THE SALFORD 5k Road Race, over a distance at the shorter end of the range of road races, took place the day before the London Marathon, which of course was at the longer end of the range.

Interestingly, the winner ran 4mins 52secs per mile, second 5.03 and third 5.08. These were the only ones who went faster than Paula Radcliffe did the next day over 26.2 miles. This shows not that the other runners were slow, but that an amazing achievement has been posted by Britain's best ever lady marathon runner. The girl is simply incredible.

Radcliffe trio hit form at Salford

THREE Radcliffe Athletics Club runners travelled to the Salford Harriers 5K road race, with Mark Jackson playing an excellent captains role by leading his club-mates home in 61st place with a time of 20.51.

Alan Sumner is in the O/55 ranks now, but that did not stop him from chasing Mark closely, finishing 67th and seventh O/55 in 21.47. Steve Higginbottom rounded off the group with 90th place in 29.50.

Organiser Tom West reports that entries for the Radcliffe 10k on April 27, are coming in thick and fast, and those who are keen to enter should do so without waiting until the day of the race, when entries could be closed. Details can be found on the internet at ukresults.net, where there is information about the clubs trail races as well.