Sunderland Harrier Alice Smith happy with third-place finish in Siglion Sunderland Half Marathon

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).

Sunderland Stroller Mark Anderson was sixth (1.16.56), Houghton Harrier Lee Dover finished eighth (1.17.57), Chris Jackson took ninth (1.18.26), Sunderland Harrier Aidan Crowe came in 15th (1.21.32) and Ray Christie of Wearside Triathlon was 19th (1.22.14).

Other local results: 44th John Halligan (Sunderland Strollers) 1.26.15, 51st Michael Pearson (Washington Running Club) 1.27.03, 53rd Darren Dodd (Sunderland Harriers) 53rd 1.27.25, 54th Darren Stoker (Sunderland Harriers) 1.27.28.