Billy Eccles retained his Fighter 5K title with another impressive victory at Great Massingham Airfield – and now hopes to use the performance as a springboard towards a new personal best later this week.
Eccles, who also won the race last year, crossed the line in 15:42 at the Fighter 5K, Race 7 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series.
The West Norfolk AC-hosted event was run in windy conditions, with Eccles finishing ahead of Mitchell Bunn, who was second in 15:52, and Benjamin Peck, who took third in 16:33.
Eccles makes decisive move after 3K
The airfield course provided a fast but testing challenge, with runners having to contend with wind and uneven sections underfoot.
For Eccles, the decisive moment came after 3K when the wind began to shift in his favour.
“It was good,” he said.
“It was quite a windy race, but I got to 3K and then the wind started to move behind me.
“So I just entered the lead and went for home really.”
Despite the pace, the course was far from straightforward.
“It was a bit bumpy,” Eccles added.
“I think it was probably bumpier than some cross country races I’ve done, which made it hard.
“But it was a good route.”
Chasing a 5K breakthrough
Eccles is now turning his attention to the Mid Cheshire 5K this Friday, where he hopes to lower his personal best and break the 14:30 barrier.
“I do like a 5K,” he said. “It’s probably my strongest distance.
“I’ve got Mid Cheshire 5K on Friday and I’m aiming to try and lower my PB and get under 14:30.”
His current best stands at 14:38, set at Battersea last November.
“I’m just hoping I’m running a bit better now and can quicken up as much as I can,” he added.
America awaits
Later this year, Eccles will take the next major step in his running journey when he heads to the United States for university.
He is set to go to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock from August, an opportunity he admits he is hugely excited about.
“I can’t wait, really,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.
“But it’s going to be a challenge as well – trying to get used to it but one I’m looking forward to.”
Before then, Eccles hopes to qualify for English Schools Championships and compete at the national championships in Bedford as part of a busy summer of racing.
Watch the highlights
Highlights from the Fighter 5K will soon be available on Sportlink TV.
There will also be the chance to win a pair of 361° trainers in the highlights video, so make sure you subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for the film dropping later this week.
Sign up
There’s still time to sign up for race 8 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series which takes place this weekend at the Holt 10K. Grab your place here.
Sportlink
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series is supported by Sportlink, a specialist running shop in Norwich run by runners for runners, offering expert gait analysis, specialist running shoes and advice for runners across Norfolk.
Article written by Mark Armstrong Media