Flintshire 10k attracts the best of British

Sep 19 2008 by Paul Wheelock, Flintshire Chronicle

ORGANISERS reckon they will be rewriting the Flintshire 10k records books on Sunday after the annual race attracted one of the strongest line-ups in its 13-year history.

Great Britain internationals Peter Riley and Michelle Ross-Cope will their take their place in the Chronicle-backed event alongside runners from our county and beyond.

Leigh Harriers’ Riley, 29, is a former British 10k champion while City of Stoke AC’s Ross-Cope, 36, will use the race around the streets of Mold as preparation for her forthcoming appearance at the World Half Marathon Championships in Rio, Brazil.

Little wonder, then, race director Bryon Jones believes the five-year-old men’s (29.11mins) and women’s (33.52) course records are set to go.

Jones – who is hopeful another GB star, Stuart Stokes, will compete – said: “Peter has raced for Great Britain in the European Cross Country Championships and his coach told me he’s on fire and capable of doing the 10k in 28.53.

“Michelle’s done the 10k in 32.24 which is well within our record time, too.

“These two are absolutely awesome and the records could definitely go this year, which would be great for the people coming down to watch.

“To have two, and possibly three, senior Great Britain internationals competing is really good for the race.”

Jones is waiting to hear whether Andy Norman, Altrincham AC’s England international, will defend his men’s crown, but last year’s women’s winner, Wrexham AC’s Emma Parry of Connah’s Quay, definitely misses out as she is pregnant.

Deeside AC’s junior GB international Ricky Challinor is expected to race a week after representing Wales at the World Mountain Running Trophy in Switzerland

The 18-year-old of Buckley came 35th in the 74-strong junior men’s field in 46.04, making him the third fastest Welshman and the fifth-best finisher from the Home Countries.

The 10k, organised by Flintshire County Council, this year incorporates the North Wales 10k Championships.

The action gets under way at Mold Sports Centre at noon with entry closing at 11.15am. However, given the demand, competitors are urged to get there earlier.

Alternatively, entries are being taken at Mold Sports Centre tomorrow from 10am-1pm.

Entry costs £10 for athletic club members and £12 for unattached and unregistered athletes. Runners must be 16 years and over. Race limit is 500.

The 10k is preceded by the Fun Run, which begins at 11am with entry closing at 10.30am.

The 2.7k race is open to all ages, costing £3, although children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Organisers are seeking more race marshals and if you can help, turn up at Mold Sports Centre on Sunday at 9.30am.