Dean leads Britain to Portugal silver medal

A superb run by Hallamshire's Hatti Dean saw her lead the British team home at the European Cross Country Championships in Albufeira, Portugal, yesterday. She finished seventh, contributing massively to Britain's silver medal performance behind Portugal in the team race.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2010, 08:23 BST
Updated 13th Dec 2010, 08:23 BST

Dean ran cautiously at the start and was off the opening fast pace, but she moved through the field relentlessly, settling down around 15th by the halfway stage.

She continued to move through, even to sixth close to the finish. It was no surprise to see the Hallamshire runner in the top 10. She finished eighth in this event two years ago.

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Louise Damen, who beat Dean in the trial, was 17th and the highly rated Steph Twell finished 20th, fading after a fast start. The count was completed by veteran Helen Clitheroe in 21st place.

Winner was Jessica Augusto who led hot favourites Portugal to team victory on their home course.

The British men's team were fifth but there were team victories in the junior and under 23 women and the junior men's races, meaning that the British contingent led the medal table.

It could have been even better but for illness to Leeds City's JamesWilkinson. Feeling unwell when he woke up on the morning of the race, Wilkinson started but only managed a lap before pulling out. He needed to finish in the top half dozen for GB to win gold. As it was they finished fourth.

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The leading British runner was Ricky Stevenson (New Marske) who had a good run to take 9th place after leading at in the early stages.

Andy Ward (Clowne RR) and Alice Cordwell (Hallamshire) repeated their victories of last year in the re-arranged Percy Pud 10K road race at Sheffield yesterday.

Related topics:PortugalBritain