At Parliament Hill track, on the evening of the 20th of May, the two major 'high standard' races at the end of the Programme on the 'Night of the 10,000m PB's' races, were won in exceptional fast times. First of all the Women's 10,000m race was won by Mizan Alem Adane of Ethiopia, in a 'British All Comers record ''of 29:59.03 and 11th fastest time ever in the world. Thirty seven finished and last year's winner Jessica 'Warner 'Judd was fourth in 31:0'28 and crowned UK Champion while also booking her spot for Team GB at the World Championships.
The Men's race was won by Paul Chelimo (USA) in 27:12.73. It was a meeting Best Performance in the event, first held in 2013. 36 completed and the first UK runner was Andrew Buchart in 7th place in 27:47.43 who was crowned Men’s UK Champion.
Chelimo was a medallist over the shorter 5,000m distance at the last two Olympic Games. He told me " I love running and ,hope to come back next year. He added' Definitely the Olympics was special for me. I want to be successful with my running as it is my job and then the same when I stop competing"
The last British World 10k record holder, now 50 years ago, Dave Bedford, lives near Hampstead Heath and remarked, at the meeting, having attended every one since the start. It certainly has developed as an event. The way the Stadium looks is so much better than it was at the start. I live locally and a lot of local people are talking about it saying 'We are going to wander up and have a look' The job Ben Pochee and Highgate Harriers have done in developing this over the years is absolutely stunning. Highgate are held in great acclaim by the City of London and it is very deserving"