McCarthy dashes to a huge new PB in Leeds

Taking 58 seconds off his previous best, McCarthy clocked a sensational chip time of 33:02 to place him second on the Kenilworth Runners all-time 10k rankings behind Rich Simkiss (32:44).

On a cold but sunny and still morning, McCarthy joined a record 7,380 other runners for the 10k race held on a super-fast course in central Leeds.

A high quality field was led home by Luke Cragg of Leeds City Athletics Club in 29:29.

Six runners broke 30 minutes and the calibre was such that even the superlative efforts of McCarthy netted himself a comparatively lowly 92nd position.

The ladies’ race was won by Susan Partridge of Leeds City AC in 33:20.

In the latest edition of the Shakespeare Raceway series at Long Marston Airfield, new Kenilworth Runners member Karra Herrero ran well to finish 168th in 1:56:21.

Six Kenilworth members took part in the 10k race, with Martin Belcher the first home in 43:22, taking 34th position overall and first V60.

He was followed by Stephen Payne, who clocked 49:45 and Denise Cheetham who ran excellently to clock 50:52, good for 92nd position overall and 18th lady.

In the 5k race, the only Kenilworth Runner to take part was Elizabeth Keell, who ran a great race to finish second lady (first senior) and 12th overall in 25:24.

Selected others (Kenilworth unless stated): 5k: 1, Michael Beard (Swindon Harriers, 18:39). 10k: 1, Jonathan Folland (Barrow Runners, 34:56); 122, Nicky Atherton (54:13); 123, Julie Bruce (54:05); 132, Laurence Copeland (54:50). Half Marathon: 1, Stuart Spencer (Barrow Runners, 1:09:02)

Kenilworth Runners’ Martin Broomfield clocked a new PB of 49:20 at the Brighton 10k, improving significantly on the 51:35 he set at the same time last year.

Kenilworth Runners’ Paddy Roddy was fourth at Coventry parkrun 143 on Saturday, clocking a fine 17:27.

Phil Fusi joined him in the top ten with 18:08 to finish eighth.

Five members of Kenilworth Runners took part in the free-to-enter 5k timed run, with Mick Williams just under 80 per cent (79.83%) on the age-graded results with 19:15.

Glyn Clarke was 47th in 21:39, with Barry Elkington (22:35) 61st.

Conditions in places for Leamington parkrun 83 were akin to the cross country held a week earlier at Newbold Comyn, but that did not prevent some fine performances for Kenilworth Runners over the testing 5k course.

Rich Simkiss finished first in what is, for him, a fairly pedestrian 17:04.

Stephen Page ran well to be fourth, with his 18:47 just four seconds outside his course PB, while Liam Chapple crept into the top ten with a fine 19:36 and Jack Blakemore ran 19:43 on his Leamington debut.

Warwick University Triathlon Club’s Conor Shepherd (17:20) and Cwmbran Harriers’ David Banwell-Clode (18:01) completed the top three, with Leamington C&AC’s Monica Williamson a clear winner of the ladies’ race in 20:01.

Selected others (Kenilworth Runners unless stated): 16, Roger Homes (20:06); 88, Simon Mottershead (25:31); 93, Tom Dable (25:53); 115, Pauline Dable (27:47).

Leamington C&AC’s men finished tenth out of 14 teams at the British Masters Cross Country Relays at Moorways Stadium, Derby.

Sprinter Tony Foster was the first to tackle the two laps of the surrounding parkland and despite admitting the lap was a mile-and-a-half too long for his liking, he came home in a creditable 13:53.

Pete Taylor was next out and he produced the team’s best time of 13:01, with late replacement Graham Roberts recording a time of 14:46 and final-man Alex Montgomery coming home in 13:55.