Athletics: IAAF World Championships glory and pain for GB runners

August 27, 2024

Day one of the IAAF World Championships saw a result of mixed outcomes for GB runners Susan Partridge and Alyson Dixon.

Both running around the Gukchae-Bosang Memorial park in central Daegu, Partridge finished the women’s marathon race in 2:35.5, securing a solid 24^th position.

Dixon who had a tough race – fell behind, crossing the line in 2:50.51 for 42^nd place.

The course features two large 15km laps finishing with a smaller final circuit. Both Dixon and Partridge ran a sensible first half , holding up the rear in a pack of six athletes, passing through the first 15km within a second of each other at 55 min 47 seconds, a minute and a half off the lead pace.

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By 20km it was Partridge who was enjoying a continuation of that race-pace , whilst Dixon suffered a minute drop in her 5km split and fell behind her Aviva GB & NI team mate.

Partridge said: “I got in a group quite early on with Americans and it was perfect for me – a good pace.

“I felt quite strong – I was telling myself just wait, just wait don’t get carried away, but over the last few miles I was picking people off all the time. I felt so strong and it encourages you to keep it strong through to the end.

“I feel encouraged by today – I was in the mix there with some good athletes, and it makes me think I’ve been able to go away and up the mileage and improve my sessions.

“My strength is my consistency – I seem to be able to qualify then turn it around and produce a good championship run as well which is a quality in itself and in marathon running confidence is vital.”

Dixon however is not deterred by her late finish, or injury. She said: “I had a pain in my foot the last few weeks but the medical team have done wonders to hold me together and get me to the start line. I was asked if the niggle would stop me running – I said ‘no’.

“I felt really good until 10 miles and the leg started to cramp and I stopped about 10 times trying to stretch my calf out and loosen my foot and it was a world of pain the last ten miles. But I hadn’t come all the way over here to stop mid-race, I was determined to finish.

“I’ve loved the experience – standing on the start line in the red white and blue and the pride is so immense. Hopefully there will be more chance in the future so I can prove what I’m really worth.”

The women’s marathon title and a podium clean-sweep went to Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat in 2:28.43 ahead of her compatriots Priscah Jeptoo and Sharon Cherop.

UKA will provide daily news reports from the 2011 World Championships on www.uka.org.uk and quotes from Aviva GB & NI athletes.

Athletics: IAAF World Championships glory and pain for GB runners

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