Excellent fields have been compiled for races over distances between 400m and 5000m at a venue that has been hosting BMC meetings for over 40 years. Races are set to run between 16:30 and 21:20 with all the action to be streamed live on Vinco.

It is, of course, the first BMC Grand Prix of this Olympic year. For those who believe in such things, you might be interested to know that in the first Grand Prix of 2012, winners of four of the six events went on to qualify for the London Olympics (Lynsey Sharp, 800m; Laura Weightman, 1500m; Ross Murray, 1500m; and Jo Pavey, 5000m). The other two winners were elite athletes from abroad. Will similar patterns emerge this year?

This is probably the strongest domestic track meeting of the year so far, and to whet your appetite I will take you on a stat-filled run through of some of those expected to be in action and particular times to keep an eye on. I will also be there providing updates on the night via social media (details at the end).

Men’s 5000m

European U23 Championships Standard: 13:53.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 13:55.00
European U20 Championships Standard: 14:25.00
BMC Record: 13:21.17, Micha Kogo (Kenya), 2005 (member record 13:28.22, Kris Bowditch, 2000)

The men’s 5000m may provide the strongest depth of Saturday’s action, with a who’s-who of British middle-distance athletes entered including ten who have run inside 14:00 and two under 13:30.

Based on PBs, Jonathan Davies is the leading entrant thanks to his 13:23.94 best. The Reading / University of Birmingham athlete has a number of accolades on his racing resume, including 2015 European U23 Cross County Champion, silver (5000m) and bronze (1500m) at the 2017 World University Games and 2020 British Indoor Champion over 3000m. His outdoor season got off to a winning start with victory over 3000m on his home track at Birmingham University last month, his 30th appearance at a BMC event. He will be looking to continue the winning trend on Saturday.

There will be tough competition, however, including sub-14 men Adam Clarke, Jordan Crowe, Owen Hind, Kristian Jones, Henry McLuckie, Tom Mortimer, Scott Overall, Phil Sesemann and Michael Ward.

Phil Sesemann will be looking to continue his good form from the indoor season which included gaining his first British vest on the track at the European Indoor Championships and three runs under eight minutes for 3000m, including a new 7:51.27 PB. Indeed his outdoor season has started strong with a second-place finish at the BMC’s Gold Standard Race in Birmingham last month (3000m, 7:57.44) and a 13:40 at Podium 5k, just one second outside his 2020 PB. By my count, this will be Phil’s 34th BMC race since his debut back in May 2013 and his eighth time on the Trafford track.

Jonny Davies. Credit: James Rhodes

Eyes will also be on youngster Henry McLuckie as he targets a World U20 Championships QT. His PB of 13:56.20, set in March at the Comeback 5000, is one second shy of the required time, although almost half a minute inside the European U20 Championships QT. Henry also competed at the BMC’s Gold Standard Races in Birmingham last month where he took the win over 1500m (3:42.71).

Also looking for age-group qualifying times will be U23 athlete Tom Mortimer. His PB (13:43.47, set in taking bronze at last year’s British Championships) is well inside the standard, but outside the time period. His 13:39 at Podium 5k suggests it should be an easily achievable target. Tom is also no stranger to the Trafford track, taking the win over 3000m at last September’s BMC meeting.

I must also add – it is exciting to see Scott Overall entered for a track race! A man best known more recently for his exploits on the road, his 5000m PB was set back in 2008. Indeed, this will be his first race on the track in six years (save for a DNF at the 2019 Night of the 10k PBs) and only his second BMC appearance since 2006. Since then, his career needs no introduction, with highlights incorporating the London Olympics, a host of major marathons (including London, Berlin, Boston and Chicago) and multiple victories on the domestic road racing scene. This year he has taken wins over 10km at Goodwood and Kempton Park, and has the UK lead over the distance by over 20 seconds.

Mick Hill, fresh off his V45 British Record for the distance on the roads, may have his eyes on improving his sixth place on the all-time V45 list on the track, a list topped by Nigel Gates’s 14:42.67 from back in 1998.

Women’s 5000m

European U23 Championships Standard: 16:05.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 15:55.00
European U20 Championships Standard: 16:40.00
BMC Record: 14:49.12 (indoors), Laura Muir, 2017

There is also considerable depth in the women’s races over 12.5 laps, led by Jenny Nesbitt and Kate Avery who are two of five athletes on the entry list to have broken 16 minutes.

