McCarthy finally turns fine form into a first

The five-mile race is classed as undulating but features a testing long hill between the third and fourth mile on a course based near Foxton Locks.

McCarthy and clubmate Andrew Siggers resumed their run of recent battles, with Siggers leading the first half.

However, feeling the effects of extensive racing in the preceding weeks, he was caught by McCarthy and David Green of Kettering Town Harriers.

McCarthy pushed on into the lead and came home in 26:30, 13 seconds clear of Green and 25 seconds ahead of third-placed Siggers, who sits third in the overall race series.

And after failing to convert leads into victories at both the Two Castles and Banbury 5, McCarthy was relieved to finally get a win under his belt.

“Siggers went off at a ridiculously fast pace - 4:55 - followed by myself and two others,” said McCarthy.

“We slowly reeled him in and at 2.5 to 3 miles on a big downhill I slowly sort of found myself away and running to get some space from the pack.

“For once I managed to get a really significant gap and comfortably ran the last mile.”

The ladies’ race was won by Eleanor Fowler of Nuneaton Harriers in 29:29, with Leamington C&AC’s Sue Harrison second and 34th overall in 30:15.

Five Spa Striders ventured over to Market Harborough, with Carolyn Wilkinson (33:06), Dawn Clarke (35:11) and Helen Wilkinson (36:11) picking up the ladies’ team prize.

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