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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There’s a really exciting race coming up in April, a race within a race, but it’s got nothing to do with Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. Gill Bland, and all of us at Fast Running, are getting really excited. 

A race gantry stands in the mist, the sun rising behind it. Figures can be seen dimly in the distance, getting closer, running. Fast.

Speeding towards us, silhouetted against the glow of a new dawn until out of the shadows a herd of women runners emerge, striding forward shoulder to shoulder arms pumping and heads held high, charging forward into the new decade.

That. That is what the women’s marathon scene feels like in the Great Britain as 2020 begins.

Role models for the masses

Gone are the days when there was one female marathoner we could look up to. Gone are the days when there were a couple, maybe three whose names we would recognise on the elite start list at London Marathon.

To those of us who love running 26.2, last year left us with score of fast ladies to look up to.

It was Charlotte Purdue, an established name, who first grabbed our attention in 2019 and gave a hint of what was to come when she threw down the gauntlet at London Marathon in April. Her 2:25:38 put her 3rd on the all-time list and bumped the profile of women’s marathoning up beyond that of superfans like me.

In the same race Tish Jones ran a 2:31:00 (3 min PB), Hayley Carruthers rinsed herself to get a 2:33:59 (near 3 min PB), getting global coverage in the process for THAT finish and Steph Davis of Clapham Chasers burst onto the scene running a 2:32:38 off the mass start. Not only were there some fun stories to cover, but the times were looking great too.

2019 continued apace with various European marathons bringing new runners to the fore. By the end of the year the top 50 was littered with names of women who seemed like they had popped up out of nowhere fully formed and running a storm.

However, a little bit of cyber stalking revealed that these were all women who had worked hard, put the hours in alongside jobs and families and injury rehab and all sorts of challenges to run breakthrough times that the rest of us dream of.

Photo: Leigh Quinnel

A controlled 2:30 from Twell

As well as the newbies, names that had been threatening to rise up for some time finally had their year. Steph Twell had said that her debut at Valenica 2018 (2:30) was ‘controlled’ – she backed up that claim by smashing the Olympic Qualifying time in Frankfurt in Sept.

It had looked like Purdue had her Olympic spot sewn up, with Twell being the main other contender until Jess Piasecki finally put those injury demons behind her and showed us what she had at Florence, bettering Charlotte’s time by 10s and throwing everything up in the air.

Right up until the last days of December the ladies were duking it out. In the end only a time north of 2:47:39 was enough to make the 2019 Top 50.

There was Rebecca Gentry, who kept us on the edge of our seats during her gutsy 2:37 New York performance, Jenny Spink who ran a 5min PB (2:31:14) with the most amazing grin on her face in Frankfurt, Ali Lavender (2:41:18 in Berlin) and duathlete Georgina Schwiening (2:35:22, Valencia) all piqued our interest as seeming new comers.

Elsey Davies had been waiting to show us her form for a while and finally knocked it out of the park with a 2:33:24 (Valencia) and Natasha Cockram shrugged off a nasty kick from a horse in race-week to smash out a 2:30:49 in Dublin. Oh, and then Steph Davis came back for another bash and only went and ran the Olympic standard. I could go on.

THAT finish from Hayley Carruthers Photo: Ian Walton for Virgin Money London Marathon

Not just fancy shoes

The post Is British women’s marathoning at it’s most competitive ever? appeared first on Fast Running.

Purdue, Hilland and Griffith successful on the roads

Across the world in slightly more favourable conditions, on her way to Australia, Charlotte Purdue took part in the Sanyo Ladies Road Race Half Marathon in Japan. Purdue had an impressive run to take home the win in her second best ever time of 68:45. What a year she’s had!

Also across seas was the Zurich Marathon Malaga. Becky Hilland came an impressive 4th with a time of 2:40:21 closely followed by Highgate Harrier Nina Griffith in 6th place. Griffith clocked 2:42:18, almost an 11-minute personal best! Also in the same race was Jason Porter who crossed the line with a solid 2:28:34.