It has been a good couple of months for Cardiff’s Jenny Nesbitt, with victories on the track at the Comeback 5000m in March and the Speedway 10k last weekend (although making it clear on social media she was unhappy with how that race went) alongside a 3000m PB when coming second to Jess Judd at the BMC in Birmingham last month. With a PB less than one second shy of the qualifying standard, eyes may well be on a second Commonwealth Games and the Welsh QT of 15:30.

Another athlete with Commonwealth Games experience is Kate Avery, who finished fourth in the 10,000m in Glasgow in 2014. The Shildon athlete has no shortage of international experience both on the track and cross country, including team wins at the 2013 and 2015 European Cross Country Championships. Kate took a comfortable victory in the BMC’s 3k Road Race at Tameside last month in her season opener, her 31st BMC race having made her debut as an U13 athlete back in 2004.

Jenny Nesbitt. Credit: James Rhodes

Three others on the entry list have run under 16 minutes; Claire Duck, Louise Small and Mhairi McLennan, all of whom will be opening their track seasons having run 5k on the roads. Scot Mhairi ran an impressive 15:47 at Podium 5k, four seconds faster than her track best, and one would expect her to feature here.

Two Herne Hill Harriers will have their eye on a particular time, with Saskia Millard and Charlotte Alexander looking for European U23 and U20 qualifiers respectively. Saskia’s PB (16:02.03) was set last summer, but she needs to replicate this in 2021. Charlotte meanwhile ran under the 16:40 standard at the Comeback 5000 in March; however, the use of male pacemakers means the run does not count for qualifying purposes.

Ribble Valley’s Eleanor Bolton will be looking to improve her PB by two seconds to give her a U23 QT, and her 15:58 at Podium suggests this should be possible. Fast Running’s Hannah Irwin, who ran largely solo at the Comeback 5000 to improve her PB by over 20 seconds to 16:01.29 will be looking to dip under 16 minutes for the first time.

Women’s 1500m

European U23 Championships Standard: 4:14.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 4:17.00
European U20 Championships Standard: 4:22.00
BMC Record: 4:03.09, Nancy Chepkwemoi (Kenya), 2015 (member record 4:03.74 Charlene Thomas, 2013)

The women’s 1500m features one of the few international athletes competing with Ireland’s Sarah Healy leading the entrants. Sarah is no stranger to success at the age-group championships, having won gold over both 1500m and 3000m at the 2018 European U18s and silver over 1500m at the European U20s in Boras in 2019. Her PB of 4:09.25 is over a second faster than anyone else entered and is well inside the European U23 qualifying time of 4:14.00.

Revee Walcott-Nolan is also entered and certainly one to watch. Whilst perhaps best known as an 800m runner (with a 2:01.74 PB), she has been experimenting over longer distances in recent weeks, with a 9:09.9 3000m at the Comeback 5000 in March, her first time over her distance since 2012, and a 15:50 on the roads at Podium 5k. This will be Revee’s second 1500m of the season, having run 4:14.88 for second behind Alexandra Bell at Birmingham University last month.

 

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Two athletes will be targeting Championship qualifiers, Erin Wallace (U23) and Emily Williams (U20). Both have PBs inside the respective qualifying times; Erin has a PB of 4:12.57 and was less than one second shy of the 4:14.00 U23 standard during the indoor season. Emily took silver at the 2018 European U18 Championships behind Sarah Healy, and her 2019 PB of 4:16.89 is inside the World and European U20 QTs. However, it will be her first race in 15 months and her first outdoor track race since July 2019.

It will also be interesting to see how Issy Boffey, reigning European U20 Champion over 800m, goes in only her second race over 1500m. Issy is mixing up the distances in the early part of her season and is due to race over 400m next week. Her 4:20.67 PB was set at the 2019 Loughborough International when finishing third behind Dani Chattenton and Rosie Johnson. She’s improved her 800m PB by over two seconds since that race, and so an improvement would be no surprise. Danielle Hodgkinson is the England 1500m Champion and returns to the track after getting over Achilles issues which hampered her training in 2020.

Men’s 1500m

European U23 Championships Standard: 3:41.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 3:43.00
European U20 Championships Standard: 3:46.00
BMC Record: 3:36.69, Ross Murray, 2012

The 1500m entrants are led by U23 athlete Thomas Keen, who has an indoor PB of 3:41.44 set in Vienna last February. The 2018 European U18 Champion over 3000m has spent recent weeks training in Flagstaff, Arizona with Jake Wightman and the race will be his season debut after three indoor races in January and February. He is no stranger to the Trafford track, having finished fourth at this meeting two years ago.

