Running In Focus

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  • Josh Kerr

    The World Record holder shows his form again following his world record at The Diamond League in London.

    Scotland’s Josh Kerr produced a breathtaking display of tactical mile racing to win the Dream Mile at Scotstoun Stadium, unleashing a devastating burst of speed over the final 300 metres to leave a world-class field with no answer.

    For much of the race, Kerr was content to bide his time, sitting comfortably in the pack while others attempted to dictate the pace. Australia’s Cameron Myers, Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot and Wales’ Jake Heyward all took turns at the front, each trying to force the issue, but every move proved to be in vain as the field remained tightly bunched heading towards the bell.

    Then came the decisive moment.

    With just 300 metres remaining, Kerr exploded past the leaders with an electrifying change of pace that instantly broke the race apart. Within seconds he had opened daylight on the chasing pack as the roar from the home crowd reached fever pitch. The Scottish supporters sensed they were witnessing something special as their home hero powered clear to cross the line in 3:54.12.

    Australia’s Cameron Myers claimed second in 3:55.26, with Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot taking third in 3:55.41. Wales’ Jake Heyward produced another accomplished tactical performance to finish fourth in 3:55.54, but his expression after crossing the line suggested the disappointment of an athlete who knew he had been in contention before Kerr’s irresistible finishing kick.

    It was Kerr’s night from start to finish. His patience, race awareness and devastating acceleration proved far too much for an outstanding field, while the packed stands at Scotstoun Stadium erupted in celebration as Scotland’s home hero delivered a memorable victory.

  • Commonwealth Games 2026

    The women’s 5000m final

    Rose Davies completes historic double as Australia dominate thrilling women’s 5000m

    Australia celebrated a memorable one-two in the women’s 5,000m at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as Rose Davies completed a historic distance double, timing her finish to perfection to hold off teammate Jessica Hull in a dramatic sprint for gold.

    The race was anything but straightforward. Kenya’s Caroline Nyaga dictated the pace for much of the contest, stretching the field through the opening stages. With four laps remaining, Scotland’s Megan Keith made the decisive move, boldly surging to the front in front of an expectant home crowd. Refusing to wait for a sprint finish, Keith attempted to break the field with a long, sustained drive that briefly looked capable of delivering a famous home victory.

    However, the Australian pair remained composed. Davies and Hull gradually reeled Keith back in before sweeping past inside the final 200 metres. Davies had just enough left to fend off Hull’s late challenge, crossing the line in a season’s best 14:44.53, with Hull only fractions behind in 14:45.01. Keith’s courageous front-running effort was rewarded with bronze in a season’s best 14:49.10, delighting the Scottish supporters despite narrowly missing out on the top two.

    England’s Hannah Nuttall produced another strong championship performance to finish fifth in 14:51.34, while fellow English athlete Innes Fitzgerald, still one of the youngest athletes in the field, impressed with an 11th-place finish. Her 15:02.80 was a season’s best, achieved against a field packed with vastly more experienced senior international runners, underlining the enormous promise of the 20 yr old.

    For Davies, victory completed an unprecedented Commonwealth Games 10,000m–5,000m double, making her the first woman to achieve the feat, while Australia’s one-two capped one of the standout distance performances of the championships.

  • Snowdon International 2026

    Welsh clubs impress as Italy dominates the 2026 Snowdon International Mountain Race

    The spectacular setting of Llanberis once again hosted one of the world’s most iconic mountain races as elite international athletes and hundreds of club runners tackled the demanding ascent and descent of Yr Wyddfa in the 2026 Snowdon International Mountain Race.

    Italy dominated the international men’s race, with Massimiliano Berti producing a magnificent performance to win in 1:04:13, ahead of compatriots Tiziano Moia (1:05:47) and Giulio Simonetti (1:07:14), completing a memorable Italian clean sweep of the podium.

    There was plenty to celebrate from a Welsh perspective. Representing Cymru, Sam Gunning was the first Welsh athlete home, finishing an excellent 16th overall in 1:12:55 after another outstanding display on one of the sport’s toughest courses. He was closely followed by Gavin Sadler in 19th (1:13:28), Cai Dafydd in 20th (1:13:37), Ben Porter in 24th (1:15:02), Kieran in 25th (1:15:06) and Rhys Jones in 26th (1:15:16), underlining the strength and depth of the Welsh international team.

    Among the club athletes, Deeside AAC celebrated one of the standout performances of the day as Ed Woodhead claimed victory in the Under-23 category, finishing an outstanding 28th overall in 1:15:43. Maldwyn Harriers also impressed, with Matt Benson taking second in the Under-23 competition in 1:21:27.