Credit: Sanyo Ladies Road Race

Cross country champions crowned

In Manchester, athletes headed to Bogart Hole Clough to take part in the Greater Manchester County Cross Country Championships. The win in the women’s race went to Sale Harriers’ Danielle Fegan, shortly followed by Leigh Harriers’ Abigail Howarth and teammate Hannah Brown.

The men’s race also saw Sale Harriers top the podium. Gavin Hill was crowned county champion with almost a minute lead, followed by James Scott-Farrington coming in second. Bury AC’s Ben Coop finished on the men’s podium with a third-place finish.

Gavin Hill. Credit: Peter Brown

At another county champs in Berkshire, athletes competed on a tough, muddy course. We are currently waiting for the results to be uploaded and the results from the Dorset County Champs are yet to be published.

The North Eastern Counties XC Championships saw another champion crowned. In the men’s race Carl Avery of Morpeth Harriers & AC took home the title. Avery was followed by Gateshead Harrier Callum Johnson in a close second place. Completely the men’s podium was Avery’s club-mate Alexander Brown.

In the women’s race, marathoner Sonia Samuels took to the mud and proved her strength. Samuels finished in a convincing first place, representing Sale Harriers. Second place went to Philippa Stone of Middlesbrough AC and the bronze medal was secured by Morpeth Harriers’ Catriona MacDonald.

On the roads

Jonny Mellor broke the course record at Stockport 10 clocking 49:23 for the win with Nigel Martin (51:46) and Nicholas Barry (52:37) joining him on the podium. Veleska Wills of Derby AC was the winning woman in 61:22 with Vicki Cronin second in 63:37 and Jenny Knass third in 66:38.

Win and the course record for @jonnymellor9 at today’s #stockport10 – an impressive 49:23 on a very tough course pic.twitter.com/6EpwrkaQD4

— TeamNBMCR (@TeamNBMCR) December 15, 2019

The RunThrough Olympic Park 5k and 10k saw athletes going for their last road PB’s before 2020 starts. The win in the 5k went to Johannes Teigland in 15:39 and in an impressive second place overall and first female finisher was Ine Bakken with a time of 17:28. In the 10k it was Samuel Cornforth of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets that secured himself the winners medal in a time of 33:59, just dipping under that 34-minute mark. Kent’s Georgina Wiley won the women’s race in 38:05.

Mike Gratton coached Lauren Cooper won the Aldersley 5 Mile Turkey Trot in an impressive 28:59 ahead of Lynne Hill of Tipton (30:22) and Marie Matthews (31:31). The winning man was Luke Carpenter in 25:29 who fought off Reece Ashfield (25:50) and James Hickinbottom (26:04) to stand on top of the podium.

The Run Aintree 10k saw Ben Akin take home the victory in the men’s race in a time of 33:06. Macy O’Shaughnessy dominated the women’s race, winning by almost 6 minutes. O’Shaughnessy crossed the line in a strong time of 35:40.

The Waterside 10k Road Race saw plenty of athletes take to the roads on a windy weekend morning. The winning male was David Hudson (BRJ Run and Tri) in 33:34 and the winning female was Hannah Lord (St Neots Riverside Runners) in 40:08.

Over a slightly longer distance was the Windsor & Eton Autumn Classic Half Marathon. Rob Elmore (Leighton Buzzard Athletic Club) ran himself to the top of the podium with a time of 1:13:55 in his first ever half marathon. For the women it was Suzy Hawkins of Fairlands Valley Spartans who took the win in 1:27:13.

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World class Purdue

With the promise of another Mo-show, the men of the Great North Run get plenty of publicity but it’s the women’s race which usually offers the most interest and this year was certainly no different. Reigning London marathon champion, Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei ran the fastest ever half-marathon by a woman to finish over three minutes ahead of any of her challengers in 64:28.

Now, that’s not technically a World Record because of the elevation profile of the course (Joyciliene Jepkosgei holds the official record for her 1:04:51 from Valencia 2017) but everyone knows that the Newcastle to South Shields course is not an easy half.

