Yesterday saw the first edition of World Athletics’ Continental Tour Gold meetings since the Olympics, with the Memorial Kamili Skolimowskiej in Poland.

Some stellar fields were assembled, particularly in the field events of which the Poles are so fond. There was British representation in two of the distance events, led out by Jemma Reekie who took a close win in the 1000m in 2:35.47, a new Meeting Record, the second fastest of her career over the rarely-run distance.

Elliot Giles, Daniel Rowden and Jake Wightman, in his season ending race, took to the track for 800m in a packed field including Olympic bronze medalist Patryk Dobek and Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal. Roden was the first of the three across the line in 1:44.89 for third, closely followed by Wightman in fourth.

We were going to label this picture, but thankfully everyone remembered their name tags. Photo: James Rhodes

Wightman’s 1:44.97 makes him the eighth Brit to run under 1:45 in 2021, a statistic all the more impressive when you consider a twelve year period from 1993 to 2005 didn’t see a single British athlete accomplish this. Elliot Giles finished sixth in 1:45.20.

At the Bronze meeting in Padova, Italy, Charlie Da’Vall Grice ran 3:35.39 to take third over 1500m and Archie Davis took seventh place in 3:37.92.

Friday night fireworks

On Friday, Brussels played host to the latest of the Diamond League meetings. The women’s 800m was the strongest event for GB, with Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie finishing second and third in 1:58.16 and 1:58.77 respectively. It was a thrilling race with the Brits only fractions of a second behind Jamaica’s Natoya Goule who won in 1:58.09.

In the 5000m Eilish McColgan ran 14:31.26, the 3rd fastest time in British history and just seconds off her British Record. Despite this she only ranked seventh in the race, such was the quality in Belgium.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Eilish has since announced that she’ll be making her half marathon debut at the Great North Run next weekend.

Into the mountains

Moving onto very different terrain – at the Swiss Peaks 100k in the Swiss Valais, part of the Fast Running family Natalie White, was back for redemption on steep and technical trails. The event was part of a festival of running which included a 360km event, all the way down to a half marathon.

White, a former British and English fell running champ, excels in the rougher terrain and ran strongly throughout to finish third in 18:55. “It was very technical, rough and rocky,” said the Italy based athlete. “I was really happy to go back and finish this year after a tough DNF in 2020. You have to be in the right head space to go well through the long night in those mountains.”

Sat down at the finish line at 6:00am in the morning, contemplating the journey ahead to go get the car from the start. Photo: Robbie Britton

Back on the track

Back to the track but on home soil, Highgate Harriers held their mid-week Open Meeting. Parliament Hill was a peach for Ben Winfield who ran a 4:01.09 to take the honour of fastest 1500m of the night. Brogan Wallace was fastest lady in 4:38.46. Opting for a few more laps, Oliver Newton took and Carole Coulon (V45) both took home new 5000m PB’s, winning in 15:21.94 and 18:15.98

The BMC Regional Races in Exeter saw the top three run PBs in both the women’s and men’s 1500m – 4:40.22 for Nicole Edmunds, 4:40.63 for Jessica Hill and 4:41.78 for Isla Bryson. In the gents race it was Iestyn Williams with 3:54.13 , James Vaughan with 3:59.55 and Gregory Hayward with 4:00.56

On Sunday the Paddock Wood Half offered some speedy results as usual, with Nick Dawson racing home to first place in 67:51 ahead of Ben Savill (68:00) and Chris Thomas (68:08). Savill, part of the AB Training group, posted that it was quite the back and forth battle at the front with training partner Dawson and the others.

Another Allison Benton coached athlete Izzy Coomber topped the women’s podium in 81:33, beating Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh (81:44) and Hannah Roberts (84:09).

Sometimes the taper doesn’t go to plan

The ABP Southampton Marathon saw Sean Hogan take the win in 2:35:02, over 10 minutes ahead of Iain Trickett’s 2:46:16. Melissah Gibson had a shocker of a taper week where illness and hip problems meant she hadn’t been able to run much at all. Nonetheless she ran 2:54:16 to take the win ahead of Rosie Smiles (3:07:49).

The Half Marathon was won by William Cork in 72:21 and Claire McErlean in 85:55 and the 10k went to Isaac Farnworth (32:39) and Alice Burch (41:09).

Gemma Hillier-Moses came fifth overall and won the women’s race in a storming 78:16 at the Air Products Worcester City Half Marathon. The men’s victory went to Gary Whitehouse in 73:52.

The Garstang Half Marathon resulted in a comfortable first for Tristan Windley, running 74:44 and leaving Robert Bee in 80:54 for second place. Tori Nixon was first lady in 96:55. At Southport 10km Kirsty Longley took the win in 36:38 despite still recovering from at PB at last weekend’s Antrim Coast Half. The mens winner was Martin Peck in 33:19.

It was a bit of a local derby at the Framlingham 10k with Ipswich Harriers taking the women’s win thanks to a 39:44 from Alice Heather-Hayes and Ipswich Jaffa RC taking the men’s win after a 33:54 run from Cooper Berry.

At Britains Ocean City Half Marathon in Plymouth the men’s winner was Tom Merson in 69:46, whilst Ruby Orchard was first lady in 82:03. Wilne 10km always attracts a strong field and this year was no exception with Will Battershill (29:54) and Hannah Robinson (35:30) taking victory. Worcester City 10km was won by Omar Ahmed in 29:40 and Sally Russell in 41:03.

The running community shines bright

We finish this week’s roundup with a couple of moments that highlight two brilliant members of the running community and show the close-knit nature of our sport and the support it offers.

This weekend saw the launch of the Natasha Lewis Foundation, with a half marathon run in her memory. The Foundation will support young athletes and give them the chance to work with team Bath Athletics.

Lewis, who was tragically killed by a driver on an early morning run, was a shining light in the Bath running community and many turned out to honour her at the Natasha Lewis Foundation Half Marathon. It was not a day for fast times or results, more a case of of hundreds of athletes sharing a journey together. Team Bath AC’s Dan Jones and Bournemouth Ac’s Georgia Wood were the first athletes home.

The Leicester Road Running League wound up their competition with the Desford 5 in honour of Stuart Hall. Stuart was a keen member of the Desford Striders and had taken part in two of the league races this season while training for his first London Marathon.

He often ran multiple club bubble-runs during lockdown so that everyone who wanted to run could do so. His contribution was marked by a minute’s applause at the start of the race, which was won by Tom Mahon of Wreake Soar Valley in 26:56 and Charlie Nurse of Wigston Phoenix in 30:54.

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What’s Happening?

Let’s start with a whistle stop run through of the evening and what is at stake. The races are two-fold, the European 10,000m Cup and the British Championships / Olympic Trials. There are individual and team medals up for grabs in the European Cup and, whilst there is plenty of interest in this, I have focused on the domestic competition to avoid presenting you with an essay of an article. 

The first two Brits across the line, if they have the Olympic qualifier (31:25.00 for the women and 27:28.00 for the men), will automatically book their spot on the plane to Tokyo. There are also athletes with eyes on qualifying times for the Commonwealth Games. 