He will be joined by Michael Wilsmore in his first race of 2021 and Rory Leonard, fresh from his 3:45.70 PB last month in Birmingham. The Morpeth and Hoka One One athlete is in good shape after a 13:50.22 at the Comeback 5000, comfortably under the European U23 Championships QT.

Two athletes will have their eyes on qualifiers for the European U20 championships, Ethan Hussey and Kane Ellliot. Ethan ran inside the 3:46.00 standard at this meeting in 2019 (3:45.85), whilst 2018 European U18 Champion Kane needs to take less than one second from his 3:46.83 PB set in 2019.

Men’s 800m

European U23 Championships Standard: 1:47.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 1:47.50
European U20 Championships Standard: 1:49.00
BMC Record: 1:44.75, Max Burgin, 2020

It is expected to be a battle of the young guns in the men’s 800m, as U23 athletes Ben Pattison and Alex Botterill head up the field. Both set 1:46 PBs last year, inside the European U23 Championships standard. Ben will be looking to make his third age-groups championships this summer, having taken silver at the last edition of the European U20 Championships and competed over 400m at the European U18s in 2018. He took the win at his last two BMC races (over 800m in Watford in 2019), and Saturday will be his first outing in Trafford.

City of York’s Alex Botterill has made a positive start to the season after taking over three seconds off his 1500m PB (3:49.43) at the BMC Gold Standard in Birmingham last month. Alex ran under 1:47 for the first time last summer at the Bromley Twilight meeting and will have fond memories of the Trafford track, having set his previous PB here on his last visit in August 2019. Another to watch will be Brighton Phoenix’s Archie Davis, who took over a second off him 800m PB (1:47.26) last weekend Worthing.

Three U20 athletes (Henry Johnson, Joe Ewing and Daniel Joyce) have PBs within one second of the European U20 Championships standard and will undoubtedly be looking to get under the 1:49 mark required.

 

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Women’s 800m

European U23 Championships Standard: 2:03.00
World U20 Championships Standard: 2:04.00
European U20 Championships Standard: 2:06.00
BMC Record:1:59.91, Sarah McDonald, 2019; 1:59.33 (mixed), Lynsey Sharp, 2017

There is good depth expected as the women take to the track for two laps, with six of the field holding PBs under 2:05. They are led by 1:59 runner Alex Bell, fresh off her win over 1500m in Birmingham last month in her second fastest time over the distance. The Pudsey & Bramley athlete has no shortage of experience of the Trafford track, having raced on it 16 times over the past 14 years. This will also be her 30th BMC race, and she will be looking for her ninth BMC victory.

World Indoor Champion representative Mari Smith, who opened her season with 2:03.77 at the Birmingham University last month, and Irish Indoor Champion Louise Shanahan, who set a PB of 2:01.67 indoors in February, will be looking to challenge.

Katie Kirk (who in the spirit of continuing the London 2012 references was one of the seven athletes to light the Olympic Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony), Kirsty Fraser and Amy Griffiths also feature on the entry lists. Katie and Amy both opened their season in Birmingham last month (2:05.17 and 2:07.37 respectively), whilst this will be Kirsty’s first race of 2021.

Alex Bell. Credit: James Rhodes

400m & 400m Hurdles

In conjunction with British Athletics, the BMC is also looking to provide domestic competition and Olympics qualification opportunities through the addition of 400m and 400m hurdles races to the schedule, a first for the BMC.

Stand out entrants include five athletes who competed at last weekend’s World Relays in Silesia (James Williams, Kevin Metzger, Lee Thompson, Jess Turner and Jessie Knight) and World Indoor relay medallist Amy Allcock. However, middle-distance eyes will be focused on 800m specialist Keely Hodgkinson as the World Junior Record holder and European Indoor Champion makes a (fairly) rare appearance over the shorter distance.

How to Follow

The evening’s action will be streamed live on Vinco via: https://www.vincosport.com/live/132376/. I will also provide updates from trackside via twitter (@james_athletics) and Instagram (@jrhodesathletics).

The post BMC Grand Prix Preview appeared first on Fast Running.

Reekie makes it three in a row

Away from the challenges of Storm Ciara, the golden girl of the indoor season, Jemma Reekie, proved her newfound strength once again in New York at the Milrose Games. In the space of a week, Reekie added to her indoor 800m national record and set not only a British indoor record for the mile, but also a British record for the 1500m.

Finishing 3rd in the Wannamaker Women’s Mile, she stopped the clock on 4:17.88 just behind Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen and American record setter, Elle Purrier. In the women’s 1500m, Reekie set another British record and a PB of 4:00.5, improving on the best of her training partner Laura Muir. Astonishing running from the Scottish athlete!

