5th November 2018

WEEKEND UPDATE

Leeds Abbey Dash, Leeds, 4 November

Adam Craig (coach: Bruce Scott; club: Inverclyde AC) continued his meteoric rise up the British endurance rankings with a landmark win at the Leeds Abbey Dash, showing his rivals a clean pair of heels. He backed up victory at the Great Scottish 10K with a clear win, setting a new personal best by over 30 seconds of 29.08. Stockport’s Jack Martin (David Turnbull) and Lincoln’s Lucian Allison (Mark Baddeley) completed the podium with runs of 29.27 and 29.33 to ensure the North took the team title.

In the women’s race it was Northern Ireland’s Fionnuala Ross who took the spoils, breaking the tape in 33.31 to hold off Scots Mhairi Maclennan (John Lees; Inverness) and Stephanie Pennycook (John Lees; Fife) who posted times of 33.38 and 33.50 respectively.

Results

 

New York Marathon, New York, USA, 4 November

David Weir (Jenny Archer; Weir Archer Academy) couldn’t repeat his 2010 victory, but was in great form as he took the final podium spot, just two seconds behind winner and home favourite Daniel Romanchuk. The American was the youngest winner in history, edging out Marcel Hug (SUI) and Weir, the Brit competing in the big apple for the first time since taking victory eight years ago.

In the men’s race, Jonny Mellor (Steve Vernon; Liverpool) was the first Brit home in 15th place, his 2:16:09 clocking was the second fastest of his marathon career to date and lifts him to second on the Power of 10 rankings for 2018.

Results

 

English National Cross Country Relays, Mansfield, 3 November

The National Cross Country Relays always give a great marker as to which teams and individuals are in good early season form and the 2018 edition was no different, with Leeds City winning the men’s event and Tonbridge stopping Aldershot, Farnham and District’s domination of the women’s race.

Emily Hosker-Thornhill (Mick Woods; Aldershot, Farnham & District) did get AFD off to the perfect start with a 24-second lead at the end of leg one thanks to the fastest run of the day, but Lucy Reid (Richard Owen) put Tonbridge into the lead on leg two before Ashley Gibson (Bill Foster) secured the title. Aldershot duly took second with Rotherham third.

In the men’s race, Leeds took up the running at the first change over, Loughborough University’s Jamie Williamson (George Gandy; Springburn) running 14.55 – the fastest leg of the day – but had no other teammates, which meant Ossama Meslek (Phil Townsend; Leeds City) handed over to Graham Rush in the lead. Rush maintained the lead before Emile Cairess (Phil Townsend) and Phil Sesemann (Andrew Henderson) extended it with strong runs to ensure the Yorkshire outfit got the better of Aldershot and Birchfield.

Although ineligible to take home the gold medal Loughborough University crossed the line with a clear winning margin in the junior women’s race. Zoe Wassell (Christopher Frapwell; Bristol & West) and Cari Hughes (Andy Walling; Swansea) both running very quick legs, although nobody could get near Khahisa Mhlanga’s (Mick Judd; Herts Phoenix) storming time on the opening leg. Meanwhile the junior men’s event was decided on the final leg, Rory Leonard taking Morpeth from eighth to first, although Birchfield’s Tom Dodd (Catherine Muth) went quickest overall.

Results

 

Schools International Pentathlon, Emirates Arena, Glasgow, 3 November

A great afternoon of indoor competition at the Emirates saw three of the four home nations secure victories, England to the fore winning both the under 16 girls and under 18 girls competitions. The former was won by Rhiana Burrell (Pam Rayment; Birchfield Harriers) whilst the latter saw Abigail Pawlett (Joe Frost; Stockport) move top of the Power of 10 rankings for 2018, winning a close competition from her teammates Emily Bee (David Bee; City of Plymouth) and Jessica Hopkins (Steve Mitchell; Chelmsford). Pawlett set a score of 3796 points, with Bee and Hopkins both also within the 3700s.

In the men’s events, Wales’ Zak Wall (Cardiff Archers) won the under 16 competition whilst Scott Brindley (Mark Stringer; North Ayrshire) was a clear winner in the under 18 event, giving the hosts Scotland something to celebrate thanks to a winning total of 3645 points.

Results