Hopkins and Hunt set new bests in Armagh
BRIDGEND runners Jonathan Hopkins and James Hunt last week recorded personal best times in Welsh vests at The Brooks Armagh International Road Races, writes Tony Poole.
Now in its 31st year, the Northern Ireland event at The Mall is regarded as one of the fastest 5K races in the world.
And it lived up to its tag with 10thplaced Hopkins (Swansea Harriers) clocking 13:55 while Hunt (Cardiff AAC) was a mere four seconds and eight places behind him.
The other Welsh top brass - in a race that saw 234 runners face the starter - resulted in Andrew Davies (Stockport AAC) taking 52nd spot in 14:21 and Dewi Griffiths (Swansea Harriers) 14:22 (53rd).
Hunt, son of Bridgend AAC star Rob, on similar lines to his runner-up finish last summer at the inaugural Porthcawl 5K, once more cut out the early pace.
“Armagh was an amazing race, and it’s always a pleasure to run in the Welsh vest,” said Hunt. “I decided to go out hard from the start in a bid to break the 14-minute barrier and basically the plan worked out well for me, resulting in a personal best.’’
However, media pictures afterwards caused some confusion, as Hunt was seen wearing race number 35 that was allocated to Wrexham runner Matthew Willis.
“I swapped numbers with Matthew Willis because he had a starting position close to the front while I was towards the back,” he explained. “To get a fast start I needed to be close to the front, and in fairness to Matthew he readily agreed to swap numbers.’’
Meanwhile, in the case of Cardiff University of Sport student Hopkins, it highlighted the point that he’s now fully recovered from long-standing injury problems - and is finding the form of his life.
Hopkins, who represented Wales in the Gold Coast Olympics four years ago, was also delighted with his performance in Northern Ireland.
“The Armagh International Road Races have become one of the big events on the athletics calendar – and they never disappoint,” he said. “I was happy with my personal best, and equally delighted to see my team-mate James do likewise.’’
Adam Clarke (Team Real Runners) won the 5K race in an incredible time of 13:42, and in a close finish was followed home by Jonny Davies (Reading AAC) 13:45 and Phil Sesemann (Leeds City AAC) 13:45.