Morpeth Harrier smashes Town Moor record

Posted by The Journal on Nov 9, 09 09:15 AM in Sport

Morpeth Harrier Jon Taylor repeated his 2008 victory to smash the course record in yesterday's Heaton Harriers Town Moor Memorial 10km Road race, covering two laps of Exhibition Park and the Town Moor.

This was despite the tricky underfoot conditions, affected by the prolonged spell of rain from Saturday evening, until 30mins before the meeting went ahead.

Taylor soon led the record field of 500 runners, opening up a minute's lead at half-way, reached in a fast 14mins 56secs.

The British Under-23 International extended his lead to 1min 58secs at the finish line, bettering Mark Hood's 2006 course record by a massive 55 seconds.

Taylor's clubmate Ross Floyd ran well to take second place from the host club's James Buis, with the leading three all clocking personal best times. Morpeth took the team title.

There was anther record when Claire Simpson of Chester-le-Street clipped five seconds off the two-year-old women's course record, finishing in 25th position overall.

Simpson pulled well away from clubmate, and 2008 winner, Angela Hibbs with Jane Mooney of Morpeth taking third place, ahead of leading veteran Yam Thiru of Elswick.

The Newcastle club also won the team title.

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