That’s one tasty Chicago Marathon build up happening right there. Magdalyne Masai, who one could argue managed to fly a little under the radar in race previews, came second in 67:36 with her sister Linet following in 67:44.

Charlotte Purdue showed the quality of her build up for the World Athletics Championships later this month by running well over a minute’s PB of 68:10 for fifth place, a time which means she’s not only GB’s third fastest marathoner of all time but also holds that honour for the half marathon too. Purdue’s stunning performance saw her taking chunks out of Mary Keitany as she stormed through the final four miles.

Things are looking good for team GB in Doha as Steph Twell is also on the way there, though for the 10,000m, and ran a PB to finish in 70:52 and 10th place. Personal bests continued to fall further down the ranks with Hayley Carruthers continuing her rise in the elite field to run 71:05 (11th) and Notts AC’s Samantha Harrison should be mightily pleased with a stunning 12th place and more than three minute PB of 73:09.

It was two world records in a week for Aly Dixon after breaking the world 50km record last week this week it was the rather more light hearted record for fastest half marathon dressed as a super hero which she smashed with her 78:27.

Moving to No.3⃣ on the UK all-time women’s half marathon rankings @charliepurdue clocks 68:10 at the #GreatNorthRun pic.twitter.com/O6UQMpmYtL

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) September 8, 2019

Six in a row for Mo

Over in the men’s race there was the familiar tale of an early challenge to Mo, a brief moment when we thought it might not happen but then a confident finishing surge resulting in another win for the running Knight. He finished in 59:07 after taking the lead from Tamirat Tola in the final mile, leaving the Ethiopian to finish in 59:13 and Dutchman Abdi Nageeye third in 59:55.

GB’s Doha-bound marathoner Callum Hawkins was fourth in 1:00:39. Other performances of note were those of Sale Harriers’ Nigel Martin (1:04:13), Leeds City AC’s Derek Hawkins (1:04:13), and Bedford & County AC’s Josh Lunn (1:04:26) who formed a nice pack to get 13,14 and 15th. Abdishakur Abdulle of Hillingdon AC also ran a big PB of 64:47.

Super Stirling for Ross and Ahmed

Whilst Tyne and Wear was host to many runners on Sunday morning, there was top notch action happening even further north in The City of Stirling 10k which included the Scottish Athletics 10k road race championships.

Fionnuala Ross (Shettleston Harriers) retained her champions crown and improved her time from last year, winning in 33:34. Charlotte Taylor-Green was a good few paces behind her this year, though she would have been only seconds last year, and took second place in 34:09. Rachael Franklin was third in 34:52. Close behind in 4th and 5th were Laura Graham (35:01) and Jenny Bannerman (35:08).

For the men, Omar Ahmed finished in a much faster race than last year in a blistering time of 28:53. Grant Sheldon (Cambuslang Harriers) ran over a minute faster than last year but perhaps frustratingly for him, it still gained him the same placing, his 29:27 earning him a silver. Bronze was the reward for Central AC’s Jamie Crowe who also dipped comfortably under the 30 minute mark with a 29:49. 2018 England 10,000m Champion Ollie Lockley also finished inside 30 minutes clocking 29:54 and Alistair Hay was 5th in 30:11.

Scottish Athletics 10km 1-2-3 Credit: Bobby Gavin / scottishathletics

Brits perform on the fastest 10km course on the planet

Talking of speedy 10ks, it’s worth noting that in the Birell 10k in Prague on Saturday evening results in two, yes two women running sub 30 for a road 10k. That’s the second and third fastest times ever in the world for Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui and Dorcas Kimeli who both ran 29:57.

Clara Evans was first GB female over the line in 33:50. While the men’s race was still fast, it wasn’t quite so eyewatering, though it did have the excitement of a pace-maker who refused to drop out. Paul Graham (Pontypridd Roadents) was first GB gent in 30:49 followed closely by Norman Shreeve in 30:55 with the familiar name of Nick Samuels finishing in 31:07.

