Another bite out of Big Apple
Shropshire's Claire Martin is celebrating completing the 'grand slam' amongst the world's best at Corporate Challenge Championship. The Telford AC star returned from New York on Monday after earning a stunning victory in the 3.5 mile race - clocking 19mins 14secs - which attracts elite runners from all over the world.
It was Martin's second success in the individual female event, repeating her success of 12 months ago.
She was also part of the winning mixed team this year and has previously won the ladies team event on no less than seven occasions in a race which captures the imagination of Americans.
"It's the only sporting event which closes Park Avenue so it's a big deal for them," said the 31-year-old postal worker, who works from Tweedale sorting branch in Telford.
"There are plenty of people lining the streets so to win a race like that is a big thrill. I was fairly confident going into the race because I've been in good form. But it's getting harder every year and the second placed girl was only 15 seconds behind me.
"I ran a personal best for the course so it couldn't have gone much better really. We were a little surprised the team competition wasn't closer, but obviously we're happy to win."
Martin and her team qualified for the world final after winning the British round of the competition held in Battersea Park, London, in July.
She will now turn her attention to representing Telford in the National Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield and the forthcoming Reebok Challenge.
And Martin is also hoping to book her place in the British team for the European Cross-country Championships, for which the trials are due to take place next month.
Popular stories:
- Daily news blog
- Town in new jobs drive bid
- Find bargains with StarBidz
- 60 jobs go in move to China
- Big Brother pair hunt for ghosts