Chris O’Hare featured in the Wannamaker men’s mile where he was first to cross the line in an impressive 3:55.61 ahead of the Australian athlete, Olli Hoare. In the women’s 800m race, Shelayna Oskan-Clarke finished fifth in a strong 2:06.22.

Konstanze Klosterhalfen missed the European mile record by 0.12 with 4:17.26 in New York last night.

And @JemmaReekie sets her second and third British indoor records of 2020!

: https://t.co/i4aZmbMyI5pic.twitter.com/JGeSRC7Spq

— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) February 9, 2020

Copeland kicks again

At the PSD Bank Indoor Meeting in Dortmund once again Piers Copeland produced his stunning finishing kick to take victory in the 1500m in a high class field 3:40.25 kicking past Kenyan Kumari Taki (3:40.28) and Timo Benitz (3:40.33). Melissa Courtney-Bryant was a dominant winner of the 3000m running 8:49.78 beating Luiza Gega (8:52.59) and Roseline Chepngetich (8:53.63) into 2nd and 3rd.

@PiersCopeland1 so proud!! Crazy last lap to clinch it at the end! pic.twitter.com/ZkUPAWc5k5

— Chelsie Walters (@walterschelsie1) February 9, 2020

Also indoors, at the International Gugl Meeting in Linz, some impressive times were run. In the men’s 3000m, GB’s Phil Seseman ran a cracking race to come in 4th place in 7:58.09. Just behind Seseman in 5th place was Adam Clarke in 8:05.34. In 10th place, in a solid 8:35.67 was Ricky Harvie of Aldershot & Farnham.

At the BMC Sheffield Open mid week Adam Craig put in a fine solo run to win the 3000m in 8:00.28 ahead of Rory Leonard (8:27.30) and Elliot Palmer (8:37.20). The women’s 1500m was won by Ejiro Okoro in 4:34.94 just edging out Mena Scatchard (4:34.96) with Isabel Rodriguez (4:37.31) in third.

Daniel Cheeseman won the men’s 1500m in 3:53.32 in a tight race with Mark Bostock (3:53.62) and John Ashcroft (3:53.75). Nicholas Landeau was a comfortable winner in the men’s 800m running 1:52.55 to beat Jack Benstead (1:55.55) and Ryan Elston (1:56.38) into 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the mixed 800m races under 17 Keira Brady-Jones was the fastest woman clocking 2:11.64 with Issy Cotham running 2:12.36 and Victoria Lightbody 2:14.93.

Holt wins Belgium Cross Cup

In Belgium, plenty of British athletes took part in the Belgium Cross Cup in marginally more enjoyable conditions. Kate Holt put in another fine displace to win the seniors women’s race in 22:41. British athletes inside the top 20 were Izzy Fry was 4th (22:56), Stephanie Barnes 5th (23:03), Eleanor Bolton 7th (23:09), Sarah Astin 9th (23:20), Lauren Hall 11th (23:28), Carlone Lambert 14th (23:49), Amelia Petit 18th (23:55) and Emily Wicks 20th (23:59).

In the men’s senior race Adam Hickey finished 2nd in 30:12, three seconds behind winner Lahsene Bouchikhi. Again there were more fine performances from British athletes running inside the top 20 – Ellis Cross 6th (30:53), Jack Millar 11th (31:15), Jonathan Escalante-Phillips 12th (31:19), Daniel Haworth 18th (31:49), Cameron Bell 19th (31:55) and Zak Mahamed 20th (31:59).

It was a British 1-2-3 in the junior women’s race which was won by Shannon Flockhart in 16:15 ahead of Alexandra Millard (16:21) and Phoebe Anderson (16:24), Lauren O’Neil was 7th. The junior men managed a 1-2-3-4! Matthew Stonier took the victory in 21:02 with Oliver Newman 2nd (21:04), Tomer Tarragano 3rd (21:05) and Charlie Brisley 4th (21:08).

In the Great British mud

In the Hampshire League, this year’s Southern Cross Country Champion, Jess Gibbon was in fine form once again. The Reading athlete pushed away from the rest of the field early on in the race. On a surprisingly dry yet deceptively challenging course, the athlete was able to put her fitness to the test. Gibbon finished with an impressive lead, setting up a dominant Reading victory. Teammate, Naomi Mitchell put her marathon strength to work over the 6k course and came in second. Mitchell was followed by Anna Boniface who gave a gutsy performance throughout as she continues her recent progress.