Miles on the road

The 5th Avenue Mile always has a world class field and plenty of top British talent. Chris O’Hare finished 2nd in 3:52.7 in a photo finish with winner Nick Willis and 3rd placed man Sam Prakel.

Liam Dee of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers was 21st in 4:02 and Robert Warner ran 4:12 for 24th.

Jess Judd ran a new PB to finish 5th in 4:27 just ahead of Amy-Eloise Neale who also ran a PB with 4:28.

At the Great City Games Mile Eilish McColgan took the win in 4:32.04 ahead of Melissa Courtney (4:33.73) and Amy Griffiths (4:38.95). Kate Avery was 5th in 4:40.02 and Danielle Hodgkinson was 8th in 4:51.88.

Australian Jordan Williamsz won the men’s race in 4:10.95 with Adam Clarke the leading Brit in 5th in 4:12.34. Jonmy Davis was 6th in 4:13.41 and Piers Copeland 7th in 4:16.58.

On the road around the UK

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon saw some stunning performances with Jonny Mellor winning in 64:36 just ahead of Andrew Davies in 64:46 with Jack Pickett third in 67:58.

Alison Lavender was the winning woman with a time of 77:56 ahead of Lauren Cooper in 80:39 and Ailish Graham in 81:00.

On Saturday there were a slew of Run Through races taking place in Victoria Park (what is the collective term for non-track races? Is it still a ‘meet’? Answers on a postcard). The most notable results came from the Half Marathon. London City AC’s V40 Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh was victorious in the women’s race in a PB of 1:24:20 while an even more local lady, Mandy Dohren of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC was second in 1:26:20.

Polly Warrack rounded out the podium in 1:31:57. For the men, Matt Chipping led the charge to the line in 1:11:49, an improvement on his Leeds HM time from May of 1:12:49. That said, he probably didn’t really need to charge very much given that James Sullivan was nearly 5 minutes behind him in a second place time of 1:16:32 and was himself holding off Florian Montemat’s 1:16:39 third place.

Chippenham Half Marathon was a touch faster than those London results and was won by Tom Merson (Devon County) in 1:06:09. Simon Nott (Calne RC and Ben Cole (Swindon harriers) were behind him in 1:08:04 and 1:09:16 respectively.

For the women’s, Sidmouth AC’s Kirsteen Welch was first in 1:20:15. Welch was a recent winner of the GB trial for the World Mountain Runing Championships. Bristol & West Ac’s Annabel Granger was shortly behind her in 1:20:25. She was one minute clear of Cornwall AC legend Emma Stepto.

Newhaven Half Marathon was won comfortably by Moath Alkhawaldeh in 1:08:48. Paul Thompson was second in 1:14:33 and Jacob Edwards third in 1:14:59. The women’s race was slightly tighter with first place going to Myriam Coulibaly in 1:31:11, followed by Suzanne Coer in 1:31:35 and then Nikki Schachman in 1:32:16.

Earlier in the week the Edinburgh edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self transcendence 5k series resulted in a 15:06 win for Tom Martyn with Peter Avent in second (15:11) and July’s winner Martainn Ramsay (15:43) only managing third this time. 20:35 was enough for a win for Wendy Malkin. Cath Ferry was second in 20:44 and Hannah Graham third in 21:07.

Payn inside top 10 all time for 100 miles

2:17 marathon man Tom Payn moved inside the UK top 10 all time list for 100 miles with a run of 12:25:29 at the Centurion Running Track 100. Ry Webb was the second man to finish in 13:24:58 with Matthew Dickinson rounding out the top three places with 13:51:08. Debbie Martin-Consani was the women’s winner in 16:21:03.

On the mountains and fells

Despite damp, cold conditions in Switzerland Robbie Simpson took his third victory within four years at the Jungfrau Marathon, conquering the course from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg in 2:59:29. Simpson didn’t take the lead until around the 32km mark having found it tough going earlier in the race but powered up through the final kilometers to win over 2 minutes clear of his nearest rival.

