DEBBIE Marsden was forced to dig deep to retain her Midsummer 10k title at Clevedon last night.
The Westbury Harrier had to contend with a bad stomach and but for the encouragement of clubmate Emma D’Alton would have dropped out.
D’Aton took charge of the race at 2k as she overtook Marsden and led until the final kilometre when Marsden rallied to snatch victory in a time of 36mins 33secs. But at least the pain of the race was soothed by victory and the fact that she successfully retained her Avon title.
D’Alton can also feel satisfied with a personal best of 36:37, although that time has yet to be confirmed in the official results.
Robyn Golding picking up third spot in around 37.45 to complete a clean sweep of the medal positions for the Harriers.
In the men’s race defending champion Steve McGuigan, of Bristol & West AC, relinquished his title as victory went to Ben Morley of Great Western Runners. Clevedon AC veteran Julian Emery was third.