It was Southampton who came out on top in the men’s race with Jonathon Roberts securing the win. The second male to cross the finish line, just 20 seconds behind Roberts, was Alex Pointon of Aldershot. Reading AC fought to stay in the medal positions in the men’s event and it was Daniel Thorne who made it happen. Thorne secure himself third.

Before the storm set in on Sunday, plenty of athletes took to the British fields to take part in their league cross country races. England international athlete, Owen Hind, took home his first ever win in the highly competitive Surrey Cross Country League. The Kent athlete crossed the line 14 seconds ahead of fellow teammate Max Nicholls. The third male across the line was Hercules Wimbledon’s Jonathon Cornish with a strong performance.

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get a couple of photos as well as race. @owen_hind on way to XC victory at Lloyd Park yesterday pic.twitter.com/LupULan08F

— James Rhodes (@James_Athletics) February 9, 2020

For the women, it was Isabel Brinsden who secured herself a Surrey League victory, improving on her second and third place finishes before Christmas. The Epsom athlete had a strong 23 second lead on Jackie Skinner of Fulham. The third woman home was Thames Harrier, Natalie Seymour.

The Metropolitan League saw some high-quality runners taking part in the final race of the league season. Elizabeth Janes (Herts) earned herself the position at the top of the podium ahead of Nina Griffiths (Highgate). In third place was U20 athlete Khahisa Mhlanga (Herts Phoenix) with a strong run.

In the senior men’s race, Dylan Evans of Shaftesbury Barnet took home the gold medal. Just 7 seconds behind Evans was Alexander Lepretre (Highgate), closely followed by Seyfu Jamaal of London Heathside.

In the Midlands Women’s League, the victory title was taken by Loughborough athlete Sophie Tarver after a strong 17th place finish at BUCS XC last weekend. Just behind Tarver in second place was teammate Giorgia Chattwood, also a Loughborough student. Chattwood also competed in BUCS last weekend and secured the silver medal in the Women’s short race. Rounding off the women’s podium was Molly Browne (BRAT), improving on her sixth-place finish in the league race back in January.

The Mid Lancs League saw Emily Japp of Blackpool Wyre & Flyde AC take home the victory with an impressive win. In second place was Annabel Ralph (Blackburn Harriers) followed by Finty Royle of Chorley AC.

The men’s event was a much closer race. Alasdair Russell (Kendal AAC) was the first finisher with dominant margin of 20 seconds. Second and third place battled to the line with Rob Danson (Wesham RR) taking 2nd ahead of Ross Campbell of Barrow & Furness St.

The Manchester Area Cross Country League women’s event was won by Sale Harriers Manchester athlete, Sophie Wood. Wood took the win from Vicki Cronin (Trafford AC) who came in second followed by Ruth Jones in third. For the men, it was Salford Harrier, Chris Livesey in first place, Nicholas Barry (Sale Harriers Manchester) in second, and Livesey’s teammate Carl Hardman in third.

The Chiltern League men’s race winner was Ben Alcock (Bedford and County AC) followed by Richard Slade (Chiltern Harriers) and George Wheeler (MK Distance Project) was in third. In the women’s event, it was Melanie Wilkins (Wycombe Phoenix) who took the win ahead of teammate Alexandra Cook. Rounding off the women’s podium was Elle Roche of Marshall Milton Keynes AC.

The senior men’s race in the Birmingham & District Invitation Cross Country League was won by Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers) in a relatively race with Joe Wilkinson was in second (Loughborough Students) and Thomas Mortimer (Loughborough Students) was in third.

Congratulations to our senior men on retaining their Birmingham League Cross Country title pic.twitter.com/PLqnGQwI59

— Birchfield Harriers (@Birchfield1877) February 8, 2020

Back on the road

In the Exeter Half Marathon, Chris Rimmer of the Tavistock Run Project was the first senior male home in 1:11:43. Finn Arentz was second home in 1:12.40 followed by Donald Brooks in 1:13.05.

For the women, Samantha Mare dominated in a strong time of 1:21.59. In second place was Victoria Hill (SWRR) in 1:25.45 and in third place was Amy Carey-Jones (SWRR) in 1:26.38.

Alassan Farah won Victoria Park 10km in 34:40 in a tight race with Thomas Lawson (34:48) and Chris Taylor (34:52). The winning woman was Joanna Furtado in 39:07 seeing off the challenge of Leah Ward-Bower (39:48) with Natalie Whitty third in 40:50. The Victoria Park Half Marathon saw Aaron Tomasz win by over 5 minutes in 70:46 with Rachel Humphrys the winning woman in 81:52.

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The post Reekie on a roll – weekend roundup appeared first on Fast Running.