Wavelight technology, alongside human pacemakers, will run just inside the Olympic qualifying standard in both races, with wavelights for set slower times also. 

Who’s Racing? 

Women’s Races

Often we focus on the mens race and the fact that Mo Farah is back on track, but for us the women’s races provide just as much, if not more, intrigue and do not come with obvious choices for top-two spots. 

The European Cup squad comprises Eilish McColgan, Amy Eloise Markovc, Jenny Nesbitt, Jess Judd, Verity Ockenden and Samantha Harrison, whilst other athletes running as domestic entrants include

Other notable: Charlotte Arter, Clara Evans, Eleanor Bolton, Fast Running’s Hannah Irwin, Kate Avery and Mhairi MacLennan.

A favourite for the win?

Thanks to her 30:58.94 in California in February, Eilish McColgan goes in to the race as the fastest Brit.

For context, that time is the fastest 10,000m by a British athlete in nine years, since Jo Pavey and Julia Bleasdale at the London Olympics. I do not think it unreasonable to call the Scot the favourite to secure a Tokyo spot, and she told me this is the primary objective for a race where she has high hopes:

“I’m looking forward to racing on Saturday. There has been a lot of uncertainty about whether races would be going ahead or not which has made planning competitions a little tricky, but it’s great to see Birmingham hosting the event. Training has been going really well so I’m hoping I can have a strong run out”.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

I mentioned the impressiveness of Eilish’s run over the distance in February, which has been followed by a 14:52.44 5000m in April and a 4:03.89 1500m in May. It put her fifth on the UK all-time list and less than two seconds shy of the athlete in fourth, her mum Liz.

I asked if bettering that time is a motivator for the race, and it is certainly on the radar for 2021. “It’s definitely a huge motivator for me this year. I know I can break her PB and Scottish Record but 10,000m races are very few and far between. The focus this weekend will be to qualify for Tokyo and then my goals will be firmly set on running as fast as I can [over 10,000m]”. If she succeeds in taking the Scottish Record, it will mean she has bettered all of Liz’s PBs. An impressive feat!

How will Eilish relax before the biggest race of the year so far? A bit of music, Netflix and Line of Duty with her other half, former 800m runner Michael Rimmer. I am sure Ted Hastings will approve!

So Close to Olympic QT

Whilst Eilish is the only athlete to hold the Olympic standard, two have come very close – within less than a second – in the same race three weeks ago in California, Amy-Eloise Markovc and Jessica Judd, both in their debut over the distance on the track. 

It has been an excellent year for Amy-Eloise so far, having been crowned European Indoor Champion over 3000m back in March. That good form has been carried to the outdoor season, with the US-based athlete significantly improving her 5000m PB to 15:05.96 last weekend in Boston, an Olympic qualifying time.

Having fallen just 0.96 seconds shy of the Olympic qualifying time in California to go eighth on the British all-time list, I hope it will be a fast race to enable that PB to be rewritten. 

Jess Judd (102) is no stranger to racing well on the track. Photo: Brian Graves of MKAC

No track, no problem

I also hope it is a good race for Jessica Judd, who finished just behind Amy-Eloise in that race in California. It’s been a good start to the outdoor season for Jess, a solo 8:52 over 3000m at the Birmingham University track, followed by a stint of training and racing in the States which provided a new PB over 5000m (15:06.02, an Olympic Q) and of course 10,000m.

An impressive few weeks for the Blackburn athlete who didn’t have access to a track until mid-April, and who has a good mentality going into the race:

“I’m not putting any pressure on myself for the weekend; I still have to remember that I didn’t have access to a track until mid April so I’m just enjoying racing and training normally again! I loved racing in the US, … it was a good stepping stone for me so whatever happens this year I have achieved some PB’s, anything else is a bonus”.

How will she relax pre-race? A walk with her dog Bruce. I like the sound of that!

Making 2021 a stand-out year

Another athlete who has rewritten their 5000m PB in recent weeks to run under the 15:10 Tokyo mark is Verity Ockenden.

The Swansea athlete made her major championships debut at the European Indoors in March, where she came home with a much deserved bronze and new PB in the 3000m. A period in the States followed, including a 1500m PB (4:09.34) and 5000m (15:03.51), a 31 second improvement.

I asked Verity if that performance has given her a confidence boost ahead of Saturday:

“The 5000m PB has definitely cemented my self-belief and I feel that I am in just as good shape for the 10,000m. My aim is to gain selection for the Olympics. … Training has been really smooth with the added benefit of actually getting to spend some time under the supervision of my coach Tony (Houchin) for the last week of altitude training spent in the USA”.

TORUN, POLAND – MARCH 05: Gold medalist Amy-Eloise Markovc of Great Britain (R) and bronze medalist Verity Ockenden of Great Britain (L) celebrate after competing in the Women’s 3000 metres during the second session on Day 1 of European Athletics Indoor Championships at Arena Torun (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for European Athletics)

This will be Verity’s second outing at the European Cup, having taken a team gold (and setting her PB) in 2019. Whilst a different venue and, without packed-out spectators cheering from lane 3, will those good memories provide motivation on Saturday?

“Although I love Highgate and it will certainly help give a positive vibe to the event having been successful at the European Cup with women’s team gold before, which I believe we are in a great position to replicate this year, I’ll be focusing entirely on the present and what I need to do in the moment to succeed”. A good approach indeed.

European Cut Veterans & Debutants

Jenny Nesbitt is relishing the chance to wear the British vest on Saturday, and also to be in a strong field after solo-run wins at the Comeback 5000 (15:46.62) and BMC Grand Prix (15:40.10) this season.

“I am really excited for the weekend. It feels like a long time since I have been to a race of such depth and significance and I’m so pleased to be on the start line! It is always an honour to represent Great Britain, and it feels like a while since my last opportunity to do so, so it’s even more special!”.

Jenny has also raced at four of the Highgate-based editions of the event (2015 through to 2018), two as part of the British squad for the European Cup. Her 32:38.45 PB was set at the 2018 edition. Does this add a special element to Saturday’s race?

“The European Cup (and Highgate!) hold a special place in my heart! This is the third European Cup team I’ve been on and the last two were really good experiences! I have heard Birmingham are pulling out all the stops, and the track is lovely to run on!”

Her goal is to secure the Welsh Commonwealth Games standard (32:30), with “anything else a bonus, but I would love to come away with a positive experience”. After a 32:44 run in a field of four in Newport in March, both feel like good targets.

Exciting prospects galore

I am also interested to see how Samantha Harrison runs after her hugely impressive 69:48 at the Cheshire Half Marathon, currently top of the UK rankings for 2021. Saturday will be her debut over the distance and only the ninth track race of her career!

Athletes running who have competed at previous Highgate-held races include Mhairi MacLennan (2017, 2018 and 2019), Charlotte Arter (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019), Clara Evans (2017), who ran a 32:49.01 PB in Newport in March and Kate Avery (2016 and 2017).

Beth Kidger, fresh from the European Team Championships last week, and Fast Running’s own Hannah Irwin will be making her debut over the distance in the A race.

