Kenilworth Runners quartet do battle with Farah

British Games hopefuls Mo Farah, Scott Overall, Mara Yamauchi, Caryl Mair Jones and Freya Murray had home support alongside a world-class contingent of Japanese Olympic qualifiers who were using the event as preparation for the four-lapped marathon version.

The race hosted the UK Champion-ships, which gave the Kenilworth quartet the privilege of sharing the same changing facilities as the elites in a military officers’ barracks.

Decorated with expensive vases, works of art and gilded ceilings, it was in stark contrast to their usual surrounds.

As temperatures soared to the mid 20s, Farah led the men home in 29:21, with Mara Yamauchi the first lady in 32:52.

First home for Kenilworth was Phil Gould (33:50 gun time) in 87th, with Richard Simkiss (93rd, 34:05) and Philip McCorquodale (146th, 35:32) completing the team which finished 20th in the UK championships.

Paddy Roddy recorded a PB to come 194th in 36:45, with Clive Pearce hobbling home in 53:45 to complete the championship entry.

Richard Zanetti and Stephen Payne entered the race via the traditional route and came home in 44:10 and 51:53, respectively.

Caroline Pack returned to her childhood village to compete in the Harewood Forest 10k in Hampshire.

Part-run through bluebell woods, the hilly course offered beautiful views of the Hampshire downs and Pack was pleased to finish only her second 10k since neck surgery in 57:12.

n Edmonscote hosted Warwickshire College’s annual athletics day, with 15 Henley-in-Arden Centre students organising the event as part of their BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching & Fitness) course.

The track and field action featured students from all the Warwickshire College centres, with Henley-in-Arden athlete Imogen Green producing the day’s standout performance, in turn helping her centre to the team prize.