This month the weekend round-up is sponsored by the Profeet Sports Lab in London. Profeet have trained and qualified technicians, with expertise in biomechanics, sports science and sports rehabilitation, who can perform a detailed analysis of your feet, ankles, knees and body before making custom insoles and selecting the right footwear for your needs.

Exciting racing on the track at the British Champs and Morton Games

The Alexander Stadium in Birmingham hosted a fitting swansong ahead of its redevelopment for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. British champions were being crowned in a host of events across the weekend, with the middle distance races rounding out the action in the latter part of the Sunday schedule.

In the 800m it was a battle to the the line in both the men’s and women’s races. Shelayna Oskan-Clarke wasn’t giving up until it was over in her sprint finish against Lynsey Sharp. Oskan-Clarke won out in 2:02.67 with sharp clocking 2:02.79. Alex Bell missed out on the Doha spot but bagged bronze in 2:02.87. Spencer Thomas took the men’s British Champion title in 1:46.79 but is outside of the Worlds standard. Whilst Guy Learmouth ran the same time, he had to settle for second place. Despite a big-up from Fast Running in our pre-race preview, Jamie Webb had to settle for third in 1:46.84

We fared slightly better with our predictions in the women’s 1500m where Sarah McDonald lived up to her promise and a convincing win in 4:22.94, well outside her PB. Silver was the reward for second fastest athlete on paper, Jemma Reekie’s (4:23.41) and bronze went to Danni Chattenton in 4:26.03. The top three men already had World Championship qualifying times, so Neil Gourley’s 3:48.36 gold, Josh Kerr’s 3:48.51 silver and Jake Weightman’s 3:48.69 bronze were possibly not surprising but certainly well earned.

McColgan and Butchart are British 5000m Champions

In the 5000m Eilish McColgan won out over a stacked field which included five athletes who already had the qualifying time for the world champs. She booked herself a flight to Doha and a champion’s crown with her 15:21.38 run to take the win over Jess Judd who will join her on Doha next month thanks to her second place 15:35.82. Speaking to British Athletics McColgan said she was particularly happy given that it was her first ever 5k title. Laura Weightman was third in 15:36.73. Amelia Quirk (15:53.60) and Stephanie Davis (16:14.06), who is part of the new Scotland Athletics marathon development scheme, both ran PBs. Melissa Courtney did not finish.

The men’s race 5000m resulted in a dominant win for Olympic and world finalist Andy Butchart, who was the victor in 13:54.29 and is now another confirmed to be selected for the World Championships along with Marc Scott (Richmond & Zetland), who came second in 14:01.48, with Ben Connor (Steve Vernon, Derby) clinching bronze in 14:04.33. Buoyed by recent performances that have now seen him revise his lifetime best and claim yet another British title, Butchart spoke afterwards

“When everyone’s looking at you, I guess there is a bit more pressure. Nothing really happened in the race, it just played into my hands so it was quite nice to get the win and come away with what I was expecting. “A confident mindset in the past few races I’ve had has definitely helped me. I’ve had good races all year this year but I’ll be trying to get even fitter and hopefully will go into Doha even more confident. Medals are always up for grabs.”

The gents have been fighting all the way to the finish this week with photo finishes on and off the track. Earlier in the week in Dublin the Morton Games welcomed athletes from around the world. In the Men’s 5000m Australia’s Pat Tiernan was victorious in 13:28.41. Mike Foppen (NED) took the silver medal in 13:30.02 and, in a theme which dominates our roundup this week, there was a squeaky-close finish with the bronze medal just one hundredth of a second later in 13:30.03 for France’s Francois Barrier. Sam Atkin (Lincoln Wellington) was first home for GB in 13:47.56 for 8th place.

The meet doesn’t have a women’s 5000m but they did race over 1500m. The USA made a clean sweep of the podium with Elinor Purrier, Elise Cranny and Cory McGee taking 1-2-3 in 4:08.59, 4:09.01 and 4:09.06 respectively. There were no GB athletes in the race and sadly the two irish entrants DNF’d.

100 mile world record is broken!

American ultra runner Zach Bitter broke the 100 mile world record with an astonishing average pace of 6:48/mile to complete the distance in 11:19:18 at the Dome event in Pettit National Ice Center in Wisconsin. A full report on Bitter’s record can be seen here.

Feeling the heat on the roads

5ks were also action all round the country again this week, with various race series reaching their finale ahead of the autumn season.