For the men’s preview check out the separate article here.

Timetable

17:30 – Elite para 1500m

18:00 – Men’s domestic 10,000m

19:00 – Women’s 10,000m including European Cup B race

19:45 – Men’s 10,000m including European Cup B race

20:30 – Women’s 10,000m including European Cup A race & British Olympic trials

21:15 – Men’s 10,000m including European Cup A race & British Olympic trials

How to Follow

Full start lists can be found at https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/not/event. The races will be streamed live on the British Athletics website, and I will be trackside bringing updates via twitter (@james_athletics).

The post A race to get excited about appeared first on Fast Running.

As the decade drew to a close runners were out in force to end the 2010’s on a high and to hit the new year with a flying start.

McColgan & Moore bring in the new year in style

Across the pond the New York Road Runners held their 41st annual NYRR Midnight Run (4 miles) and the ladies race was truly one to remember, featuring names that have been very present in the running world over the last year.

Eilish McColgan absolutely blew the competition away. McColgan won in 20:50 bettering the previous record set by one Des Linden in 2010. Behind her was Mary Cain, the US athlete who bravely spoke out about her experience at the Nike Oregon Project and the damaging effect it had on her health and career. So, it was great to see Mary back on the podium, running a 21:43 for silver. Bronze went to USA’s Lindsay Crevoiserat in 23:20.

Kevin Moore of Ireland topped the men’s race in 19:48 with GB’s Benjamin Toomer snapping at his heels in 19:51 and Quentin Succo of France shortly behind in 19:58.

Eilish McColgan wins in NYC. Credit: NYRR

Nos Galen keeps the standards high

Also on New Year’s Eve, The Nos Galan Road Race celebrates the life and achievements of Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân and has been going since 1958. A 5k race, it takes place around Mountain Ash Town Centre in the Cynon Valley and every year there’s a mystery celebrity runner. It’s a well supported race and one that the locals and the runners love, as evidenced by the fact that this year’s winner, Kris Jones was back for his 4th go at it. 14:15 was the time that gained the Swansea Harrier top spot this year, with a good lead over the 2-3 from Cardiff AAC of James Hunt (14:37) and Ciaran Lewis (14:41).

Issy Morris might train with the National Triathlon Performance Centre, but her road running is impressive in its own right. She ran a blistering 16:43, followed very closely by Anna Bracegirdle in 16:48. Lucy Marland of Cardiff AAC made sure her club didn’t go home without a podium spot in the women’s race either, running 17:02 for third. Nigel Owens MBE followed in the footsteps of Dave Bedford, Colin Jackson and Linford Christie to be this year’s mystery celebrity runner.

Matthew Neill & Hannah Oldroyd triumph at Lough 5

At the Lough 5, which started in 2009, runners run round the shores of Loughmacrory Lough in County Tyrone for 1.3 miles and then head out for the rest of the 5mile course. The lough-lap time is recorded as well as the overall finish. Rounding out his year with a winning moment, it was Matthew Neill (Acorns AC) who ran a 5:56 lap of the Lough and overall time of 25:00.5 to take the crown and put himself 4th on the all-time list for the race.

Right behind him was Eoin Mullan (Omagh Harriers) who lapped the Lough in 5:58, finished in 25:03.7 and goes 5th on the all-time. In third was Eoin Hughes also of Acorns AC who ran a 6:27 loop and a 26:05.5 to nab 9th all-time.

Hannah Oldroyd was back from her normal New Zealand racing-turf and ensured a triumphant arrival to NI with her winning time of 29:58.4 (7:09 lough-lap). In second was Natalie Hall of Armagh AC with a 7:38 and 30:46.3. Finn Valley AC’s Cassie Lagan had the silver spot coming off the lough-loop in 7:35 but lost a little time in the latter stages of the race to finish third in 31:14.1

Hannah Oldroyd. Credit: Lough 5

A busy start to the year on the roads

The aftermath of Hogmanay was not enough to put off those racing the Portabello Promathon in Tumbles, Ediburgh on New Year’s Day. Grant Sheldon of Cambuslang Harriers raced round the 4 mile course in 18:46 for the win, with Corstorphine AAC taking the remaining gongs thanks to Tom Martyn (18:46) and Ewan Brown (19:34).

For Annabel Simpson and Fife AC the year got off to an excellent start, as she won the women’s race in 21:30. Jill Stephen of Hunters Bog Trotters finished second in 22:39 and Chloe Cox of Edinburgh AC was third in 22:57.

It’s always nice to start a decade with a PB, so you’d think that the lure of an unusual distance like 10.55km (6.55m) was the draw for many runners at The Junction Broadstone 1/4 Marathon. Not so for Winner Chris Alborough of Poole AC who has raced the distance twice previously. He upgraded his silver spot from last year to take the win and a PB in 35:45. Jacek Cieluszecki of Bournemouth AC was second in 35:58 and Ben Renshaw of Bridport Runners was third in 36:04.

Women’s winner Emma Caplan (Bournemouth AC) is also no stranger to the distance or indeed the course, though her 41:00 victory couldn’t quite snag her a PB. Next on the podium was Juliet Champion (41:24), followed by Helen O’Neile in 42:10.

2020 started well for Annaka Charters of VP&TH who kicked off the year with a winning turn at the Lamberhurst New Year’s Day trail 10k round Bewl Water. Annaka raced home in 39:48 ahead of Tina Oldershaw (Tonbridge AC, 41:38) and Lorna Watts (Hastings AC, 42:39). Look out for more from Annake a bit further down. In the men’s race it was Jason Baker who made a victorious start to the decade in 34:53. Esmond Brown followed him in 26:06 and Stephen Walker of Beverly Athletic Club was 3rd in 36:54

Wye Valley Runners joined the NYD fun with their New Year’s Day 10k. Charlie Jones (Cheltenham and County Harriers) was first home in 34:10. Hertford Couriers’ Barry Reynolds brought home silver for the V45s in 34:27 and Brychan Price-Davies of Hereford Couriers was third in 34:50. For the ladies, Brecon Athletic club can thank Donna Morris for a gold-tinged start to their year thanks to her 41:58 run. The host club followed up that with a 42:28 from Jodie Newell and Hereford Couriers’ Naomi Prosser was third in 43:03

Serpentine AC also organised their own first-of-Jan NYD 10km jaunt and it was Charlie Sandison who had the honour of breaking the tape in 31:51. Jonathan Bradford was second in 32:01 and Harry Tullet took third in a PB of 32:27.

Emma Pallant was first lady in 34:47 a few days after her success at the Clevedon Boxing Day race, Rose Penfold second in 36:41 and Melissah Gibson third in 36:51.

Actin from the roads this weekend

After all that 01/01 fun, surely it was time for a rest? Don’t be daft! We all know runners love a double park run or multi-race week. So, it’s not surprising but nevertheless delightful to report that Annaka Charters was back out in winning form just a few days later at the Run Through Victoria Park 5k. She finished first overall in a time of 19:04, 4 seconds ahead of the male winner Dimitrios Mavridis who ran 19:08.

