England 2018 5k Champions crowned
Richard Allen (Aldershot Farnham & District AC) and Stevie Stockton (Leeds City AC, Coach: Rob Denmark) were crowned the England 2018 5k Champions at Friday evening's Mid-Cheshire 5k.
A strong field of athletes from across the country assembled in the village of Kingsley to contest this fast 5k course. The rain and grey skies that had blanketed most of the country for the day lifted as the runners started to arrive at race HQ and by the time the race was due to start conditions were near perfect.
A pacey start to the race demonstrated a concerted effort by the majority of the field to make it a fast race with the top ten men all finishing inside 14:20 and seven of those being personal bests.
However, it was Richard Allen who managed to break away with a classy sprint finish to give himself a five second lead on the chasing pack.
Second and third were given the same time, with Emile Cairess (Leeds City AC, Coach: Phil Townsend) just inching ahead of Jack Martin (Stockport Harriers, Coach Dave Turnbull) on the finish line.
A stream of top class club runners swept through the finish with the top 25 all inside 15 minutes.
In the women’s race the course record was obliterated by 30 seconds by a delighted Stevie Stockton who ran a personal best and by far her fastest time over the distance since 2014.
Aldershot, Farnham & District’s, Emily Hosker (Coach: Mick Woods) was the second placed runner dipping inside the 16 minutes barrier with 15:59, whilst Kate Holt (Stoke City AC, Coach: Alan Morris) finished third in 16:12.
England Athletics Road Running Manager, Charlotte Fisher said, "It was great to see the growing popularity of the Mid-Cheshire 5k race in attracting high quality runners from across the country to contest a fast course and championship titles. Well done to the event organisers in making this a genuinely popular event for the affiliated club runner."
Medal Results
Men
1. Richard Allen (AFD)
2. Emile Cairess (Leeds City)
3. Jack Martin (Stockport)
Women
1. Stevie Stockton (Leeds City)
2. Emily Hosker (AFD)
3. Katie Hold (City of Stoke)