In Westbury, the Avon Valley Runners hosted their fourth and final 5k of the summer. Harry Allen, Jack Bancroft and Alex Bampton took the Westbury 5k series out on a high. Speedy new PBs were achieved by three of them as they took their podium spots. Allen and Bancroft secured a one-two finish for Bristol and West AC with their 14:30 and 14:38. Bampton ran 14:51 for a third place for Highgate.

It was a successful event for the women too as Abigail Woolaston of Andover AC ran her first recorded 5k race and won it in 18:09. Bethan Francis of home-club AVR was a good way behind her in 18:52. Fellow AVR-er Veryan Cranston was nipping at her heels to take third in 18:58

Cardigan RC’s Poppit Sands 5k was a winner for Rachel Davies of Swansea Harriers in 19:27 and comfortably so. Llinos Jones also of Swansea was second in 20:53. Eton Manor’s Jenny Haymann finished third in 21:45. The men’s race was also quite spread out – David Cole (West Coast Tri) was unlikely to be in trouble as he finished in 16:47, a good 40 seconds ahead of Cardiff AAC’s Iestyn Edwards. Matthew Chaston came from further afield to take third for Belgrave Harriers in 17:59

For road runners inspired by the British Championships there was a mid-week meet available for them to test their mettle. The BRAT summerfield Smask 5k boasts a no-nonsense, no frills race for those who just want to go out and get a time. The men’s race was a hard fought one with a nail-biting four seconds separating the top three. Birmingham Running Athletics and Tri Club (aka the aforementioned BRAT) had their own men out podium hunting with great success thanks to Henry Broklehurst with his first recorded 5k and a winning time of 15:31.

Fellow BRAT Daniel Robinson finished in 15:34 which you’d think would be close enough for second but no! Jonathan Bradford of Birchfield Harriers charged in to separate the two and come home just one second behind the winner in 15:32. What a race!

The no-frills format clearly worked a treat for the ladies too – Wolves & Bilston AC’s Isobelle Jones took more than a minute off her previous best at the distance and won the honour of first lady in 18:20. Whilst not quite as stunning as the men’s finish, it was still a tight race for the ladies with the top three finishing within 38 seconds of each other. Scarlett Williams, also of Wolves, was second in 18:49 and Coventry Tri’s Imogen Peck sneaked under 19 minutes to take third in 18:58.

Photo credit: BRAT Club

Pickett of the bunch

In Cumbria they were running slightly longer in the Hoad Hill Harriers Ulverston Summer 10k. Again, it was the men’s race which offered an exciting race to the finish. Ross Campbell of Barrow in Furness Striders was first home in 32:31 followed by Callum Hanlon just one second later (Leamington C & AC). Oliver Gajdowski of Ambleside AC was shortly behind in 32:43.

It might not have offered a to-the-second battle with another athlete like the men’s race but Katherine Cousins had her own fight with the clock and won. She screeched in under the 40 minute mark and brought home the top spot for Lancaster & Morecombe in 39:58. It’s not her first sub-40 but we all know those seconds matter, however arbitrary the time may seem. 42:20 was enough to get second place for Hollie Black (Combe Runners). Alison King (Isle of Man AC) placed third in 43:32.

Ellesmere 10km was won by Jack Pickett in 32:37. The Wolverhampton & Bilston man was nearly a minute clear of second place Trevor Osborne (33:29) with Matthew McCormack third in 34:11. Kim Fawke of Lawley Running Clib was a comfortable winner in 38:35. Alexandra Walkley was second in 42:32 and Jemma Brown third (42:52).

At the Pikes Peak Ascent where the runners take on 13.32 miles, 7,815′ straight up, Colorado’s own Kim Dobson was the swiftest scaler of heights, finishing in 2:41:42. Joseph Gray, also of Colorado was fastest male in 2:08:59. We await news of the Pikes Peak Marathon results and whether Killian Jornet will break Matt Carpenter’s long standing record.

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Elsewhere Sammi Kinghorn makes a marathon debut in Chicago and Lauren Howarth and Andrew Heyes race in Groningen.

National Autumn Road Relays – Sutton Park, Birmingham, Saturday 7th October

The National Road Relays are a stalwart of the British club scene, and over the last few weeks the regionals have produced some great racing with the winners now keen replicate this on the national stage.

Among those hoping for top honours in the men’s race are Northern winners Lincoln Wellington, Southern champions Highgate Harriers and the Midlands top club Bristol & West AC. While in the women’s race Leigh Harriers, Aldershot Farnham & District and Birchfield Harriers lead the way as winners from their respective regions.