In the 10k edition of the race is was VP&TH’s Andre Adhkamp who took the win in 35:50 and Megan Cleary in 39:08. The Half Marathon distance had a swift field of pavement-pounders who were clearly out to show 2020 what’s what. The men’s podium all finished in under 75 minutes. Michael Hughes (also VP&TH) seems to have set a rather chunky HM PB with his 1:14:16 and was followed home by Matt Chipping in 1:14:47 and Alex Sweet in 1:14:51. For the women, it was Clapham Chasers’ membership secretary Cathryn Rees who broke the tape in 1:19:21. Harriet Freeman was a safe distance behind in 1:23:22 and Florence Beard finished in 1:27:33 for third.

On Sunday, the Stoke Stampede weaved its undulating figure of 8 10k route around Stoke St Gregory. First back to the village square (and maybe the pub) was Ian Tyson (V40 Torbay Tri Club) in 33:58. Kieron Summers (also V40) of Weston Athletic Club was just a few sips behind in 34:13, while Kevin Woodward was close enough to grab the pint from his hand, finishing in 34:19. Taunton AC’s Hannah Taunton was a clear winner with a brilliant run of 35:32 leaving her with a very comfortable margin ahead of Joanna Carrit (41:03) and Caroline Norris (41:13)

The 10ks continued around the country. At the Cleethorpes 10k Lucian Allison dove under the 30 minute mark to obliterate his competition with his finishing time of 29:40 in a welcome return to racing for the England man. Finley Thompson could only follow in the distance despite a very healthy pace which ran him a 32:52 for second, equally comfortably ahead of Caleb Stephenson in 34:10. The women’s winners all went sub-40. Leading them back was Gerogina Weston in 36:42, 2 minutes clear of Beth Taylor (38:42) and Carolyn Hary (38:57).

At Battersea Park 10km Ralph Collet was the one showing everyone how to tame the distance, being first back to the legendary RunThough flapjack in 34:01. Cleola Roscoe placed second in 34:32 and Damian Spreckley third in 34:47. Racheal Doran was the only woman to break 40, running 38:46 for her win. Over the 5k, Cyn Cano ran 19:17 and Will Adolphy 16:33 for their top spots.

As this roving, but not running (today) reporter drove past regents park this morning I witnessed hoards of runners taking part in The Mornington Chasers Winter 10k. Hardy souls braving a damp, grey morning, they deserve a mention! John Kourpas took the win in 34:30 ahead of Alex Webb (35:23) and Jon Phillips (35:37). Holly Thompson was a dominant women’s winner in 36:09 ahead of Emma Macalister Hall (37:44) and Kasturi Shah (43:34).

In Spain at the Cursa Dels Nassos 10k (Barcelona) a handful of Brits were action. It proved a successful bit of run-tourism as the majority of the gents came home with nice new PB’s to their names – Elliot Richards of Cardiff AC placed 34th in 31:22 (PB). Matt Sharp (Hercules Wimbledon) ran 32:15 for 56th place, Carl Stainton (Warely Woods Pacers) came home in 34:09(PB). Sue Exon of Trafford was the only female and ran a creditable 51:29 for her V65 category and a season’s best.

At San Silvestre Vallecana (Madrid) Ana Maria Duran-Mingo of Bristol & West finished in 38:45, Tsz Sum Fung (Sheffield & Dearne) ran a PB of 38:44. At San Silvestre Luarquesa (Luarca) Roger Farrington, V55 from Maldwyn, joined the Spanish PB train with his 18:12.

A weekend of cross country championship action

As training schedules resume and new year’s resolutions get a push start from the racing calendar on the roads we could go on forever with a whole host of results, but we’ll pause there because Cross Country demands our attention. We don’t want to lose you before you’ve heard about the storming efforts of those who donned their spikes for various county championships this weekend.

At the Essex County Champs Jess Judd took gold(Blackburn Harrriers) and our own Hannah Irwin (Braintree and District) nabbed silver – we’re excited for your year ahead Hannah! Liz Davies (Springfield Striders) placed third. Southend AC’s Adam Hickey was home first for the men, followed by Francis Conway of Orion Harriers and James Conner of Havering AC.

Northamptonshire County Champs winners were Joshua Lay for Rugby & Northampton and Helen Heley for Silson. At the Cheshire County Champs Dan Cliffe broke the tape for Liverpool Harriers. Gloucestershire was a winner for Kaitlyn Shepphard, representing Cheltenham over the SW 6.5k course and Gloucesters’ James Denne ran a 5s lead over Ben Price to take gold in the men’s 10k distance.

Nick Goolab. Credit: leonardmartin.photo

At the delightfully named Wormwood Scrubs venue, the Middlesex County Champs were a taxing 12k for the Senior men, but past English Junior XC winner Nick Goolab (Belgrave Harriers) laughed in the face of the relentless flat, boggy course and ran nearly a minute faster than his closest rival, Alex Lepretre (Highgate Harriers).

The women’s 8k course was won by Gintare Juknyte of AF&D… but only just one second ahead of Anna Hollingsworth (Serpentine). I’ll use this chance to give a sneaky shout out to the Harrow AC team (my home club) and in particular Lucy Ashe who placed 6th – a fantastic start to the year. We’re waiting on full results for the Hampshire , Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire Champs.

On a different type of terrain, the Scottish 3000m championships took place on Friday. In a field where the top 7 set PB’s it was James McMurray of St Albans Striders who grabbed gold in 8:00.38 ahead of Stephen Mackay (Glasgow City 8:13.19) and James Donald (Dundee Hawkhill 8:14.88).

The women’s race was similarly PB-stacked and won by Dorottya Csuta (Central) in 9:42.96. Holly Little (Victoria Park City of Glasgow) was second in 9:47.93) and Hannah Anderson (East Kilbride) was third in 9:52.57.

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The post McColgan wins in NYC & XC Champs are crowned – weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

Down in Portsmouth, the weekend was kickstarted with the Great South 5k Run. After a second-place finish last year, Sonja Vernikov returned with a title to claim. Vernikov did just that and stormed through the line to first place in a time of 17:36.

Following a tough battle with injury since the start of the year, Portsmouth’s own Rhiannon Dunlop made a fighting return to the road and proved her strength is back. Dunlop was second lady to the cross the line, taking home a shiny new 18 second road 5k PB of 17:41.

Completing the women’s podium was V50 athlete, Lucy Elliott of Winchester. In what was Elliott’s first 5k on the road since 2007, she ran an impressive 18:09 which puts her at the top of the V50 5k road rankings for 2019 so far!!

The men’s race along the Portsmouth promenade was just as speedy. Giving him the chance to spin his legs out ahead of next weekend’s Frankfurt Marathon, Paul Navesey ran himself to a first-place finish. Navesey clocked 14:56, proving speed is definitely not an issue for the marathon runner.

Just 10 seconds behind in 15:06 was James Heneghan. The U23 athlete ran an incredible 54 second road PB for second place. In third position was Portsmouth’s U20 runner, Sam Charig. In yet another PB time, Charig ran a 63 second lifetime best of 15:21.

