A look at some of the top performances from the past week, including road race action and cross-country leagues

While domestically the highlight was the Great Birmingham Run and there were fast marathons in Amsterdam and Toronto, the major UK attention was on cross-country leagues in the busiest week of the winter so far.

Road

Aldi Manchester Half Marathon, October 16

This event made a top-class start and saw Adam Hickey win in a five-minute PB of 64:41 in his first half-marathon since 2009, finishing just five seconds ahead of Matt Bond as 22 athletes broke 70 minutes.

Former National junior cross-country champion Rebecca Murray won the women’s race on her debut at the distance in 72:47 with Louise Small second in 73:47.

A report plus photographs from Mick Hall will appear in this week’s AW magazine.

Cabbage Patch 10, Twickenham, October 16

Ugandan Ben Siwa won the men’s race in 48:16 with Scott Overall third in 50:25, the week after running in the Chicago Marathon.

Kenyan Lenah Jorotich won the women’s race in 55:59 from Steph Twell’s 57:06 and debutante Hannah Walker’s 57:41.

Steve Roe’s report will appear in this week’s magazine.

Cross country

Kent Cross Country League, Wilmington, October 15

Jake Berry led Medway and Maidstone to a surprise victory over Tonbridge in the men’s 4-to-score event.

Tonbridge’s depth did see them win the 12-to-score event.

Medway also won the women’s team race but Nicole Taylor was a clear individual winner for Tonbridge.

Steve Roe’s report will appear in this week’s magazine.

2XU Surrey Cross Country League, October 15

Kevin Quinn won the men’s division one match at Richmond and led South London to an easy win, while Phil Wicks did likewise for Belgrave in Division two at Wimbledon.

The women’s match at Nonsuch Park saw a clear victory for in-form Phoebe Law, who followed her first leg ‘win’ in the National Road relays as she led home Amy Clements and Steph McCall.

South London made it a senior team double as their women matched the men.

Martin Duff’s reports and Jeremy Hemming’s photographs will appear in this week’s magazine.

Scottish East District Cross Country League, Stirling, October 15

Olympic 5000m finalist Andrew Butchart continued his good form to win the men’s race by almost a minute and led Central to team victory.

Kayleigh Jarrett was a surprise women’s winner.

Manchester Area Cross Country League, Wythenshawe, October 14

Jackie Fairchild enjoyed a narrow victory over Gemma Kersey in the women’s race.

Jack Morris was a clear winner of the men’s race.

Stephen Green’s report and Harry Shakeshaft’s photograph will appear in this week’s issue.

Hampshire Cross Country League, Winchester, October 18

Lucy Pygott, who last week anchored Aldershot to victory in the National Road Relays, won the senior women’s race and led her team to victory.

A junior also won the men’s race as Southampton’s Mahamed Mahamed was first home.

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