Trying to spoil the party on English soil will be 2016 winners Cardiff AC and silver medalists Swansea Harriers. Last year’s race saw a really close battle between the two Welsh powerhouses with little over three seconds between the two at the finish line. Swansea recently won the Welsh regional Road Relays beating Cardiff AC to the honours, with the Dewi Griffiths and Josh Griffiths running the fastest legs on the day.

Last year’s women’s 4 stage relay was won by Aldershot Farnham & District closely followed by Birchfield Harriers and in bronze Cardiff AC.

Aldershot Farnham & District women have won all but one title in the last 10 year and it’s hard to see past them winning another title this weekend.

Until 1995 the Nationals moved around different regional locations until a decision was made to host the prestigious event at Sutton Park every year.

Since 2001 the distance has also stayed the same at a distance of 5,847m with Chris Davies of Telford holding the course record of 16:25, Newham & Essex beagles are the fastest men’s team to cover the six stages with 1:43:14.

On the present course the fastest three ever men are Chris Davies 16:25 (2003) Andrew Butchart 16:29 (2016) and Mo Farah 16:33 (2009).

The women’s race is over a distance of 4,315m with Aldershot Farnham & District having the fastest time of 56:42 for the four stages. Aldershot’s Steph Twell has the fastest leg with 13:41 from 2007. While in 1993 Paula Radcliffe ran on a longer course of 4.35k and ran 13:26.

The fastest women ever over the current course are Steph Twell 13:41 (2007) Gemma Steel 13:45 (2011) and Charlotte Purdue 13:48 in 2013.

Race Schedule
11:00 – U13 boys
11:05 – U13 girls
11:50 – U15 boys
11:55 – U15 girls
12:30 – U17 men
12:35 – U17 women
14:00 – Senior men
14:10 – Senior women

Yorkshire Marathon – York, Sunday 8th October
The Yorkshire Marathon returns for the fifth time. The course has proven PB potential and this attracts a very competitive elite field and has not failed this year.

The leading entry this year is Shadrack Kemboi of Kenya. The top Britons include Ross Houston of Central AC, who comes into the race in fine form after winning the Scottish Half Marathon in 67:42 two weeks ago. Ross has a best of 2:18:28 for the marathon from 2013 which saw him earn a Scottish vest at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Tom Charles will also be looking to improve his marathon best of 2:23:55 from the Manchester Marathon last year. Tom has timed his build up well running a personal best 67:44 at the Great North Run, following it up a week later with a half marathon win in Abersoch, posting 68:27. The Britons in the race will be looking to take a share of the very healthy £10,000 total prize fund offered by the race organisers.

The 2016 women’s race was won by Sarah Lowery of Sheffield RC in a super quick 2:45:53 who finished over 3 minutes ahead of second.

Chester Marathon, Chester, Sunday 8th October
The fast and predominantly flat route is on closed roads even crosses into Wales for seven miles of the race. Daniel Kestrel who finished second last year to Ben Fish is entered and will be looking to go one better this year.

“The aim is to lower my 2:24 personal best from last year. I’ve had to adapt my training after becoming a father in January, but even with that I feel that I’ve trained much better in the build-up to this race than for London,” said Kestrel to Fast Running.

Katie Jones of Fife Athletics Club took the win last year in 2:53:36. Although Julie Briscoe of Wakefield holds the ladies course record with a very impressive 2:40:26. Marius Ionescu of Altrincham AC holds the men’s record with 2:21:25.

Chicago Marathon – Chicago, October 8th
Sammi Kinghorn will make her marathon debut in Chicago on Sunday. One of Britain’s star Para athletes this year Kinghorn is aiming to better 2:00:00 and achieve the 2:05:00 qualifying standard for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I’d love to go under the two-hour mark for my first marathon – that would be amazing. Hopefully, if I push hard enough I can get there,” said Kinghorn in a recent interview.

Kinghorn is best known for her sprinting ability but does have experience racing over 10k on the road and recently competed at the Great North Run half marathon last month finishing second to Manuela Schar. While in the men’s wheelchair race GB Olympian Simon Lawson, winner at the Great North Run will be up amongst the best in the field.

De 4 Mijl Van Groningen – Groningen, Netherlands, 8th October
On Sunday the 31st edition of the race takes place. Over the years British athletes have performed well over the rarely-raced distance of four miles. Jonny Mellor finished fourth last year in 18:03 followed by Olympians Andy Vernon 18:06 and Ross Millington 18:09.

Andrew Heyes is on the start list in the men’s race this year, while Lauren Howarth will return for her third year hoping to replicate the magnificent run from 2013 when she ran a blistering 19:58 topping the yearly rankings.

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