McColgan dominates Great South Run

The main event took place on Sunday. The Simplyhealth Great South Run saw an abundance of strong, fast athletes take to Portsmouth’s roads over the 10-mile distance. Finishing off her season on a high, after a 10th place finish at the IAAF World Championships, Eilish McColgan dominated the women’s race.

The conditions couldn’t have been more different to those in Doha with a chilly start to the morning. Eilish took on the 10-mile challenge for the second time and defended her title from last year. McColgan ran a gutsy race, pushing the pace on from the get go, distancing herself from her opponents straight away.

After sustaining an impressive lead throughout, she smashed her mother previous best, clocking a Scottish record of 51:36 and putting herself second on the British all-time list behind Paula Radcliffe.

After a fight to the finish for second-place, it was Swansea athlete, Verity Ockenden, that secured the silver medal as she pushed away from Jenny Nesbitt in the final 200m. In what has been a successful year for Ockenden, she clocked a time of 55:15. In her 10-mile debut, the 2019 Inter Counties Cross Country champion, Jenny Nesbitt, crossed the finish line just behind Ockenden in 55:18. A very impressive debut performance!

Absolutely buzzing to come away with the win today! 3min PB and Scottish 10mile best.. Can’t believe it! Beating my mums record of 52mins from 22 years ago.

What a way to end my season! 2nd fastest brit of all time, just 25s or so from Paula’s British record! pic.twitter.com/IjAOgL0Abs

— Eilish McColgan (@EilishMccolgan) October 20, 2019

Scott beats a high quality men’s field

The men’s race was just as exciting. Whilst there was quite a pack in the early miles, it was Mark Scott who pushed away to become the 2019 Great South Run champion. Scott took the title from the 3-time winner, Chris Thompson, in a time of 46:57 with a clear lead.

After what can only be described as a breakthrough year for Ben Connor, he continued to prove his strength over the 10-mile race. Connor stormed his way to a second-place finish in 47:16. Emile Cairess gave one of the performances of the day, achieving an U23 British 10-mile record for third position. Cairess, who has been going from strength to strength crossed the line with 47:32 on the clock! Very impressive!

England team take on Toronto

Across the seas, was the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Representing Team England was Nick Earl for the men, Johanna O’Regan and Katie Drew for the women. Also competing was Welsh athlete, Josh Griffiths.

At the halfway mark, it was Wales’ Griffiths who was leading for the British men in 13th place, followed by Earl in 18th. Griffiths did well to hold onto his position and finished just 1 minute outside of his PB in 2:15:20! Earl too held onto his 18th position and crossed the line in 2:18:03.

In the women’s race, O’Regan gave a strong performance doing England proud. The Riverside athlete finished 4th in her age category and an impressive 22nd woman overall in a time of 2:45:43 and Kate Drew finished in 26th in 2:49:31.

England Team. Credit: Andy Hobdell

Davis continues her stunning form

Around the 4-lap course in Battersea park, the Self-transcendence Golden Leaf 10k took place. The men’s title went to Serpentine’s Chris Wright, in 31:12, a 21 second seasons best. Just behind Wright in the silver medal position was Paul Piper of West4Harriers. Piper had an astonishing race and ran himself to a 33 second life time best! Completing the men’s top 3, with a time of 32:16 was Paul Prothero.

Stealing the show in the women’s race was Clapham Chasers’ Steph Davis. After a phenomenal summer season clocking 33:07 at the Night of 10,000 PB’s, Davis’ strong form continues after a win at last weeks Oxford Half Marathon.

The Clapham athlete crossed the line in 33:21, 22 seconds faster than her previous best time. Davis told us, “Chinmoy races are great events, and I was delighted to run a PB as part of my marathon build. Also enjoyed winning a pineapple, as it’s my coaches favourite fruit!”.

Quick times in Cambridge

Also over the 10k distance was the Cambridge Town & Gown 10k. The run takes its competitors along a scenic route through many of Cambridge’s historic landmarks. However for our leading runner’s, the sheer speed at which the ran meant there was little time to take in the sights.

It was Cambridge & Coleridge AC who achieved mass domination across the board. After just missing out on breaking the 30-minute barrier, C&C’s Joseph Smith front man ran his way to this year’s gold medal in 30:01. A devastatingly close, but extremely impressive time which was a 1 minute 40 second PB for Smith.

Adding to the success of Cambridge & Coleridge was Ben Jones, who ran himself to an impressive 30 second lifetime best, clearly breaking the 32-minute barrier in 31:40. Concluding the men’s top three was Chris Darling in 32:01, another incredibly close performance.

In the women’s race, speedy times and lifetime bests were also in abundance. It was Georgina Schwiening of Cambridge Runners who secured first place and a 15 second personal best in 34:06, improving on her time from the Vitality 10,000 earlier in the year. The second female athlete was Emma Hodson of Cambridge University in 36:03, another PB by over a minute! The final medal went to High Harriers AC’s Rachel Doherty in 37:02.

In a weekend filled with 10k’s, The Hove Prom 10k took place. It was Matt Bradford of Lewes who took home the men’s title with the overall win in a time of 32:38. Only 4 seconds behind Bradford in second place was James Skinner. Skinner stormed across the line in 32:42, a 6 second lifetime best. Rounding up the men’s podium, was Richard Clayton in 33:12. A strong run from all three men.

It was Arena 80 AC that dominated the women’s race with the top two positions being secured by their athletes. Caroline Hoyte ran herself to a clear gold medal position finish in 36:15. Hoyte currently stands second on the 2019 V45 10k rankings for 2019 so far with a time of 35:30 behind Jo Pavey. Hoyte was followed by clubmate Tara Shanahan in 37:51. Shanahan was just 5 seconds of her best time for 2019. Completing the medal positions was Elspeth Turner of Horsham Blue Star Harriers in 38:17.

At the City of Preston 10k there were some speedy winning times. Mohammad Abu-Rezeq of Altrincham & District AC secured himself the men’s title in a rapid time of 30:59 in his 6th road 10k of the year. The champion of the women’s race in 35:49 was Kirsty Longley in her 8th road 10k of the year!!

Brits on the streets of Amsterdam

Over at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon Ross Skelton at a fine run to finish 17th in 2:19:03. Robert Wilson ran 2:27:08 and Nathan Harrison was the third Brit across the line in 2:28:33.

Hannah Oldroyd had a fantastic run clocking a negative split on her way to 2:44:53 to improve her PB of 2:45:39 set in London this year. Hannah’s performance saw her finish 11th female overall. Perhaps the performance of the day was Victoria Park Harrier Mary Hammond who destroyed her previous PB of 3:03 to run 2:49:25 to finish 15th. In what appears to be her first full year of running Hammond is clearly a huge talent. Rachel Davies was the third British female n a time of 3:00:39.

In the Amsterdam Half Marathon five of the top 10 were British or Irish athletes. Sean Renfer was the finished 5th in 69:34 just ahead of 6th placed Jonathan Johnson who ran 69:52. Luke Grenfell-Shaw was 7th in a time of 70:27. Claire Hughes was the first British female in 84:45 narrowly ahead of Emily Cousens in 84:55 with Susie Starr finishing in 85:02.

