Mansfield pair win team gold on GB debuts

The event, which brings athletes together from England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales competing for the honours of top nation, always creates fierce rivalry, and this year was no different on a fast and twisty parkland course set in the historic grounds of Bute Castle.

In the eagerly-anticipated main event of the day, the men’s 35 to 45 age category, Mark Johnson showed that he was more than worthy of his selection as the start of the 8k race saw Johnson in contention with a group of around a dozen athletes to the fore, which included eventual winner England’s Tim Hartley, Scotland’s Kerry Liam Wilson and England’s Chris Greenwood.

By the halfway point the group had been whittled down to just five athletes contesting for the medals with Johnson still running strong.

However into the final lap Hartley kicked for home to gain a significant lead that could not be pulled back by the chasing four.

Johnson had to settle for a very worthy fourth spot and silver medal in over 40 age category as he was just out-sprinted to the line by fellow countryman Chris Greenwood.

With their four team members in the top 10, England comfortably won the team event.

Earlier in the day Brian Harris had contested the 6k over 65 age category event, and gave a splendid account of himself, anchoring the England Team to victory over the Welsh on their home soil.

Harris, who now spends much of the year living in Spain, had been training with the Harriers for the summer period and had just returned to his home in Benidorm when he received news of his England selection and had to fly back a few days before to prepare for the event.

Sutton Harriers had 22 runners at the Booths Decorators League race in Chaddeston Park – and they ended the day with two trophies and some good results.

The league is run over five races and, after this outing, Sutton had clinched victory in the overall ladies’ title and third place in the combined men and ladies.

Men’s results: Dean Cross 1st V/M 45, 26.36, Paul Whittingham 2nd V/M45, 26.39 , Sean Martin S/M 11th, 27.33, James Simpson S/M 17th, 28.27, Tony Staniland V/M 70+ and a remarkable second in 40.33.

Female results: Michelle Wilcock S/L 3rd, 29.57, Letitia Moakes S/M 7th, 31.39, Sarah Hutchinson S/L 8th, 31.46, and Amanda Alletson V/L40 2nd, 33.48.

Top junior male was Owen Hodson, who was eighth in 34.06, and top junior female was Drew Alletson, finishing third in 35.05.