Race Preview

With just over 24 hours to go the excitement is really building with the 2012 edition of the Armagh International 5k having the potential to be the best in history. As usual, we have a truly international line-up, with American, English, Finish, Irish and Polish athletes all likely to be in the mix.

Christian Hesch leads the way in 2008

Sub-4 miler and 3 times winner Christian Hesch leads the American charge in this year’s race, as he aims to regain the title he last won in 2008 when clocking 13.57. It will surely take something in the sub-14 region to take the title this year, so it is only fitting that he is joined by 3 other American’s with sub-14 minute pb’s; Michael Crouch, Landon Peacock and Lex Williams.

Jonny Mellor

Meanwhile, a multi-pronged English assault on the Armagh crown shall be lead by last year’s runner-up Jonny Mellor. The Liverpool Harrier went from strength to strength following last year’s race, posting big pb’s of 13.36 and 28.50 for 5/10k. His good form has followed on into this winter, and having improved every year at Armagh, finishing 18^th, 8^th and 2^nd over the last 3 years, is he destined to take the title this year? Alongside Mellor, James Walsh also had somewhat of a breakthrough summer, again posting 5k and 10k pb’s (13.39/28.37). His winter season has had many highlights so far, including 15^th place at the European XC Championships in Slovenia and retaining his Midlands XC title, and he will be looking to add to these tomorrow night. Another athlete who shone at the European XC Championships was James Wilkinson, who will be running for Team Puma. He took u23 silver with a terrific run, and definitely has un-tapped potential over 5k, so certainly one to watch out for. A couple more athletes likely to be to the fore are Ashley Harrell and Andy Wiles. The former took bronze at the BUCS XC Champs last weekend and has a 10k best of 30.18 from December, whilst the later has a great mix of speed and endurance with 2011 pb’s of 3.43 and 29.46 for 1500m and 10k receptively.

Luke Cragg

Last, but by no means least, is one of our feature athletes, Luke Cragg. His video interview was very insightful and off the back of a 65 minute half-marathon in Spain, and a victory at the Alsager 5 just days ago, he will be looking to keep the momentum going. His new training base in Loughborough clearly seems to be working for him, and he puts this down to the fact “it’s just a group of like-minded guys training hard”. Cragg’s 5k and 10k pb’s stand at 13.41 and 29.10, and like Hesch, Mellor and Walsh, he most definitely deserves the label as one of the pre-race favourites.

Luke Cragg Interview

AAA interview with Luke Cragg - Armagh, Alsager and America.

Lisa Dobriskey Interview

We talk South Africa and chocolate in our pre-race interview with 2009 1500m World Silver Medallist Lisa Dobriskey!

Dewi Griffiths Interview

We caught up with Wales and Great Britain international Dewi Griffiths, just a week out from race day. Dewi has been a regular over the last few years, and here he shares his thoughts with us.

Many will be familiar with your name I’m sure, but not with your training set up. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

Well I’m currently in my second year at Swansea University so based in Swansea.  I meet up with my coach (Kevin Evans) on the Thursday nights on the track back in Carmarthen and also drop in to the Swansea Harriers sessions now and again when it suits.  I’ve got everything a distance runner needs at my door so it’s ideal for my running.

You have excelled on all surfaces in the past, with international honours on the road, track, xc and mountains. What is your favourite?

It’s hard to say what my favourite is really.  I tend to just like to mix it up through the season by doing a road race or two in the middle of a cross country season or something.  A change is as good as a rest, the old saying goes.  At the moment I think it’s the road because that’s where I had the biggest success lately, which oddly was the one that was my least favourite a couple of years ago.

While we are on the topic, what would you consider your biggest accomplishment in the sport to date?

There have been races and runs that stand out for me, such as recently the half marathon, 6-stage domestically and European Juniors and World Mountain Champs internationally.  I’ve got to say though my greatest achievement on a personal level is finishing fourth and subsequently gaining my first GB vest, in the UK Inter-Counties Cross Country in the Junior Men's race as a 16 year old with, looking back, not that much training in the legs.  I did run out of my skin that day and had absolutely nothing left come the finish line.

