Injury does not diminish Benbow’s Great experience on the world stage

Leamington C&ACs Dave Potter was second at the Schools Out 20k. MHLC-10-08-13 Schools Out Aug25

More than 27 countries and 1,000 athletes were competing across the various age categories

Nick and twin brother Al represented Great Britain in the 55-59 age group over the standard duathlon distance, which involves a 10k run, a 40k cycle followed by a 5k run.

Nick had a recurrence of a calf muscle injury early on in the first run but said the experience was one he will never forget.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and to be part of such a team was incredible,” said Benbow.

“James Cracknell gave a very motivating speech as part of the Team GB briefing meeting which had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

“Marching in the Parade of Nations will also stay long in the memory as will being given a Union Flag to carry through the finishing line.

“It was frustrating to train so hard and then to be hampered by injury but to represent your country makes you want to train even harder to do better next time.”

Nick’s brother Al fared slightly better to finish 26th, while former Olympic rower Cracknell, competing in the 40 to 44 age group, was 21st.

Kenilworth Runners narrowly missed out on a one-two-three in the 10k version of Raceways’ Schools Out race at Moreton Morrell.

Cooler conditions meant some strong performances, with Connor Carson pulling away between 2k and 3k to win in 35:03.

Stephen Page took second place in 36:40, with Alex Atkinson fourth in 38:07.

Next to finish for Kenilworth was Matt Dyer (38:53) in sixth place.

The first lady home in the 10k race was Helen Lawrenson of Wesham Road Runners in 42:33.

Selected others (Kenilworth Runners unless stated): Mairead Murphy (47.46); Claire Dyer (48.35); Rod Goodwin (49.15); Laurence Copeland (55.07); Laura Quinn (Leamington C&AC 1:13:01).

Leamington C&AC elder statesmen Dave Potter and Alex Montgomery ran the longer 20k race, with Potter pleased with good steady pacing which allowed him to finish second in 1:21:24, just over two minutes behind winner Heath Forbes (Cirencester AC).

Montgomery, trying to get fit for his first UK half marathon in 16 years, suffered a little on the second lap but was satisfied with 1:31:30 and tenth overall out of 54 finishers.

Selected others (Kenilworth unless stated) Stephen Chalkley (1:34:48); Anton Raath (1:37:37); Emily Morris (1:37:40); Kate Perkins (Spa Striders, 1:41:38).