MICHAEL WILSON BREAKS MASSINGHAM’S LONG-STANDING 800M SUNDERLAND HARRIER RECORD IN STYLE

Michael Wilson broke the Sunderland Harriers’ 800m senior men’s club record in the Bryan Clay Invitational in Los Angeles, USA.

Competing for New Mexico State University where he is on an Athletics scholarship, he stormed home in 1.48.35 after lying in 13th place and last at the bell.

He had beaten Gavin Massingham’s record which has stood since 2003 (1.48.63) and has now been placed ninth on the UK Ranking lists.

Michael Wilson Breaks Massingham’s Long-standing 800m Sunderland Harrier Record In Style.

There were 140 athletes competing from all over America and he was drawn in lane one of heat two, with 13 athletes in his heat.

Wilson said: “It was a little chaotic as you can imagine and I was boxed in until around 400m when I managed to find some space and was able to make a move, feeling pretty comfortable.

“At 200m I still felt strong and thought I could go on from there and win my heat.’’

His performance placed him second overall of the 140 athletes, just missing out on first place by a fraction of a second.

Club-mate Oliver James was also in action at the same meeting where he recorded a season’s best for 1,500m (3.49.71).

Sunderland Harrier Kevin Jeffress has been reflecting on his London Marathon performance where he was one of a few to clock a personal best in the sweltering conditions. He was also the first runner from the North East to finish, clocking 2hr 35min 10sec.

Jeffress said: “I felt strong, but the last six miles was tough. Although I was still passing people and got a lot of encouragement from the crowds.

“But my body just seem to shut down as soon as I crossed the line, I was sick and felt faint. But I soon picked up after being helped by a couple of clubmates in Coleen Compson and Ian Dixon.

“With hopefully cooler conditions next year, I would hope to break 2.30, but now I will concentrate on the shorter races.”

North East young athletes claimed some glittering performances in the London Mini Marathon.

Birtley’s Chris Perkins won the Under-13 race, Morpeth’s Rory Leonard was second in the Under-17 event and Houghton Harrier Henry Johnson was third Under-15 Boy and his clubmate Will Bellamy was 14th.

The North East also impressed in the team contest by placing runners-up in each of the male age groups.

Johnson and Bellamy had previously led Houghton with a series of fine performances in the 1,500m at the opening meeting of the North Eastern Counties Grand Prix at Monkton....

Read More:
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/athletics/michael-wilson-breaks-massingham-s-long-standing-800m-sunderland-harrier-record-in-style-1-9132292