    Eryri Harriers once again demonstrated why they remain one of Britain’s strongest mountain-running clubs. Siôn Edwards led the club home in 34th overall with 1:18:01, while Ian Edwards, Owain Hunt Williams, Darren Roberts, Adam, Ieuan, Jake, Luke Jones, Iolo Owen, Hugh Morgan, Gwion Williams, Gary Julio, Ifan Jones, Gwydion and Guto Edwards all featured strongly throughout the results. The women were equally impressive, with Elliw Haf, Mabli Baines, Jennifer Charlton, Alison Thomas, Cadi Ostler and several other Eryri athletes securing leading positions across the senior and masters categories.

    Rhedwyr Hebog enjoyed another successful home race. Elis Jones finished 38th overall in 1:18:54, while Jacob Hiom, Dion Jones, Tomos, Goronwy Hughes, Iwan ap… and several others ensured the club featured prominently throughout the field.

    There were also excellent performances from Mynydd Du, led by Jonathan in 48th overall and supported by Wyndham, Bethan Logan, Lucy Williamson and Emma McWilliams, who claimed victory in the women’s 40+ category.

    Denbigh Harriers were well represented through Aron Evans, John, Glen, Eleanor Ashcroft, Menai Baugh, Melina Morris and Sophie Johnson, while Meirionnydd Running Club recorded strong performances from Dafydd, Ieuan, James, Helen Jones and Dave Whittey.

    Elsewhere, Buckley RC celebrated a category victory as Jez Brown won the men’s 50+ title, while Wrexham AAC’s Ally Hughes finished fourth in the M40 category after another excellent run. Cybi Striders were represented by Armon and Johnhuw, while Prestatyn RC’s Gareth produced a strong run on his home roads and trails.

    The combination of world-class international competition and outstanding performances from Welsh clubs once again confirmed why the Snowdon International Mountain Race remains one of the highlights of the British mountain-running calendar, with athletes from across Wales producing performances to match the spectacular backdrop of Eryri National Park.

    Men’s podium

    🥇 Massimiliano Berti (Italy) – 1:04:13
    🥈 Tiziano Moia (Italy) – 1:05:47
    🥉 Giulio Simonetti (Italy) – 1:07:14

    Photography: Bill Scriven – Running In Focus

  • Welsh Schools Track and Field 2026

    Zac Munn shows class

    Zac Munn Dominates U14 Boys 1500m at Welsh Schools Championships

    Cardiff & Vale Schools District’s Zac Munn produced a commanding performance to take the U14 Boys 1500m title at the 2026 Welsh Schools Track & Field Championships. Taking control of the race early, Munn never looked under serious pressure as he powered to victory in 4:31.66, underlining why he is regarded as one of Wales’ most exciting young middle-distance talents.

    Behind him, Sebby Carwardine (South East Wales) ran an impressive race to secure the silver medal in 4:39.63, while Jacob Price (Eryri Schools District) claimed bronze with 4:44.22 after holding off a determined late challenge.

    The battle for the remaining places was fiercely contested. Ioan Wyn Davies (Afan Nedd Tawe) finished just two hundredths of a second behind Price in 4:44.24, with Noah Howells (Glamorgan Valley) taking fifth in 4:48.17. Isac Martin (North East Wales) crossed in sixth with 4:52.71, ahead of Blake Rees (Dyfed) in 4:58.38, while Sebastian Loxam (Powys) completed the field in 5:04.60.

    While the medals were hard-earned throughout the field, this race belonged to Zac Munn. His decisive front-running display and winning margin highlighted both his confidence and strength, adding another outstanding performance to an already impressive season.

  • Men’s 800m – Thomas Loynes wins thrilling photo finish

    At the 2026 Welsh Senior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, held on 20–21 June 2026, the men’s 800m produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the weekend as Thomas Loynes (Neath Harriers) threw himself across the line to snatch victory in a breathtaking three-way photo finish. Clocking 1:57.82, he edged Henry Evans (Cardiff Athletics) by just one hundredth of a second, with Samuel Hembry (Bromsgrove & Redditch) only 0.15 seconds behind in third.

    With 200 metres remaining, the title was still wide open, but it was over the final 100 metres that Loynes found another level. Gradually reeling in his rivals, he refused to yield as the finish line approached before launching into a full-length dive to claim the Welsh senior title.

    It was a race that proved championship medals are often won as much by belief as by speed, with Loynes’ determination, grit and refusal to accept defeat carrying him to one of the closest and most memorable victories of the 2026 Welsh Senior Championships.

  • British Championships 5000m

    Mullarkey Claims British 5000m Title After Dramatic Championship Battle

    The men’s 5000m final at the 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Championships delivered one of the most compelling races of the weekend, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the closing stages despite a field packed with established international performers.

    From the gun, Jake Smith was determined to force the pace, as the athletes settled into the early laps. His aggressive approach stretched the field and ensured there would be little opportunity for the favourites to sit back and wait for a sprint finish.

    As the race developed, however, the script began to change. Several of the pre-race contenders found themselves losing contact with the leading group as the relentless pace took its toll. What had started as a tactical championship race gradually evolved into a test of endurance, resilience and positioning.

