Mark's Column - 25/05/09

Manchester 10k 17th May

Ellesmere Ports fast improving runner Mark Fidler fancied his chances against arguably, the greatest runner of all time, Haile Gebrselassie in the Manchester 10k. However having second thoughts, Mark decided to get "Geb" go and ran his own race, probably for the best as Haille ran as astonishing 27:39 (4:26 m/m) to win the race at a canter.

However, Mark also ran a superb race finishing in a new PB of 44:09 (7:06 m/m) for 1184th position in over 33,000 runners. Mark's looking very good for getting to low 40's by the end of the year.

The ladies race was won by Vivian Cheruiyot in 32:01 (5:09 m/m)

Manchester Sale 5 Mile Road Race 25th May

In blisteringly hot conditions but thankfully a cooling breeze, Nicky Bird and Mark Dodd battled it out on the new 3 lap course over at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester. Not the fastest course change ever resulted in slightly disappointing times, however both Nicky and Mark ran well.

First home was Mark, after going off too quickly (1st mile in 5:24) the weather caught up with him, but he still battled on to a seasons best of 28:21 (5:40 m/m) time and 26th position.

Nicky wasn't far behind Mark at the 1 mile mark also going out too quick and she suffered later on in the race, however still battled to 3rd overall lady in 30:07 (6:01 m/m) and 37th place overall.

The overall Mens winner was Tipton Harriors Martin Williams in 24:04 (5:48 m/m) with the ladies race being won by Nicola Bamford in 28:15 (5:39 m/m).