19th March 2018

WEEKEND UPDATE

Sydney Athletics Grand Prix, Australia, 17 March

Dina Asher-Smith (coach: John Blackie) showed she is in fine form heading into next month’s Commonwealth Games as she took victory in her outdoor opener over 100m. Having travelled out to Australia early, the European 200m champion clocked 11.24 (0.9m/s) over the shorter sprint, demonstrating that her transition from the indoor season has been a smooth one. Stepping down to 200m, Dwayne Cowan (Lloyd Cowan) posted a solid 21.30 (1.5) run, only his second race this winter.

Jade Lally (Andrew Neal) produced her best throw for over 12 months with a 59.11m effort in the discus down under. Having struggled with a long-term back problem, Lally is finally getting back towards her best, adding nearly 10 metres to her effort two weeks ago.

Results

 

NYC Half Marathon, New York, USA, 18 March

Chris Thompson (Alan Storey) produced what he believes is his best ever run over the half marathon as he finished a fine third in New York. Despite a tough course and even tougher weather conditions, Thompson formed part of a stellar front group, in what was a close fought race all the way to the line. Ultimately American’s Ben True and Dathan Ritzenhein showed superior finishing speed, with Thompson finishing just four seconds down on the winner in 62.43.

In the men’s wheelchair race Simon Lawson geared up for next month’s Commonwealth Games with a fifth place finish in 55.25.

Results

 

 

Louisiana Classics, Lafayette, USA, 16-17 March

Jake Norris (Paul Dickenson) produced a scintillating series with the 7.26kg hammer, breaking the British junior record with that weight with a 70.98m throw in round five. Surpassing 70 metres for the first time in his young career, Norris not only did it once but on five out of his six throws as he became the 35th Brit to surpass that mark. At 18 years of age he still has plenty of time in the age group.

Results

 

English Schools Cross Country Championships, Leeds, 17 March

Despite snow and sleet, the English Schools Cross Country Championships went ahead in Leeds, Matt Willis a clear winner, completing a hat-trick of victories at the event. In the senior girl’s race Holly Page (Jason Marchant) took the title, improving on seventh a year earlier.

Results

 

Parelloop Brunssum 10k, Brunssum, The Netherlands, 18 March

Loughborough based Sam Stabler (Rob Denmark) was in action for England on the roads in The Netherlands, posting a fine 29.09 clocking on a notoriously fast course. Further results to follow.

Results: Link to follow