Sunderland Harriers shine in Edinburgh Festival

Sunderland Harrier Andy Powell and Matt Jones put in quality performances in the Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon Festival yesterday.
Andy PowellAndy Powell
Andy Powell

Powell finished second in the half marathon, just 10 seconds behind the winner in a personal best.

After passing through 10k in 33.05, he went on to clock 70min 47sec.

Matt JonesMatt Jones
Matt Jones
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was 39 seconds faster than his previous best, set in the Redcar Half Marathon last year.

Jones was the first Brit to finish in the marathon in sixth, with another personal best of 2hr 26min 34sec.

That was 70 seconds quicker than his previous fastest, gained in the Seville Marathon in March.

Clubmate Jimmy Johnson was also in cracking form, knocking spots off his quickest half marathon time to record 86.10.

Matt JonesMatt Jones
Matt Jones
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Birtley’s Tracy Millmore was the first woman in the half marathon with her clocking of 78.40 to claim 34th place overall.

Sunderland Harrier Michael Wilson clocked a personal best for 1500m when finishing second (3.47.71) in the British Milers’ Club B race at Watford.

Morpeth Harrier Carl Avery (14.52) dipped below the 15-minute barrier when winning the Friday night 5k at South Shields. Sunderland Harriers had Kevin Jeffress in sixth (15.53), Sparrow Morley eighth (16.03) and Jake Jensen 12th (16.21).

Sunderland Strollers were out in force in the George Ogle Memorial multi terrain race at Rowlands Gill. The race was part of their grand prix and they were rewarded with more than 70 members taking part in the event over approximately 10k.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Blackhill Bounder Gary Wallace won in 31.52 and Jarrow and Hebburn’s Elaine Leslie took the women’s race (37.12) in finishing 15th overall.

The Strollers leading runners to finish were Jamie Collin in fourth (34.44), Andrew Forbes fifth (35.12), Dan Anderson 11th (36.29) and Declan Munnelly 12th (36.38).

The team prize was won by the Strollers with Jamie Collin, Gillian Ritchie and Andrew Forbes.