A strong field is entered for the Welsh 5k Championships at Bute Park, Cardiff on Sunday. Incorporating an under 23 international competition with Wales taking on England and Scotland, the international teams will be hoping to stay one step ahead of the seniors. Steve Davies will be out for revenge having been beaten by Craig Peters in Armagh last Thursday, while also in the Welsh Championships are Ian Mitchell, Owain Matthews, Marc Hobbs and Mark Jennings. Chris Moss, competing for Cardiff, although not Welsh, will also be chasing the first place. With strong teams from Cardiff and Swansea, Cardiff will be hoping to reverse the team positions of the Welsh Cross Country Championships last weekend when they lost out to Swansea.
In the womens field Amanda Pritchard, fresh from her road debut in the Armagh 3k, will be hoping to win her first road title in her debut 5k. She will be taking on Melanie Ellis, a veteran road runner with very good credentials.
In the under 23 international, all countries have entered strong teams. Scotland has Tom Russell, who has a 14:05 time to his credit and will be hard to beat if he is in top shape, but will Steve Davies have the confidence to go with him? Craig Peters, although only 19, had a superb race in Armagh last week, just 3 days before winning the Welsh Cross Country Championships and will be looking for a fast time. Simon Lawson and Ieuan Thomas have both been unwell in recent weeks but are looking for fast times here.
Felicity Milton of England is the fastest woman in the race and the others will have their work cut out trying to stay with her.
Men
Wales Team: Craig Peters, Simon Lawson, Ieuan Thomas, Dewi Griffiths
England Team: Adam Grice., Luke Cragg, Rob Mullett
Scotland Team: Tom Russell, David Bishop, Craig Ruddy, Ross O’Toole
Women
Wales Team: Leah Dixon, Delyth James. Elinor Kirk, Leanne Fitzgerald
England Team: Felicity Milton, Sarah Tunstall, Nicky Archer
Scotland Team: Fiona Thomson, Siobhan Coleman, Danielle Brown, Fiona Gentles
Entries are open on the day but will not be included in the championships. The start time is 10am.
Jacqueline Brace
