Martin Rees broke the World Masters 55 10k record in the Great Manchester Run 10k on Sunday, going through 5k and 5mile in world records. Wales also had personal bests from
Mark Jennings, Lewys Hobbs who was wearing a Welsh vest for the first time and
Shan Morgan. The field of 35,000 runners went off in waves with the small elite ladies field starting first. On a flat, fast course there were good performances, although everyone struggled into the headwind on the second half of the course.
The mens elite field started 10 minutes later with 6 in the Welsh team, three reserves and also a Swansea team. Most had good runs with the men being led home by Michael Johnson who washoping to break the 30 minute barrier but lost ground in the last few kilometers to finish in 30:20. Behind was a battle between Mark Jennings and Marc Hobbs.
The women’s team of 3 was led home by Mel Ellis just returning from a back injury so a pleasing performance, while Shan Morgan also recorded a personal best.
Welsh Results
Michael Johnson 30:20
Mark Jennings 30:32 (pb)
Marc Hobbs 30:34
Ian Williams 30:47
Lewys Hobbs 31:39 (pb)
Alun Vaughan 33:28
Women
Melanie Ellis 36:37
Melissa Woodward 37:18
Shan Morgan 37:36 (pb)
Also running:
Craig Hopkins (Swansea) 31:08 (pb)
Gwyn Owen (Eryri) 32:10
Daniel Gurmin (Swansea) 32:12
Martin Rees (Neath) 32:17 (World Record)
Luke Reddy (Liverpool) 33:47
Chris Davies (Swansea) 34:18 (pb)
Daniel Thomas (Llanelli) 35:55 (pb)
Andrew Cleverly (Swansea) 37:41 (pb)
Jacqueline Brace
