British Milers’ Club Grand Prix action kicked off with Saturday’s meeting in Manchester

The women’s 800m proved to be the race of the night at the opening British Milers’ Club Grand Prix meeting at the Longford Stadium, Trafford, on Saturday evening, reports Kevin Fahey.

Leading from the bell, Alison Leonard held off Commonwealth and European medallist Lynsey Sharp to win in a time of 2:01.25, with the 2014 UK No.1 a few strides behind in 2:02.23 and Adelle Tracey third in 2:02.53.

The men’s race also saw an impressive victory from Theo Blundell in 1:47.84 as he powered clear of Norway s Andreas Roth (1:48.88) and Richard Charles (1:49.06) in the final 100 metres.

Back in Manchester a week after racing to a personal best of 29:09 in the Great Manchester 10km, Andrew Butchart showed a nice turn of speed to win the men s 1500m in a PB of 3:44.57.

Wales champion Melissa Courtney looked a class act in the women s 1500m as she won from the front in 4:15.89, while behind her junior Rosie Johnson dipped inside the European under-20s qualifying standard with 4:18.39.

There was also a European under-20s qualifying standard in the men s 5000m with Chris Olley clocking 14:18.49 on his debut, while Markhim Lonsdale just missed the World Youth Championships target of 3:51 with 3:51.19.

In the women s 3000m steeplechase, Commonwealth Games seventh placer Racheal Bamford raced to a solo victory in 10:07.36.

See the May 21 edition of Athletics Weekly magazine for a more in-depth report and further photographs by Harry Shakeshaft

Harry Shakeshaft captured almost all of the athletes on camera and the pictures will be available via his website at www.hsphotos.co.uk

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