STEPH TWELL smashed her own course record to post the second fastest time by a British woman this year at yesterday’s KPMG Easter 10k road race.
The 19-year-old Aldershot and Farnham runner (pictured), who ran at last year’s Beijing Olympics, took a minute-and-a-half off her own course record in finishing fifth over the Port Soif finish line.
Twell was just 17 when she set a new best for the course of 34-04 in 2007. Forced to miss last year’s Easter Festival, she was determined to make amends on her return to an island she plainly loves.
Her time of 32-35 was a massive personal best and raised her spirits after a slightly disappointing run at the recent world cross-country championships in Jordan, when she led home the British team.
‘I was absolutely thrilled [with the run]. . . so happy,’ she said after the race.
‘I felt so strong all the way to the finish.
‘I set off quite controlled and myself and Andy Conway led the chasing group, but after 4.5k I more or less ran the race by myself.
‘My second 5k was quicker. I felt so strong.’
‘I’m so happy to be back. My PB was 33-56, so I smashed it.’
Twell conceded she felt a PB was well within her grasp. ‘Definitely it was on, but I didn’t know how the weather might affect it. It was still pretty breezy.’
GB junior Emma Pallant was second woman to finish in 16th place overall and in 34-46, also a new best effort.
Louise Perrio edged the local battle, coming home 25m ahead of Martine Scholes in 37-40.
Overall winner was Zimbabwe’s Williard Chinhanhu in 30-41, well down on his 2007 time but symptomatic of his recent battles with injury.
‘I’ve had injury after injury and have not been able to do any speed sessions.
‘But I’m quote happy with that time.’
Aldershot’s Steve Connor ran a fine race to take second spot in 31-28, while Alan Rowe led home the GIAAC contingent with a time of 32-59 for sixth place.
Steve Dawes missed the race as he plans to concentrate all his efforts on achieving a PB in Monday’s half-marathon. Results in page 50KPMG Easter Festival: Good Friday 10k
Article posted on 11th April, 2009 - 2.29pm
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