On more local inclines Finlay Wild made it ten victories in a row at the Ben Nevis Race with a time of 1:32:05. Just behind him in the legendary race ascent and descent of Britain’s tallest mountain were Lochaber AC teammateJohn Yells and Sam Fisher (Howgill). First for the ladies was Sarah Graham of Mourne Runners was first back down in an unconfirmed time of 2:12. Second and Third place are to be confirmed.

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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.

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.

Mo Farah and Charlotte Purdue took the victories at The Vitality Big Half on a bright but windswept morning in London on Sunday (March 10).

Starting by Tower Bridge, with The Shard in the backdrop, the race got underway with Farah, Wilson Kipsang, Bashir Abdi and Daniel Wanjiru straight to the forefront, with Dewi Griffith soon joining the lead pack in the men’s race.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

Following a first mile split of 4:25, the leading group of five stretched out as they came out of Limehouse tunnel and it was soon down to a group of three, featuring European marathon record holder Farah, Belgium’s Abdi and Kenya’s Wanjiru.

By mile five, Farah found himself five to 10 metres off his challengers but soon closed the gap and at mile seven as the trio came through in 32:50 before clocking 37:35 at mile eight.

Farah, who returned to the UK from training in Ethiopia on Thursday, was now right where he wanted to be, sitting on the shoulder of his rivals, and ready to produce his trademark kick.

With the finish line in sight at the iconic Cutty Sark, Farah duly unleashed his kick in a sprint finish to successfully retain his Big Half and British half marathon crown in 61:15.

Farah’s training partner Abdi crossed the finish line for second in 61:16 ahead of former London Marathon champion Wanjiru in 61:17.

Crossing the finish line in fourth place for British silver was Welshman Griffiths in a time of 63:17.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

Chris Thompson finished fifth in a time of 63:41 for British bronze ahead of two-time London Marathon champion Kipsang in 64:07.

After the race, Farah said: “The conditions weren’t great today so I’m pleased to win, although it would have been nice to run a bit faster and really test myself. I’m happy with the win and with how my preparations are going ahead of the London Marathon in April.

“I got a bit of stomach cramp at one point but it cleared up. It’s always great to race in London. I love racing on the streets of London; the crowds are amazing. I’m going to spend the next few days with my family then I head back to Ethiopia to continue training.

“The London Marathon is still quite a long way away but I’m happy with my progress and it was nice to be able to race today.”

Purdue storms to British half marathon gold

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

In the women’s race, it was no surprise to see the British quartet of Charlotte Purdue, Lilly Partridge, Charlotte Arter and Steph Twell leading the charge from the off, with Hayley Carruthers on their shoulder.

As the race progressed, Twell, Arter and Purdue had a slight lead during the first couple of miles, before the gap between the trio started to stretch out between mile five and six, with only Twell maintaining the pace nestled within a group of British male club runners.

Purdue, who was the winner of the inaugural Big Half 12 month ago, was now running alone in second with Arter finding herself in a similar position in third place.

Twell, who completed a special double last month after adding the Scottish cross country crown to the English title she won in 2010, had a sizeable lead during the early stages of the second half of the women’s event.

However, Purdue patiently worked her way back into contention before taking charge of the race with a few miles to go.

Purdue, fresh from half marathon PB of 69:46 in Japan, aggressively kept her foot on the accelerator and showed no signs of slowing down as she opened up a gap of 20 or 30 metres on her Aldershot clubmate Twell with a mile to go.

As the race approached the finish line Purdue had a commanding lead and took the win in 70:38 almost a minute ahead of Twell, looking in superb form ahead of next month’s London Marathon.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

With Purdue successfully defending her Big Half and British half marathon titles, Twell took British silver in a personal best time of 71:33 ahead of Welsh record holder Arter in 71:44.

Continuing to make a mark after her late start to competitive running was Carruthers in fourth place, running a big PB of 71:57 ahead of Partridge in fifth.

