BMW Berlin Marathon, Germany, 24 September

Sonia Samuels (self-coached) produced a brilliant run in the German capital, seventh overall in a time of 2.29.34, despite extremely wet conditions. Third European across the line, that run marked her second time under the 2.30 barrier and showed that a summer of racing over the shorter distances has really paid dividends. That time puts her third on the Power of 10, surely enough to earn her a spot on the England team for next April’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

There was similar success in the men’s race, Jonny Mellor (Steve Vernon) again defying the conditions to obliterate his old marathon best by almost four minutes as he crossed the line in 2.12.57. Not only was the Liverpool Harrier rewarded with a huge personal best but he sneaked into the top ten of a truly world class field. Now second on the Power of 10 and first Englishman, Mellor, like Samuels, will be hoping for Commonwealth Games selection next week.

Triathlete turned endurance runner Matt Sharp (Geoff Watkin) continued to make impressive strides forward, taking almost two minutes of his personal best, his 2.16.02 run good for 20^th position and sixth on the Power of 10.

Johnboy Smith (Jenny Archer) was the top British finisher in the men’s wheelchair race, placing fifth in 1:32.45. He was followed by recent victor of the Great North Run, Simon Lawson (Ian Thompson) in eighth with a time of 1:32.55, Callum Hall (Thompson) in 1:40.10 and Richard Chiassaro (Jenni Banks), making his debut over the distance, 12^th in 1:42.44.

Mel Nicholls (Job King) was the first British finisher in the women’s race, fifth in 1:58.10 with Meggan Dawson-Farrell next to cross the line in sixth position, recording a time of 2:16.53. Martyna Snopek was seventh in 2:35.35.

Results: http://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=218473

Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half Marathon (British Athletics Half Marathon Championships, Nottingham, 24 September

Nottingham played host to the 2017 British Athletics Half Marathon Championships and Chris Thompson (Mark Rowland/Alan Storey) put on a show for the crowd, the runaway winner prevailing by almost three minutes. Crossing the line in 64.58 Thompson was never challenged, with Richard Horton (Peter Bailey) and Alastair Watson enjoying a great scrap for the minor medals, Horton eventually prevailing 67.38 to 67.57.

The female race was won in similarly dominant fashion by Rugby and Northampton’s Emily Waugh (Nicholas Garner) as she scored the biggest win of her career to date with a time of 78.01. Silver went to Juliet Potter (Roy Stowell) in 81.09, with Michelle Clarke third.

Results: http://www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk/race-info/2017-results.htm

Admiral Swansea Bay 10k, Swansea, 24 September

Dewi Griffiths (Kevin Evans) continued his stunning recent form as he revised his 10km road personal best with a brilliant 28.27 run. Second behind Kenya’s Elias Kiptoo Kemboi the pair were well clear of the rest, the Welshman naturally delighted with his run. In the women’s race Gemma Steel was first Brit home in third behind a pair of Kenyan’s, the Charnwood athlete crossing the line in 33.47.

Results: https://www.fullonsport.com/event/admiral-swansea-bay-10k-2017/results

Roy Griak Invitational, Minneapolis, USA, 23 September

In one of the biggest early season collegiate cross country meets in the USA, London 2017 10,000m representative Charlotte Taylor was a credible second just two seconds behind the winner.

Results: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/minn/sports/m-xc/auto_pdf/2017-18/misc_non_event/2017WDIResults.pdf

South of England Road Relays, Crystal Palace, 23 September

Aldershot, Farnham and District secured another senior women’s four-stage southern title on a glorious day in Crystal Palace.

Highgate Harriers seized the senior men’s six stage trophy and will now look ahead to the National event on 7 October at Sutton Park.

Results: To Follow