Wycombe and Wimbledon win the Southern XC Relays

Through the mud and over the hills, the South of England Cross-Country Relays took place at Wormwood Scrubs. For the second year in a row, it was Wycombe Phoenix Harriers that took home the win. The winning trio consisted of Mel Wilkins, Alexandra Cook, and Zoe Doyle, with Mel Wilkins running the fastest leg of the day followed by Zoe Doyle.

In the men’s race, it was Hercules Wimbledon that trudged through the mud and water to a first-place finish. The 4-man strong team was led by Will Woodcock followed by Charlie Eastaugh, Finn Johnson, and Ross Franks. It was Alexander Lepêtre of Highgate Harriers that took the fastest leg, followed by Wimbledon’s Ross Franks.

Congrats to the lads for winning the @SEAACompetition xc relays at Wormwood scrubs today @AthleticsWeekly #letsgoHerc #uptheherc #hercarmy #herculeswimbledon pic.twitter.com/Y8GXrrgaIM

— Hercules Wimbledon (@hercarmy) October 19, 2019

Marathons and Half Marathons across the UK

Over the slightly longer distance this weekend, was the Chiswick Half Marathon. The race ventures through one of West London’s most scenic areas in what is a flat, but challenging course. Plenty of runners proved they were up to the challenge. It was the men’s title, in a time of 1:10:54, that went to Serpentine’s Tony Payne. The runner-up was Bradley Smith in 1:13:36 ahead of third place finisher, Nigel Rackham, in 1:16:59.

Datchet’s Jill Collett ran a strong race to achieve a first-place finish. Collett stopped the clock on 1:22:00 as she ran across the finish line. Following Collett with a time of 1:23:10, was Harriet Freeman of London City AC before another one of Serpentine’s athletes, Annie Emmerson in 1:24:28.

On one of a few marathons of the weekend, the Abingdon Marathon marked the 38th year since its inception. Serpentine’s Jonathon Poole came home in first place in his first marathon of the year, therefore guaranteeing himself a best time for 2019. Poole clocked 2:29:52, just under an impressive 6 minutes ahead of second place. The silver medal went to Sean Edwards of Lytchett Manor Striders in 2:35;46, shortly followed by the Army AA Marathon champion, Gareth Crossley, in 2:39:45.

In her marathon debut, Emma Navesey appeared to be no novice at the 26.2-mile distance. Navesey lead in her brother’s (Paul Navesey) footsteps, proving marathon success runs in the family, and earning herself a gold medal in 2:57:07! Shortly behind the Haywards Heath Harriers athlete was Lisa Rooney of Collingwood AC in 2:58:27. Rounding off the women’s podium was Becky Tovey in a 13-minute personal best of 3:03:16. An impressive performance heading into the final few months of the year.

Impressive performances in Yorkshire

At the Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon, there were plenty of fast marathon times clocked, alongside representation from one of Fast Running’s own. The first female finisher was Charlene Jacobs-Conradie with a time of 2:46:50, a cracking 6 minutes faster than her previous best time! Following on from Jacobs-Conradie was Sarah Hill with yet another PB of the weekend in 2:52:21. Third place was obtained by Kate Owens with a superb time of 2:55:14. Fast Running’s Gill Bland was among these runners, giving a strong performance and clocking 2:56:07. Time for Gill to rest up now ahead of Valencia!!

The first male to cross the line at the Yorkshire Marathon was Mark Buckingham in 2hrs 21mins and 42 secs, followed by Daniel Kestrel in 2:24:47, dipping just 8 seconds under his personal best. Richard McDowell completed the men’s podium with a solid 2hrs and 25mins.

In the 10-mile event Matt Kitching ran through the line in first place in a time of 53:10 and Sharon Barlow won the women’s race in 58:56.

Our top three females are home! In first place was Charlene Jacobs-Conradie with a time of 2hrs 46mins 50secs, followed by Sarah Hill clocking a time of 2hrs 52mins 21secs and third place was claimed by Kate Owens with a time of 2hrs 55mins and 14secs. Amazing running! #YorkMara pic.twitter.com/C5Gp8h8nzz

— The Yorkshire Marathon (@RunYorkshire) October 20, 2019

In the Chelmsford Marathon it was Alex Manton who took the winner’s title, crossing the line in 2:39:02. The women’s winner, with an impressive 10-minute lead, was Emma Prideaux in 2:53:01. Prideaux proved her strong form by running herself to a 3-mintue personal best.

At the Chesterfield Half Marathon Richard Start secured first place with a time of 71:52 and Susan Lewis ran herself to the top of the women’s podium in 84:29.

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The post McColgan dominates GSR & England Team compete in Toronto – weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

36 British champions will be crowned across two days of action in Birmingham, with the championships serving as the final major event at the Alexander Stadium before its redevelopment for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and tickets are still available.

Webb and Sharp lead the challenge

Six women have achieve the world 800m standard over the last two months with four lining up this weekend. 2nd on the UK rankings behind Laura Muir this year is Lynsey Sharp clocking 1:58.61 at the Anniversary Games. Alex Bell is in fine form after her PB of 1:59.82 at the same event and they will be challenged by the likes of Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, Hannah Segrave, Mari Smith and Adelle Tracey.

Leading the charge in the men’s 800m is European indoor silver medallist Jamie Webb, with his personal best of 1:44.52 set this year the quickest time produced by a Brit since 2013. With the event seeing eight athletes hold the world qualifying standard however, it is all to play for.

2nd in the UK rankings Kyle Langford will be looking to build on this excellent 1:44.97 PB performance at the Anniversary Games. Webb and Langford will be joined on the start line by the likes of Elliot Giles, Max Burgin and Guy Learmonth.

Race for places in the 1500m

With only five of the eight qualifiers racing the men’s 800m, the other three missing qualifiers have opted for the 1500m instead. Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr and Charlie Da’Vall Grice all hold the standards over both events, three of five in total who have the world qualifier in the 1500m with all of them racing the distance this weekend. James West and Neil Gourely are the other two men with the times banked.

Just like in the 800m six women have hit the 1500m qualifying mark with Sarah McDonald’s time of 4:00.46 making her the quickest in the field in 2019. With McColgan, Weightman and Courtney running the 5,000m Jemma Reekie is the 2nd fastest athlete in the field this year.

Clarke and Seddon clear favourites in the chase

With 2019 performances of and 9:31.68 and 8:21.18 Rosie Clarke and Zac Seddon are well clear at the top of the 2019 rankings with both athletes racing this weekend.

Elizabeth Bird is likely to be Clarke’s biggest challenger as the only other athlete in the field to have acheieved the world standard. In the men’s race Phil Norman and Jamaine Coleman are 2nd and 3rd ranked in 2019 both within 2 seconds of the world mark.

Exciting women’s 5,000m in prospect

The women’s 5000m sees international medallists Eilish McColgan , Laura Weightman and Melissa Courtney as the leading trio coming into the event, with five out of the seven in total who have the standard racing. Amy Louise-Neale and Jess Judd being the two other athletes who have hit the mark.