Following two impressive half marathon performances in recent months, Purdue has shown that her training set-up in Australia with a strong group – that includes 2:25 marathoner Sinead Diver – is paying dividends.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

“It’s brilliant to get the win,” said Purdue afterwards. “The weather was really windy so I knew it wasn’t going to be a really quick day.

“Some of the athletes went off really quick, but I knew they’d come back to me because the conditions didn’t indicate really fast times – so I followed my own race plan, and it paid off.

“It’s great to retain my title. I won here last year, and to win again is really good.”

In the Wheelchair races, there were victories for GB’s David Weir and Dutch athlete Margriet Van Den Broek.

The top men’s and women’s results are below.

Top 20 men’s results
1) Mo Farah 61:15
2) Bashir Abdi 61:16
3) Daniel Wanjiru 61:17
4) Dewi Griffiths 63:17
5) Chris Thompson 63:41
6) Wilson Kipsang 64:07
7) Jonny Mellor 64:31
8) Mustafa Mohamed 64:42
9) Mick Clohisey 64:58
10) Jack Gray 65:01
11) Josh Griffiths 65:36
12) Joe Morwood 66:15
13) Paul Navesey 66:17
14) Malcolm Hicks 66:36
15) Ben Johnson 66:52
16) Ben Cole 66:53
17) Alex Bampton 67:25
18) Ross Skelton 67:37
19) Maximilian Nicholls 67:47
20) Andy Vernon 67:51

Top 20 women’s results
1) Charlotte Purdue 70:38
2) Steph Twell 71:33
3) Charlotte Arter 71:44
4) Hayley Carruthers 71:57
5) Lily Partridge 72:09
6) Clara Evans 73:13
7) Sonia Samuels 73:46
8) Helen Davies 73:56
9) Breege Connolly 74:59
10) Fiona Brian 75:01
11) Tamara Armoush 75:01
12) Tracy Barlow 75:21
13) Tamara Beach 75:25
14) Dani Nimmock 76:05
15) Melanie Wilkins 76:28
16) Hayley Munn 279 78:14
17) Alaw Beynon-Thomas 80:12
18) Kelly Crickmore 80:35
19) Molly Renfer 80:51
20) Megan Zoe Wilson 81:00

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The post Mo Farah and Charlotte Purdue win The Big Half appeared first on Fast Running.

Mo Farah, Charlotte Arter and Charlotte Purdue are the fastest on recent form ahead of The Vitality Big Half in London on Sunday (March 10), but the associated British Half Marathon Championships will ensure a fierce fight for podium positions.

European marathon record holder Farah will almost certainly be touted as the favourite for the men’s British title. However, last year’s Big Half champion will have to work hard to hold off stiff competition from Kenyans and former London Marathon winners, Daniel Wanjiru and Wilson Kipsang for the overall win.

Farah clocked 61:40 to win last year’s race, finishing three seconds ahead of Wanjiru. While the British record holder’s 59:22 half marathon best proves his mettle over the 13.1m distance, Kipsang’s half marathon and marathon bests of 58:59 and 2:03:13 means he will not have an easy ride.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

Arter, who finished third last year in the inaugural Big Half, is the quickest female Brit in the field after her Welsh half marathon record-breaking run in Barcelona, where she ran a superb 69:40.

The 2018’s European Cross Country Championships’ seventh placer is a talent across the board and should not be ruled out for the overall title.

Reigning women’s winner Purdue ran a PB of 69:46 at the recent Marugame Half Marathon in Japan, notching up the UK’s 10th fastest all-time clocking in the process.

The Aldershot ‘pocket rocket’ has made a name for herself over the marathon distance, and with a 2:29:23 PB to her name alongside recent short fast speed over the country at the Australian World Cross Country trials, she is always an exciting prospect in any race.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

RELATED: Charlotte Purdue is ready for lift off

Challengers for top spots in the men’s race

Seven times Welsh Cross Country champion Dewi Griffiths is in great form, and will be high on confidence following his 61:44 to finish eighth at the Houston Half Marathon in January.

