STEVE Mitchell is the new South West 3000m champion. The Bristol & West AC runner took the crown away from clubmate Jon Wills, who was missing, with a commanding performance and victory in 8miins 26.0secs at the Exeter Arena last night.
“I’m pleased with that,” said Mitchell, who unleashed a terrific last lap to leave Cardiff’s Nat lane – who was not eligible for the championships – trailing in his wake.
“I didn’t have a very good performance at the BMC race in Belfast on Saturday (he dropped out) so it is nice to bounce back with a decent run tonight.”
Training partner Owen Jones was runner-up (8;34.6) with Tavistock’s Pete Freedman third (98:36.2).
Top junior was Taunton AC’s Charlie Maclean (8:39.2) with clubmate Blair Brown winning the Under 17s age group.
Yate’s Hannah Alderson is the south west women’s champion although was clearly not happy with her time of 9:57.6. Teenager Imogen Wolsey, of Team Bath AC, was second (10:24.1) and Tavistock’s Jo Meek was third (10:26.5).