Athletics
Harrison gets back on track

LEAMINGTON C & AC international Sue Harrison continued her comeback from injury by recording a fine victory in the Eynsham 10km road race on Sunday.

It was back in 2001 when Harrison last made the early Sunday morning trip down the M40 to race in the event which takes place just outside Oxford.

That resulted in a win in a time of 36.45 and the return trip, 11 years later, produced a similar result.

But, like a good wine, Harrison has matured with age and now in the W40 age group still beat allcomers by running even faster in 36.05.

Whilst the River Thames had burst its banks all round the area the roads remained clear and some 650 runners took part in the 25th annual running of this popular event which also incorporated the Oxfordshire Country Championships.

Race winner was Darrell Bellinger from Oxford City AC in 31.47.

Harrison, who is supported by the Warwickshire County Golf and Country Club and Warwick Sports, finished 22nd overall and well clear of the 2011 womens race winner, GB international, Wendy Nicholls from Cirencester AC who clocked 38.02.

Harrison, who has more recently been running in longer distance races, was pleased with her time which was her fastest over the distance for 30 months when she finished second in the 2010 running of the Regency 10km.

Harrison said: “I was a bit disappointed not to break 36 minutes but I am still trying to build up my background strength after an injury hit summer.

“This is a step in the right direction and gives me confidence that I have not lost some of my basic speed”

Meanwhile, new training partner Zara Blower was enjoying success of her own but in slightly different conditions in the 8.3mile Coombe Multi Terrain race at Coombe Abbey, Coventry.

Blower stuck to her race plan and was rewarded with one of her best races, finishing 37th of the 255 finishers and second in the ladies race.

Blower’s added confidence and strength enabled her to run two-and-a-half minutes faster than last year.

Fellow C & AC team members Brian Miller (22nd and 5th vet 45 in 54.20), Carol Blower (165th in 72.56) and Dave Blower (184th in 75.11) also ran.

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