There was another top placing from a Sunderland Harrier in the Half Marathon when Alice Smith finished third woman yesterday.
Although she was slightly slower than last year with her time of 1hr 25min 52sec, the Penshaw athlete said she was happy with her performance.
She said: “Since my bad run in the London marathon, I have been struggling over the longer distances, although, over the shorter races, I have been going well.”
“I haven’t really been putting in the training needed for the longer distances and that has showed in my form”
“Being close to last year’s time suggests I’m on the right track.’’
Unattached athletes took the first two places, as Eleanor Hunt won in 1.23.28 and Isabelle Steele was runner-up (1.23.49)
Saltwell Harrier Abraham Tewelde retained his Half Marathon title in a time (1.10.13) just six seconds slower than last year.
Gateshead Harrier Conrad Franks finished second again in 1.11.34 and Birtley’s Darren Purvis was third (1.13.42).....