Matt Bond topped a fantastic year
by making his international debut and then went on to win the race
topping it with his latest PB. Following PBs in last
September's Cardiff 10k (30:11), 5-mile PB in February's Alsager
'5' (24.09) and 65:53 for an incredible 4th place in his
debut half-marathon at Wilmslow (March), he made his England debut
a half-marathon versus Denmark in Lillebhelt (Denmark),
He said,"
Having only ever won local races it was a bit surreal to break
the tape in an international half marathon. A month or so ago
I was delighted just to have been picked for the England
team! It was also a great feeling to be part of a victorious
England team" His time of 65:29 is inside last year's
qualifying time for the world half marathon championships though,
as these are to be held in China, he reckons UKA will set a more
challenging standard. He's now looking for sub 65-minute
course to seek selection"
The race
is well summed up on the England athletics web-site: "The
lunchtime start suited the England team as it gave a chance of a
late breakfast (Matt couldn't resist the Danish pasties!)
and short jog to recover from the travelling. The pattern was
established in the first kilometre as the England Team of Matt
Bond, Kairn Stone (Newham and Essex Beagles) and Nick Torry
(Serpentine) eased to the front accompanied by three Danes. Heading
into the wind and with a stiff climb in the 3rd kilometre the pace
was fairly steady passing 3k in 9.30; the tempo picked up a little
passing 5km in 15.45 with the three English athletes sharing turns
on the front The 10k mark was passed in 31:21- some 30 seconds
slower than last year but the group of five remained locked
together and most taking their turn on the front. Climbing
back to the bridge at 14k the second Dane was dropped, the pace
slowly picking up and Matt Bond (after a track PB of 8.14 on
Wednesday) was looking very relaxed. Indeed at 18k he looked
at his team mates and threw in a 2.53 kilometre opening up what was
to be a decisive gap. Torry at this point dropped off the other two
and hung on well to secure 4th place. Up front Bond was away
and Stone and Farshoj had a ding dong battle to the line with Matt
bond getting the better of the recently crowned Danish
Champion. Both Bond and Stone also came away with personal
best performances". Matt's time was
65:29 (Fechin Mc Cormick)