With the likes of Sarah Inglis, Verity Ockenden, Jenny Nesbitt and Hayley Carruthers also lining up its set to be one fo the highlights of the weekend for distance fans.  We will also be keeping a keen eye out for Fast Running’s own Hannah Irwin who is having a fabulous 2019 so far.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Butchart racing the 5,000m

Andrew Butchart lines up in the 5,000m after clocking 13:06.21 in July. He will be going up against Nick Goolab who will be looking for a strong come back after a disappointing 14:27 at the European Team Championships. Other steong contenders are likely to be 13:21 man Marc Scott, British 10,000m Champion Ben Connor and Sam Atkin who currently sits 6th in the UK rankings.

World Champs places to be finalised

Major Events Director, Cherry Alexander OBE said:

“The Müller British Athletics Championships is one of the stand-out fixtures in the calendar for our sport and holds pivotal importance in the season.

“With places up for grabs in the team for the IAAF World Championships, and also several of the country’s leading para athletes competing here as a crucial part of their preparation for the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai later in the year, this is set to be a hotly-contested two days of domestic athletics action.

“In regards to engaging the local community, we are also playing host to another Couch to 5k for women only before the action begins on day two (Sunday 25 August) of the championships, with all of those who take part receiving a complimentary ticket to watch Sunday’s action.”

“Finally, we look forward to welcoming both fans and athletes to Birmingham for this bumper weekend of athletics, and once again we are delighted to have the support of BBC once again who are broadcasting the Championships across the network.”

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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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GB international Eilish McColgan ran a personal best 31:51 to win the Ooredoo Doha 10k on Friday (January 11).

The 28 year-old has now clocked a PB for the last three years at the Doha road race, posting times of 31:56 and 31:53 in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

McColgan’s previous January performances in the Qatari capital have both topped the UK end of year rankings, while on the Scottish ranks, the Dundee Hawkill athlete moves two second’s closer to her mum Liz’s national record of 30:39.

McColgan finished 10th overall, with Egypt’s Babker Abdo Koudi winning the men’s race by the smallest of margins ahead of Somalia’s Muhyadin Ismail in 30:30.

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First race in the new kit. First win. And a brand new shiny PB to boot!! I'd say that's a pretty good start to 2019.. – A tough early start in Doha, but couldn't be happier to come away with a win & new PB of 31:51 at Ooredoo 10k. Particularly coming off the back of some of my biggest mileage weeks for a long time! Must have been the new racing shoes #ASICS . . . . . . . . . #sunrise #ooredoo10k #IMoveMe #ukrunchat #runnerspace #run #trackandfield #tracknation #10k #fitspo

A post shared by Eilish McColgan (@eilishmccolgan) on Jan 11, 2019 at 10:07am PST

It concludes a great week for the European 5000m silver medalist after announcing a sponsorship deal with sports brand ASICS. The Scottish athlete was without a shoe or sports clothing sponsor throughout the 2018 season.

Meanwhile, earlier this week McColgan was among the athletes confirmed for next month’s British Indoor Championships.

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Laura Muir and Andy Butchart are among the athletes confirmed to battle it out at the SPAR British Athletics Indoor Championships on February 9-10 at the Arena Birmingham.

Double world indoor medallist Muir will race once again in Birmingham after dazzling the West Midlands crowd with two medals at the IAAF World Indoor championships last March before European and IAAF Diamond League title heroics.

Butchart has already declared his wish to win gold in Glasgow but he will have to navigate the domestic opponents to qualify for the biggest event of the indoor season this year.

Eilish McColgan, fresh from a maiden European outdoor medal in Berlin, will go into 2019 with confidence, seeking to hit the same highs early in the year alongside securing further podium spots on both the domestic and international stages.

Fellow Scottish athletes Chris O’Hare, Lynsey Sharp and Eilidh Doyle will also have the added incentive in Birmingham to make the GB team for the home championships in March.

Also confirmed is defending 60m champion Asha Philip, Andrew Pozzi, Jazmin Sawyers, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Tom Bosworth.

RELATED: Laura Muir wins 3000m British Indoor crown

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Jack Martin set a new course record of 29:13 at the Percy Pud 10k in Sheffield on Sunday (December 2), while Eilish McColgan was close to her own record – which was set in last year‘s race – running 32:39.

Martin’s time was also a improvement on his previous PB set at last month’s Leeds Abbey Dash 10k, where he finished runner up.

Hallamshire’s Andrew Heyes is an athlete on top form, and put his non-selection disappointment for next weekend’s European Cross Country Championships to one side when running a superb 29:31 to finish second.

Lincoln Wellington’s James Straw was third in 31:11, just four seconds ahead of Fast 10 member Ben Fish’s 31:15, which represented his fastest 10k of 2018.

Photo: Percy Pud 10k/Steel City Striders

McColgan appears to be unstoppable on the roads this winter. Her latest victory here represents her third title on the tarmac in six weeks, following up on wins at the Great South and the Wilmslow 10k.

She headed off second placed Natasha Hartswell’s 35:48 with ease, while Leeds City’s Rachel Friend was third lady in 36:28.

The cross country season is well underway by now, with courses finally beginning to represent ‘proper’ British muddy conditions following on from a week of heavy rain.

Heanor’s course at Shipley Park was no exception when hundreds descended on the Derbyshire venue for the latest North Midlands League fixture on Saturday (December 1).

Lincoln Wellington’s Jake Richardson took his first senior title in style when he fought off stiff competition from Heanor’s Joe Rainsford and Derby’s Joseph Kilgour. Richardson’s time in victory was 33:07 on the hilly 10k course.

Winning the women’s race was Newark’s Cloe Hubbard. She trounced the competition in a speedy 27:55 on the 6k course, with Derby’s Jasmin Cooper and Peterborough’s Chloe Findlay trailing in her wake.

Also providing a real muddy challenge to competitors was Saturday’s Metropolitan League‘s latest fixture at Uxbridge, with runners wading (and falling headfirst into) deep rivers and bogs along the way.

Rachel Thomas took victory in the women’s race for VPH & TH, heading off Serpentine’s Anna Hollingsworth and London Harriers’ Rebecca Piggott.

The men’s was won by prolific racer Paul Martelletti, again for VPH & TH, with Roger Poolman and Samatar Farah never far behind in second and third.

The latest FNB cross country league in Guernsey was held at the island’s Home Farm venue on Saturday (December 1).

James Priest dominated proceedings on the 6 mile course when he took his third cross country win in a row, securing him the FNB winter title already. Chris Gillman enjoyed one of his strongest races to date but he was no match for Priest, while Carl Holden was third.

Photo: Phil Nicolle

Jenny James took advantage of Sarah Mercier’s break from racing and, with a DNF for Louise Perrio, James took the win on the 4 mile course ahead of Emily Bookless and Mel Nicolle.

Returning to the roads there was plenty of festive cheer at the Bromham Pudding Run 10k in Bedfordshire on Sunday (December 2).

