Davies And Griffiths Hail World Championships Marathon Experience

Marathon men Andrew Davies and Josh Griffiths did Wales proud after finishing the biggest race of their lives at the World Championships in London.

The duo ran together for much of the race with Davies eventually coming home in 31st spot in a time two hours 17.59 seconds.

Griffiths, who had qualified after coming first Brit on his marathon debut in London in April, was 39th in 2:20:06 over a tough course.

Team-mate Callum Hawkins – who is advised by Welsh marathon legend Steve Jones – just missed out on the medals finishing fourth in a personal best 2:10:17.

Davies, 37, said: :That was unbelievable – I experienced something like that at Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games but that was on par.

“It was incredible, you had to lap all the atmosphere up.

“We had a bit of a plan of what we were going to do – take it sensibly at the beginning, try and come through strong, pick people off towards the end, they were suffering in a heat, so me and Josh worked well.

“I was feeling really good with a lap to go and, not on purpose but, I pulled away – I don’t know if it was a bit too early but I think it panned out alright so I’m happy with that.

“It was an unbelievable performance from Callum to get a 2:10 on that course – that’s probably two to three minutes slower that a normal course, so what an incredible run.

“I’m a bit gutted for him to miss out on the medals but he’s got plenty of time and I’m sure they’ll come thick and fast before too long.”

Griffiths admitted the experience of being catapulted from a relative unknown to being part of the GB squad had been incredible and vowed to be back for more.”

The 22-year-old said: “To be with the British Athletics team has been an amazing experience and it is something I definitely want to be a part of again in the future because it has been amazing.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the crowd, everyone who came out made really made the day special and we couldn’t have done it without them really.

“I also want to say a massive well done to Callum because his performance really was unbelievable.

“It is phenomenal to have people like Callum and now Mo Farah show that we can challenge anyone in the world.

“As someone who looks up to both of them it is fantastic to see them running so well. Next stop is a bit of recovery and then it is back to training again.”