Ieuan Thomas Powers To Fourth Welsh 5K Title In Cardiff

By Owen Morgan

Ieuan Thomas claimed his fourth Welsh 5K title on the streets of Whitchurch in Cardiff..

The Cardiff 5K 2019 Race for Victory was won by Southend’s Adam Hickey, in a time of 14:14, but it was the Cardiff AAC man Thomas who won gold in the Welsh Championships incorporated into the race.

The World Championships and Commonwealth Games steeplechaser reclaimed the title he won for the third time in 2016 by crossing the line in a time of 14:18.

Thomas finished ahead of Swansea Harriers Jon Hopkins, in a time of 14:20, and Guy Smith, who clocked 14:29.

The women’s title was claimed by Cardiff’s Clara Evans, who continued her excellent form this year by winning in a time of 16:04.

Former champion Jade Williams, of Amman Valley Harriers, took silver in 16:22, and Swansea Harrier Eli Kirk claimed bronze in 16:32.

Earlier in the weekend, there was a Welsh success at the Run and Become Sri Chinmoy 5k, incorporating the Scottish 5km Championships at Silverknowes.

Kris Jones, who lives and works in Dundee, was returning to action for the first time since representing Great Britain at the Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry in January.

Kris Jones on winning form in Scotland.

The Swansea Harrier, who has been suffering from an Achilles injury, repeated his win in 2017 by finishing first in a time of 14:26 – nine seconds outside the course record set by Great Britain marathon star Callum Hawkins.

Jones, who has just returned from a three week Welsh Athletics altitude training trip to Albuquerque in New Mexico said: “I have not raced since Stirling and the International XC in early January – so it is great to be back.

“I thought 14.30 might just about win it tonight and I managed to edge ahead about 4K. I wasn’t really aware that James Donald was in the pack just behind and it is another great run from him.”