The Swansea ace’s 61:33 half marathon best is matched only by his superb 2:09:49 marathon PB from 2017. It has been great to see Griffiths return to his best following a number of injury woes which now seem well behind him.

Photo: Paul Stillman

RELATED: Dewi Griffiths reveals how he has fought back from injury

Soon to be marathon debutant Andy Vernon has great pedigree over the 10 mile and half marathon distances, and with PBs of 47:29 and 62:46 to his name he is certainly one to watch from a British perspective.

Having recently transferred his attention from the track and country to the roads, it will be exciting to see what the Aldershot star can do in London on Sunday and in next month’s marathon.

Jonny Mellor’s fourth place and 13:46 at the Armagh 5k highlights what this 62:23 half marathon athlete is capable of – both speed and endurance.

Fifth at last year’s Big Half, the Liverpool Harrier has a great history in Vitality events, having won the 2019 Liverpool Half and finishing fifth in the London 10,000m.

Multi-major championship performer Chris Thompson’s 61:00 half marathon best ranks as the fourth fastest of all time in the UK. 

Photo: Keith McClure

The 2010 European 10,000m silver medallist and winner of last year’s Great South in a UK record 46:56 is an inspiration to all athletes to never give up. He may now be classed as a veteran but when Thompson is firing on all cylinders he is one of Britain’s best half marathon hopes.

Ireland’s Mick Clohisey’s 64:25 PB certainly looks like it could be significantly revised amongst strong opposition in the English capital on Sunday.

The Irish marathon champion’s best of 2:14:55 over 26.2 miles came at last year’s Seville Marathon off a limited build up, so who knows what the Raheny Shamrock athlete can do following a more favourable training block.

Jack Gray is officially debuting over the distance but, as many in the sport will know, he unofficially won last year’s Cambridge Half Marathon in controversial circumstances.

RELATED: Jack Gray has his sights set on more than tabloid headlines

The popular Cambridge & Coleridge athlete ran the race using his colleague’s number (he contacted the organisers to let them know before the event but unfortunately the message wasn’t picked up in time), and, against his own expectations, he won in a debut 66 minute time.

This year’s Midlands Cross Country champion has been in mercurial form ever since, finishing sixth at the English National less than two weeks after posting 13:52 at the Armagh 5k.

Britain’s women fighting for podium positions

Purdue’s Aldershot club mates and fellow marathon runners Lily Partridge and Steph Twell will surely present a steely challenge that will have British athletics fans on the edge of their seats as the exciting battle unfolds on Sunday.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

Partridge was second at last year’s Big Half, and comes into this year’s race with a 70:31 PB in her armoury. While she may not be in quite that form this weekend, her recent top 10 finish at the Barcelona Half should have boosted the determined young AFD ace.

RELATED: How I train: Lily Partridge

Twell will almost certainly annihilate her 71:56 PB that dates way back to 2010 when she runs in her first Big Half marathon on Sunday. 

She made her marathon debut last year at the Valencia Marathon in a superb 2:30:11, and that PB combined with her recent victories in the Armagh 5k and Scottish National Cross Country proves the two time Olympian’s incredible range.

Photo: Vitality London 10,000

“I’ve varied my distance leading up to this race, mainly to test my different tools so I’ve dropped down to three kilometres but also have been working hard on the hills and the mud over the Scottish cross-country and I really feel like that benefits me to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me,” said Twell.

“I think the race will be a really tough race. Charlotte Purdue ran a fantastic time of 69:46 out in Japan and Charlotte Arter has run 69:40 which are spectacular times for British females over this distance. My PB is a little bit off that and I’m hoping to be holding on to the coat-tails on them if I can.”

One of the UK’s fastest of all time over the half marathon distance, Gemma Steel is therefore the quickest Brit on paper thanks to her incredible 68:13 PB from 2014.

The Charnwood AC ace has struggled to hit the same form in recent years, but if her trademark grit and determination to fulfil her clear potential in every race she contests is on display on Sunday she cannot be discounted for a podium position.

