte and Denmark’s Moller.

Photo: Paul Stillman

As the race progressed the leading pack was down to around eight athletes with Blackburn’s Jess Judd, Tonbridge’s Nicole Taylor and Moller among those at the forefront.

That group soon withered down to four with Moller, defending champion Judd, multiple-time European medalist Kate Avery and Emily Hosker-Thornhill battling it out for the podium spots, while Morpeth Harriers Mhairi Maclennan found herself running solo in fifth.

Coming down to the finish line it was the reigning European U23 steeplechase champion Moller who pulled away for the win, with Shildon Running & AC’s Avery claiming the runner-up spot in 21:52.

Photo: Paul Stillman

“It means very much to me to win today because I didn’t expect it,” said Moller. “I’m training in a new group with Mick Woods and just getting used to that training, so this was a test for me. I liked the course and the atmosphere today.

“The European Cross Country Championships will be my main goal now until December.”

Aldershot’s Hosker-Thornhill, who ran the fastest leg at the National Road Relays last weekend, was right on Avery’s heels and completed the podium in 21:54, while Judd finished fourth.

After working her way back to race fitness this year, Avery has gotten her cross country season off to a great start and said afterwards: “It was tough. I’m really happy with how I performed because I’ve just been getting back into training sessions and I’m really pleased with how I did. It wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be.

“It was a really strong field despite it being the first meet out. I thought some might not do it because it’s the first race of the campaign but I’m pleased with how I handled it.”

Scottish cross country champion Maclennan was fifth, ahead of Tonbridge’s Taylor and Irish Olympian Sara Treacy completed the top seven.

British Olympian Kate Reed, who has endured years of injuries and operations, made a welcome return to competition and finished 11th.

In the men’s senior race it was 2015 English National champion Charlie Hulson who kicked off his cross country season with a superb win.

Photo: Paul Stillman

The Liverpool Harrier, along with defending series champion Mahamed Mahamed, Ipswich Harriers’ John Millar and Southend AC’s Adam Hickey, were among a close group of seven leading men at the halfway mark.

As the 9.6km race approached the final lap Hulson and Edinburgh AC’S Craig led the pack, but there was nothing between the field and very much anyone’s race.

Welshman Hulson pulled away in the closing stages and despite the best efforts of Southampton’s Mahamed, had done enough to take the win in 29:53.

It was back-to-back runner-up spots in Cardiff for Mahamed who crossed the line in 29:54. English National champion Hickey completed the podium in 29:57, with Cambridge & Coleridge’s Jack Gray fourth and Millar fifth, in 29:58 and 30:01 respectively.

 Brock and Heyward win U20 races

Cornwall AC’s Grace Brock won the women’s U20 crown finishing 10 seconds ahead of Herts Phoenix’s Khahisa Mhlanga.

Brock, who recently spoke to Fast Running about her impressive 10k road debut, took control of the 4.45km race and with one kilometre to go had opened up a sizable gap.

The 17 year-old maintained her lead and crossed the finish line in a time of 15:32.

Defending champion Mhlanga worked hard in the closing stages to overtake Cari Hughes but couldn’t close the gap on Brock crossing the line for second in 15:42.

After finishing third last year, Swansea Harriers’ Hughes repeated her position on the podium clocking a time of 15:50, 11 seconds ahead of fourth.

The men’s U20 race was won in dominant fashion by Jake Heyward who successfully defended his crown in Cardiff.

Photo: Paul Stillman

The Cardiff AAC athlete, who won the overall U20 series last season, took the tape in 19:56 finishing over 30 seconds ahead of U17 series champion Rory Leonard.

Morpeth Harriers’ Leonard claimed the runner-up spot ahead of Menai Track and Field’s Oliver Barbaresi in 20:34.

The U17 races were won by Team Easy Lothian’s Cera Gemmell and Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC’s Mohamed Ali.

Milton Keynes will host the next fixture in the Cross Challenge series on Saturday, November 10.

*Please note all finishing times were unofficial at the time of publishing and provided by Full On Sport.

RELATED: Cross country – a look ahead to the racing season

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