Calli Hauger-Thackery set a European lead in the 10,000m in San Juan Capistrano, USA on Saturday (29) of 30:53.73.
Bronze medallist in the half marathon at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, Great Britain's Hauger-Thackery obliterated her previous best by over three and a half minutes, in a race where she placed third behind USA duo Elise Cranny and Weini Kelati, the former setting a world lead of 30:36.56, 2.04 ahead of her international teammate.
In the men’s 10,000m at the meeting billed “The Ten in Southern California”, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting, there was an Irish record for 12th placed Efrem Gidey in 27:26.95.
Austrian record for Gruen
On Sunday (30), the McKirdy Marathon “Road to Tokyo” event saw a new Austrian record of 2:09:51 for Aaron Gruen over the classic distance. Gruen was third behind winner Justin Kent of Canada (2:09:28).
There was also a solo outing over 10km for three-times European medallist Eilish McColgan. The British athlete clocked 31:03 as she continues her build up to her debut marathon in London in April.
Thomas wins ahead of European Running Championships
In Valenciennes, France on Sunday (30), Belgium’s Juliette Thomas won the women’s 10km in 31:41 to equal her lifetime best.
It was a timely confidence boost for Thomas, who is set to represent the hosts in the half marathon at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April.
Walkers up pace in Spain and Italy
At the Spanish Race Walking Championships in San Pedro del Pinatar on Sunday (30), Anita Chamosa took the women’s 20k in a personal best of 1:27:55, whilst the men’s title was won by Álvaro López in 1:21:23.
Meanwhile, the Italian 20km Race Walking Championships in Sant’Alessio Siculo saw victories by 2023 European U23 silver medallists Alexandrina Mihai and Andrea Cosi. Mihai won the women’s race in a national U23 record of 1:28:57 and Cosi won the men’s race in 1:20:47.
Chris Broadbent for European Athletics