Priest’s effort proves enough
THE elements prevented James Priest and his 108 pursuers from realising their true potential in the rescheduled Guernsey Athletics 10k.
Yet, all things considered, Priest produced an impressive run, striding from Pembroke to North Beach in 34min. 30sec. for a clear win in the surprisingly large field.
This was his quickest time in 15 months despite the challenge of running solo into a near-relentless headwind, with drizzle and a grassy detour due to roadworks mixing things up further.
Several familiar rivals, including Carl Holden and Richard Friedrich, toed the start line and yet middle-distance runner Sam Lesley proved the main threat.
Priest’s 12sec. lead at the mile mark hinted at what was to come but Lesley, who won the series opener over five miles, remained in the picture. The gap continued to widen as Will Bodkin, at his bygone best a sub-33min. runner, settled into third.
It seemed that either Bodkin or Holden would seal off the ‘podium’ as Friedrich settled harmlessly into the main pack, enjoying the company as part of a longer run.
After the half-way point at Vale Castle, some more open sections helped split the field and Bodkin’s strength enabled him to escape an ominously poised Holden and secure third.
But Priest only consolidated his lead up-front, with Lesley demonstrating his improvement with a new PB of 35-41 and Bodkin clocking 37-27.
‘Happy with how today went,’ said the victor.
‘I decided to run to effort instead of to a set pace, given the conditions, and it seemed to pay off as I managed to maintain the same effort throughout, despite running into a headwind for parts of the race.’
Seemingly, only the conditions had prevented him from beating his best of 33-47.
‘Massive thanks to all the volunteers for giving up their time – it can’t have been very nice standing around in those conditions,’ he added.
Mel Nicolle took women’s honours in 44-11 after finding herself alone from the first mile onwards.
The improving Nix Petit ran her to within 30sec., though, as another triathlete in Adele Perrot took a more distant third.
‘That was a hard race,’ said Nicolle.
‘I am three weeks into my half marathon training and running in these conditions is perfect practice for the mental side of the race. I love training with her,’ she added of fast-improving rival Petit.
‘I knew I would have to work very hard to stop her catching me.’
