LEAMINGTON C&AC’s Sue Harrison claimed third place in the ladies’ race at the Northbrook (Coventry) 10km road race which incorporated both the Warwickshire AA Championships and the sixth Warwickshire Road Race League meeting.
Over 500 athletes made the start line on Sunday morning for the race, which was held in superb racing conditions.
Leamington C&AC were well represented across all age groups and several notable performances were achieved. The undulating and testing course saw Coventry Godiva’s Daniel Clarke home first in a fast 32.59.
First C &AC athlete home in 17th place was Mark Urbanowsi in 36.16 and in 26th place was George Loveday, whose 37.07 was fast enough to win the U20 age group prize.
He was closely followed home in 29th place by Harrison, whose time of 37.22 was only two seconds slower than her time when she won the race last year, but this time saw her take third place in the ladies’ race.
Harrison, who is supported by Mizuno, X-socks and Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, ran her first Warwickshire AA Championship Road race in 1992.
Since then she has raced no fewer than 18 championships and has been on the podium on every occasion, winning 15 times, being second once and third twice.
After the race she said: “I found the first mile hard and lost touch with the leaders. As the race went on I picked up and was pleased when I found that my last mile was clocked at 5min, 35 seconds.”
Just behind came Craig Bower in 46th in 38.23. Bryn Morgan, 79th/40.32, just held on to beat Zara Blower whose time of 40.39 in 82nd place was almost two minutes quicker than her 2013 time.
Andrew Higgins was next in 111th spot in 42.29, just in front of Elaine Sherwin in 118th in 42.51.
M55 Andrew Johnson was delighted with his 44.38 for 160th in front of Graham Garlick in 168th in 44.55. Just 15 seconds separated Steve Webb with 45.30 for 182nd and Alan Sherwins 45.45 for 188th.
After four races in quick succession Graham Roberts was satisfied with 51.44 for 314th, whilst June Johnson’s 53.03 for 348th place saw her win county gold in the W.65 category.
Some 518 runners eventually crossed the finish line.