    Scott Beattie made a brave break in the later stages, but his move proved premature.

    The pace continued to increase and the championship remained impossible to call as the athletes approached the final laps.

    When the decisive moves came,Beattie dropped as Mullarkey proved strongest. Producing a powerful finish, he crossed the line to secure the British title in 13:27.00. Behind him, Andrew Butchart claimed silver in 13:27.52, with James West taking bronze in 13:27.75 after an engrossing battle that saw less than a second separate the first three finishers.

    Scott Beattie’s decisive break failed to secure a podium place but he finished an impressive fourth in 13:30.28, while Jack Kavanagh produced a personal best of 13:36.39 in fifth place. Further personal best performances came from Joe Wigfield and Oscar Bell, underlining the quality and depth of the field.

    With favourites dropping away, early leaders forcing the pace and the medals undecided until the closing stages, the men’s 5000m final provided championship racing at its very best and was one of the highlights of the Birmingham programme.

    Photos: Bill Scriven – Running In Focus

  • Nuttall Defends Title in Birmingham

    Hannah Nuttall successfully defended her national title in the women’s 5000m at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships, adding another gold to the crown she won last year. After a tactical opening, the race gradually stretched out as Innes Fitzgerald took control at the front and drove the pace through the middle stages.

    As the field thinned, Nuttall remained perfectly positioned before launching her decisive move in the closing laps. The Charnwood AC athlete crossed the line in 15:15.03 to retain her title, with Fitzgerald rewarded for her front-running efforts with silver in 15:18.94. Eloise Walker completed a tightly packed podium, taking bronze in 15:19.34.

    The depth of British women’s distance running was on full display, with eight athletes breaking the 16-minute barrier. 

    Swansea Harriers’ Verity Ockenden remained in contention with the leading group through the early stages before gradually losing contact as the pace intensified, eventually finishing eighth in 15:53.80, almost 50 seconds outside her lifetime best of 15:03.51.

    Grace Copeland and Almi Nerurkar both recorded personal bests, while the demanding pace also took its toll elsewhere in the field, with India Weir, Amelia Quirk and Lucy Jones all recorded as DNFs.

  • Amy Hunt crowned a superb weekend at the 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Championships by storming to the women’s 100m title in Birmingham.

    The 24-year-old crossed the line in a championship-winning 11.01 seconds, producing a composed display against a strong field of British sprint talent.

    Former world champion Dina Asher-Smith took silver in 11.13, while rising star Mabel Akande claimed bronze with a personal best 11.18.

    Hunt’s victory underlined her return to the top of British sprinting, combining a sharp start with a powerful finish to secure the national crown at Alexander Stadium.

    In a final featuring established internationals and emerging talent alike, Hunt delivered when it mattered most to claim one of the headline titles of the championships.

  • Glave takes gold in Birmingham

    The men’s 100m final at the 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Championships delivered a thrilling finish, with Romell Glave storming to the national title in a personal best of 9.98 seconds. Just three hundredths of a second separated the next three athletes as Zharnel Hughes claimed silver in 10.01 and Louie Hinchliffe took bronze in 10.03.

    Welsh sprint star Jeremiah Azu was agonisingly close to the medals, also clocking 10.03 for fourth place, recording a season’s best in one of the fastest domestic sprint finals of the year.

    Azu’s trademark start kept him firmly in contention throughout, but the margins were incredibly fine in a race where hundredths of a second proved decisive.

    The Cardiff AC athlete once again demonstrated his place among Britain’s sprinting elite, producing a season’s best performance on the biggest domestic stage.

  • Novuna UK Championships

    Novuna UK Athletics Championships 2026 – Women’s 3000m Steeplechase

    The women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham produced a high-quality race, with Elise Thorner (Wells City Harriers) taking the national title in a championship record of 9:16.95. Thorner broke clear of the field to claim gold, while Stevie Lawrence (Croydon Harriers) was rewarded with a personal best of 9:32.03 for silver. Sarah Tait (Lasswade AC) completed the podium in 10:01.42.

    Among the younger athletes in the field, there was considerable interest in the battle between two of Britain’s leading U20 steeplechasers. Tilly Nickell (Team Bath AC), the reigning World U20 Championships qualifying standard holder, finished fifth in 10:28.78, just ahead of Welsh athlete Millie Gold (Swansea Harriers), who placed sixth in 10:34.69.

    For Gold, the race represented another valuable opportunity to gain experience at senior championship level. The 18-year-old Swansea Harrier stayed in touch with a strong field featuring established senior internationals and fellow rising stars. While Nickell had the edge on this occasion, Gold’s performance underlined her status as one of Wales’ most promising young endurance athletes, competing confidently against some of the best steeplechasers in Britain.

    The race highlighted the depth of British women’s steeplechasing, with athletes ranging from experienced senior performers to emerging U20 talents, all sharing the Alexander Stadium stage at the national championships.