In near perfect conditions for a 10k road race, the Leeds Abbey Dash with a highly stacked elite field again proved to be the UK’s premier 10k with 52 men running under 31 minutes for first time in around 20 years.
This year saw a competitive International race, which involved England, Scotland and Wales come up against the regional areas of the North, Midlands and a team from the Combined Services.
The Scottish contingent was led by Andrew Butchart, who was first to cross the finish line in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 18 seconds, followed closely by Callum Hawkins who ran the race in 29 minutes and 23 seconds. The fastest woman was Steph Twell, who completed the course in 32 minutes and 30 seconds.
The North of England performed above expectations, taking 1st place in the International Team competition for the men, with England second and Scotland third.
Great performances from Stockport’s Martin brothers (Pat and Jack) in in 7th & 8th, Dan Garbutt (Durham) 10th and Stephen Mitchell (Bristol & West) in 11th.
Team England’s Northern boys pushed well with seasons bests for Matty Hynes (last year’s winners from Gateshead) in 29.27, taking 5th behind Phil Hurst of Elswick and Nick Swinburn (Morpeth) was 14th in a PB of 29.55 with Tom Lancashire (Bolton Harr) returning from injury in 15th in 29.56 and Anthony Ford (Sale) in 24th in a seasons best of 30.09, proving what a quality field there was.
In the Women’s race the North took 3rd behind a strong Scotland team lead by Steph Twell, followed home by Scotland team mates Eilish McColgan 33.02, and Rhona Auckland in 33.02, closely followed by Emma Stepto (Cornwall) in a PB of 33.02 as a Vet 40, an incredible performance.
Emma was followed in by her Team England compatriots of Katie Hewsion (GB Tri athlete from Horwich) in 5th in a PB of 33.17 and Wallsend’s Sonia Samuels in 6th in 33.18.
The northern girls lead by Katie Hewsion (GB Tri athlete from Horwich) in 5th in a PB of 33.17 and Rosie Smith (Durham), in 8th, in 33.28, a seasons best, followed by Kelly Crickmore(Stockport) in 29th in 36.05.
| Team Positions | ||
| Men | Women | |
| 1st North of England | 1st Scotland | |
| 2nd England | 2nd England | |
| 3rd Scotland | 3rd North of England | |
Rob Cameron
North of England and England Team Manager(s)
