Harriersgoing Soltheway

Perth Strathtay Harriers Ben Greenwood and Sol Sweeney continue to move forward on the right track.

Silver success was the order of the day at the England Athletics Championships held in Bedford.

Greenwood, who later this year will head to the University of Tulsa in America on an athletics scholarship, clocked 01:51:24 to secure second place in the U20 800m.

And Crieff’s Sol Sweeney had earlier clinched a second spot of his own after posting a solid time of 08:28.04 in the U20 3000m.

“I wanted to get the win but can’t complain too much with second at the national championships,” Sweeney said.

“With championship racing you never know what will happen so it’s hard to go in with a set plan as it is likely to change. Decisions have to be made in the race.

“The pace was slow to begin, with James Donald taking the lead and pushing on to make a gap. But the pack didn’t go with it so it was just about staying patient and gradually closing that gap.

“With about three laps to go the pace started to pick up so I was just focussing on keeping a good position and being ready to cover any moves. The pace was gradually winding up and we caught Donald with about 400m to go.

“And by the time we got to 200m to go there were only three or four left in the pack so I kicked at this point moving into first coming off the bend.

“With about 50m left I just didn’t have the speed to hold the position, but still I’m fairly pleased with how the race turned out as I haven’t had a race that has been that tactical for a while.

“Going into the race the time wasn’t something I was looking at too much - it was more about position and even more so after we set off at a slow pace. It was never going to match my personal best.

“I set my PB of 08:22 a few weeks ago but I do believe there is more time to come off that and plan to do another fast 3000m before the season is finished.”

The event welcomed the most talented up and coming athletes from around the country - and Sweeney takes confidence from his performance.

He added: “The race has given me a lot of confidence as it proves you’re up there with the best in the country and that motivates you to train harder.

“Confidence is key during track racing and you have to believe in your ability.

“During the race when someone broke away I had to be confident that we could catch him over time, rather than putting in a big surge to catch up straight away which takes more energy which I needed for the fast finish to the race.

“Over the next few weeks I’m going to some open paced races to try and knock some more time off my current ones for 1500m and 3000m.

“These races are specifically set up for fast times so it will be good to get out and race the clock without thinking about tactics.”