ATHLETICS: NORMAN Green athletics track in Solihull hosted the first British Milers’ Club Grand Prix meeting of 2017 on Saturday afternoon.
A field of more than 350 national athletes competed over 26 middle distance races, ranging from 800m to 5000m – including two 2000m steeplechase events.
A number of British stars appeared for an early season race.
The most notable performance came from Jake Wightman, who set a new personal best over 800m.
His ‘A’ race performance was the quickest by a British athlete this year, and would’ve been fifth quickest for the whole of last year.
Alexandra Bell put in a fine performance in the Women’s 800m A race.
Bell just held off Birmingham University runner Sarah McDonald.
Both failed to break the magical two minute barrier, but Sarah was particularly pleased having only arrived back from training in the USA five days ago.
Both hope their performances this year will gain them selection for Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the forthcoming London World Championships in August.
Jessica Judd won the women’s 1500m – a sign that the promising teenager is coming to terms with running as a senior.
Her time of 4mins 11secs resulted in qualification for the European Under 23 championships in Poland and came after wins at 800m and 5000m at the British University championships, emphasising her strength and ability.
An athlete definitely on the way to the London World Championships is Zak Seddon, who backed up his qualifying time for the World Championships 3000m steeple chase with a dominant win in the shorter 2000m race.
His six second victory over Luke Gunn, a previous British champion, was emphatic – with his younger brother making it a family success with 4th place and first Under 23 runner.
Picture: Nigel Bland Photography.
