Sunderland Harriers set a new record for their 24th Sunderland 5km Road Race at Silksworth Sports Complex last Thursday when 147 athletes set a personal best for the distance on the superfast course.
In perfect, windless conditions on a warm evening, with a cracking field in both races towing the start line, officials knew that something special would be on the cards.
Although both the winners of the men’s and women’s races did not set PBs, their times were significant.
Dominic Shaw, the men’s winner, was just six seconds outside his fastest time (14.27) and it was the quickest time on the course since Morpeth’s Ian Hudspith clocked 14.24 in 2004.
And Wallsend’s Danielle Hodgkinson retained her woman’s title in a time of 16.31 – just three seconds outside her 5km best.
Behind Shaw, the next four runners all recorded PBs including promising Houghton Harrier Under-20 Alec Brown.
He shattered his former best, breaking 15 minutes for the first time in recording 14.49 to clinch bronze medals in both the North East and Northern Championship....