Athletics: Bronze medal boost for Sunderland Harrier

The Farringdon athlete clocked 71min 59sec to finish behind Central AC’s Rob Houston (67.42) and Peter Avent (68.44).

Powell, enjoying good form, was three seconds faster than the time he recorded in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and Half Marathon back in May.

Clubmate Jimmy Johnston, an Over-40 veteran, finished 116th (1.29.49).

Resilient Sunderland Harriers racer Alice Smith finished third (3.15.48) in the Richmond Fest Marathon in London, just one week after her Great North Run appearance. She said: “I was second at nine miles and third at 15 miles.’’

She was back in action again yesterday in the Tynedale Harriers’ Jelly Tea 10 miles Road Race, which also hosted the North East Championship.

She made her first appearance as an Over-35 veteran and won the category in beating her personal best by nine seconds, recording 65.24 on a tough course. Smith said: “I really enjoyed it and chuffed with the PB. Thanks to the winner from being outside the area, I won a few titles.’’

Blackhill Bounder David Best won (38.50) yesterday’s Hellhole multi terrain race (approx 10k) from Ian Robinson (Heaton), who recorded 39.37, and Derwent Valley Trail Runner Graham Pearson (40.51). The women’s winner was Gemma Soulsby (Durham City) in 45.58. She headed Tamsin Imber (Elvet Striders) 48.16 and Nina Cameron of Heaton Harriers (48.17).