Thames Valley’s Tracy Barlow is another speed demon to watch, the consistently excellent GB marathoner recently clocking up a 72:26 result in the Barcelona Half.

Barlow’s 72:15 PB places her well up in the field if she runs her best.

Photo: Virgin Money London Marathon

RELATED: Tracy Barlow talks training and rise to the top

Also running well and gunning for top finishing positions will be Sonia Samuels and Dani Nimmock. Sale Harriers’ Samuels finished just ahead of Barlow in Barcelona in a new PB of 72:19, proof that the V35 has no intentions of slowing down.

City of Norwich’s Nimmock was 10th in last year’s Big Half in a PB 74:13, highlighting the smiley England international’s ability to perform at her best when it really matters.

Finally, Birchfield Harriers’ relatively new kid on the block, Hayley Carruthers, could upset the form books once again on Sunday.

Carruthers was the second British athlete to cross the line in last year’s London Marathon masses field when she sliced an incredible 36 minutes off her previous best to record a then PB of 2:47:47.

She has since gone on to significantly revise that with a storming 2:36:48 in Toronto when running for England.

The 25 year-old also finished ahead of Lily Partridge and Charlotte Purdue when she clocked a 74:46 PB at last year’s Great North Run.

Start time and how to watch

The elite men’s and women’s races start at 9.00am and live coverage will be on the BBC Red Button and BBC website from 8.45am.

A live stream, that will be available outside of the UK, will also be shown on The Big Half’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

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A strong British field has bee named for The Vitality Big Half on Sunday, March 10, while two former winners of the London Marathon, Wilson Kipsang and Daniel Wanjiru, are also confirmed.

Mo Farah was previously announced for the second edition of the half marathon and among those joining him in the UK capital are Dewi Griffiths, Andy Vernon, Jonny Mellor, Charlotte Purdue, Lily Patridge and Steph Twell.

The race will once again double up as the British Half Marathon Championships and the strong domestic field should see competitive racing for the podium places.

Griffiths, who most recently ran 61:44 to finish eighth at the Chevron Houston Half Marathon last month, is among those who also have their eyes on the London Marathon in April.

Vernon and Mellor are also set to race at the London Marathon along with Irish international Mick Clohisey.

Four-time Olympic champion Farah is the reigning men’s champion of The Vitality Big Half. He won last year’s inaugural race by outsprinting Wanjiru in a thrilling finish in Greenwich, coming home in a time of 61:40.

Photo: The Vitality Big Half

The women’s race promises to be an exciting all-British affair with all three of last year’s podium finishers returning.

Purdue was last year’s winner, recording a personal best of 70:29 which was the 10th fastest half marathon time in British history. The Aldershot athlete broke that PB last week at the Marugame International Half Marathon in Japan where she ran 69:46.

Runner-up Partridge and third-placed Arter are also returning while Twell, who ran 2:30:11 in her debut marathon in Valencia in December, will be making her debut in the event.

Tracy Barlow, Gemma Steel, Hayley Carruthers and Sonia Samuels are also confirmed to take part meaning the seven fastest British women over the half marathon distance in 2018 will all be toeing the start line on March 10.

Eight-time London Marathon champion David Weir leads the entries in the men’s wheelchair race while three-time Paralympic medallist Shelly Woods will be aiming for victory in the women’s wheelchair race while Derek Rae will compete in the ambulant category.

Elite men

Mo Farah, Wilson Kipsang, Daniel Wanjiru, Dewi Griffiths, Andy Vernon, Jonny Mellor, Josh Griffiths, Matt Sharp, Mick Clohisey, Henry Pearce, Jack Gray, Nick Samuels and Bashir Abdi.

Elite Women

Charlotte Purdue, Lily Partridge, Charlotte Arter, Steph Twell, Tracy Barlow, Gemma Steel, Sonia Samuels, Hayley Carruthers, Helen Davies, Tish Jones, Aimee Pratt and Dani Nimmock.

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