Southampton’s Sarah Kingston was the first lady across the line in 37:38, well clear of any rivals in sight. That said, second placed Freya Spruit was second in 39:59 at the tender age of just 16! Her Team Bath club mate Laura Backhouse was third in 40:56.

Avon Valley’s Michael Towler was the men’s victor in 33:15, ahead of Mark Threlfall’s 34:07 and Team Bath’s V35 James Donald’s 34:21, which represented a PB for third placed Donald.

Christmas was the theme at the Nottingham Half Marathon on Sunday too (December 2), with some super fast times earned by those perhaps gunning for their first mince pie of the season.

Caistor’s Nick Martin took the top spoils in 70:59 with plenty of breathing space from his nearest competitor. Tony Woodward from the race’s home club Nottingham was second in 72:05, while Hinckley’s Simon Birch took the final podium place in 74:54.

Sam Harrison was the first woman by a mile when she took the first lady’s prize in 83:46. Steel City Striders’ Ashleigh Barron was still a worthy second in 90:43, while South Derbyshire’s Jenny Laing did well for third in 91:52.

Valencia Marathon

Steph Twell ran a superb 2:30:12 on her debut over 26.2 miles at the Valencia Marathon on Sunday. Twell finished seventh and her time is the second fastest by a British female athlete this year.

In the men’s race, Highgate Harriers’ Chris Rainsford was the first British athlete across the finish line clocking a fantastic 2:21:45 debut, while Brighton and Hove’s Kevin Rojas posted a strong 2:22:43.

Fast Running‘s Robbie Britton, who has been sharing his journey towards a sub 2:30 marathon, achieved his goal clocking 2:29:32 in the Spanish City.

A full report from Valencia can be found here.

Podium 5k

Jamie Webb clocked 14:33 and Olivia Mason ran 16.55 as the pair took the victories at the fifth edition of the Podium 5k on Saturday evening (December 1).

At the @podium5k last night, @jamiewebb800 clocked 14:33 to take the men's win, while women's winner Olivia Mason ran 16.55 to record the second fastest time by an under 20 female this year.

REPORT https://t.co/f7YNS5dfhQhttps://t.co/2krJZbjPjW

— Fast Running (@FastRunning_) December 2, 2018

A full report can be found here.

parkrun

Sean Antell and Hayley Carruthers ran the fastest parkrun times in the UK on Saturday. This week’s top 10 times can be found here.

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The post Eilish McColgan and Jack Martin win Percy Pud 10k – weekend round-up appeared first on Fast Running.

British international Eilish McColgan and Callum Rowlinson claimed victories at the Wilmslow Festive 10k road race on Sunday (November 25).

McColgan celebrated her birthday in style winning the women’s race in a course record time of 32:39.

The European 5000m silver medalist was eighth overall, while Sale Harriers Manchester Rowlinson was first over the line in 31:36.

McColgan, who tops the UK 10k rankings this year after her superb 31:53 run in Doha in January, finished 50 seconds ahead of Bristol & West AC’s Kate Reed.

British Olympian Reed clocked 33:29 as she continues her comeback after years of injuries and operations, while Southampton’s Louise Jackson completed the women’s podium in 35:07.

For the men’s race winner, Rowlinson, it was a big personal best and his first time under 32 minutes.

Photo: Run North West

Tipton Harriers Jonathan Carter finished second in 31:52 just ahead of Preston Harriers’ Andy Benson in 31:53.

Bedford & County AC duo Matt Bergin and Alice Burgin won the titles at the Wolverton 5 mile road race on Sunday.

Bergin, who represented Ireland at the World University Games last year, was first across the finish line in 24:28, four seconds ahead of Irish international marathoner Kevin Seaward. Cheltenham and County Harriers’ Alex Bampton completed the men’s top three.

In the women’s race, Burgin was first across the line in a time of 29:05 (chip time 29:01), finishing over a minute ahead of second placed Sophie Delderfield of Vale of Aylesbury.

Nick Martin was the commanding winner at the Doncaster 10k on Sunday crossing the line first in 30:57. Rotherham Harriers’ duo Arron Larkin and Lee Milburn completed the men’s podium.

City of York’s Emma Ballantyne won the women’s race in 36:52 ahead of Keri Pearson and Sophie Darling.

Cardiff AAC’s Matt Clowes just missed out on the course record at the Cheddleton 10k on Saturday (November 24) as he stormed to the win in 30:52.

Clowes, who grew up in the village, was hoping to break the record set by Clifton Bradley many years ago.

Photo: Mick Hall

In the women’s race, Amy Neil of Newcastle AC won in 40:37.

At the Derby 10 mile road race on Sunday, Belper Ten Twenty Triathlon Club’s Andy Harding and Birchfield Harriers’ Tamara Armoush claimed the wins in 53:59 and 58:12 respectively.

The men’s runner-up was Charnwood AC’s Mark Couldwell in a time of 54:20 ahead of Notts AC’s Jarratt Perkins in 54:39.

City of Stoke’s Michelle Ross-Cope was second in the women’s race in 60:53, with Derby AC’s Veleska Willis completing the top three in 64:11.

Rob Danson won the men’s race at the Wesham 10k on Saturday in a time of 32:23. Danson had a two minute gap on second, his Wesham Road Runners club mate Gareth Booth. V60 athlete Jill Jefferson of Red Road Road Runners was the first woman in 42:16.

Pontypridd Roadents Samuel Richards won the men’s race at the Wiltshire Half Marathon on Sunday in a time of 71:12, while George Gurney and Chris Roxburgh completed the top three.

In the women’s race, Clevedon AC’s Francesca Rawlings took the honours in 86:25 ahead of Nina Wagstaff and Catriona Ward Sell.

North Derbyshire RC’s Richard Start was first across the finish line at Derbyshire’s Clowne Half Marathon in a time of 74:09, while Rosie Haddock was the first woman in 87:05 (chip time).

Dorset Doddlers’ Iain Trickett won a close race at the Boscombe 10k in 34:08 with only six seconds separating the top four men. Bournemouth AC’s Emma Caplan won the women’s race in 39:07 ahead of Diana Leggott.

At the Manchester Road Race in Connecticut, USA on Thursday (November 22), Andy Butchart continued his return from injury with a 21:45 clocking over the 4.7 miles course to finish third.

The popular Thanksgiving Day race was won by Edward Cheserek in a course record 21:16.

Liverpool Cross Challenge, including Euro Trials

Charlotte Arter and Ross Millington claimed the victories in the senior races at the Liverpool Cross Challenge at Sefton Park on Saturday.

With athletes battling for places on the British senior, under-23 and under-20 teams for next month’s European Cross Country Championships, the competition was fierce as expected.

The full report from Liverpool can be found here.

parkrun

City of Norwich athlete Iona Lake ran 17:06 at Norwich parkrun to record the fastest women’s time across the UK on Saturday, while Ewan Cameron, Jonathan Cornish and Ronny Wilson all ran 15:18 to share the men’s top parkrun spot.

The UK parkrun top 10 can be found here.

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 Eilish McColgan and Callum Rowlinson win in Wilmslow – weekend round-up appeared first on Fast Running.