Moving on, what are your targets going forward? Is the Commonwealth Games in the back of your mind?

I think its got to be on my mind.  I know if you look at my times on power of 10 they might seem miles away, but I firmly believe that I could go a lot faster than my pbs, which is a nice place to be as a developing athlete.  A few of my pbs, such as the 10k, were done on not a flat race that I led from gun to tape.  So hopefully I will run a fast course 10k in 2012 and see what I really could run.  To be honest I’ll be disappointed if I don’t make it because I think I have a realistic chance of qualifying. 

You have raced Armagh a few times now, so what is it that has made you want to come back and toe the line again year after year?

This year will be my fourth time there.  I’ve ran for Wales there the previous three years and gone quicker every year.  It’s just a great race to be part of with great atmosphere with no other race that I’ve run getting close to it.  Also the standard of the field is always good which helps drag you along for the faster times.  Hopefully I can beat my 14.31 I clocked last year.

And post-Armagh, what are your targets?

I hope to finish the cross country season strongly by hopefully have a good run in the UK Inter-Counties and hopefully the home nations international. Then I'll probably do a few road races over Easter such as the 12-Stage, before giving the track season a good go.

Best of luck next week Dewi, and cheers for your time!

Team America

Heading the American team this year is road merchant and three-time Armagh winner, Christian Hesch. In 2011 Hesch had many highlights, most notably breaking the 4 minute barrier for the first time at the Falmouth Mile. After the race Hesch commented, "How often has the tenth-place finisher broken four-minutes, and for the first time?" What makes this accomplishment all the more impressive is that Hesch did this at the grand old age of 32. Now 33, Hesch is looking to take his 4^th title around the infamous loops of Armagh Mall. And if Hesch wasn’t already a formidable opponent he also has the strength which comes off the back of a 64 minute half marathon.

Aside from his running pedigree, Hesch is a real character in the running community and famously known for dawning board shorts, most notably at the 1500m Olympic trials in 2008. On his twitter page (@Sub4Medic), Hesch’s tag line is “Surfer turned Miler turned profligate road racer...living the dream every sunny California day!” The charismatic American can also be seen in a photo crossing the finish line of the LA Marathon 5k race with an actual surf board! Having run the whole race with said surfboard, his pedestrian time of outside16minutes will be of no worry to him, as he looks to regain his Armagh International 5k crown. If the pace is hot next week, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him go under 14 minutes.

Other Americans making the transatlantic flight include Lex Williams, Landon Peacock and Michael Crouch. These three athletes are making their debuts at the race this year and will undoubtedly be to the fore all boasting 5000m pb’s in the 13:45 region. Crouch in particular has a stellar resume including a NCAA Division II XC title. He is now a member of the Zap Fitness post-collegiate group. Rounding out the American team is Cole Atkins, better known as a steeplechase having run 8.47, but also has very credible pb’s of 14.04 and 29.20 for 5/10k respectively.

Matt Gillespie Interview

Today's interviewee is Great Britain and Scotland International Matthew Gillespie. Matt has been running since an early age, his first success coming at the Inter-Counties XC at u13 level. Since then he has flourished into a many time GB international and boasts an impressive resume including a 14.12 5000m and a 66 minute half. We caught up with him 2 weeks out from his Armagh International 5k debut.

First question Matt, what is it that’s brought you to Armagh this year?

MG: First of all, it’s always a great race. I’m sure this year will be no exception and to be involved in this race is the sort of thing any runner relishes. Secondly, the Shettleston guys got an invite and I decided that this was the year I’d give it a shot. 

How has your training faired over the last couple of months?

MG: It’s been satisfactory; qualification for the Euro Cross with a good run at Euro Cross was the main objective. I achieved that which gave me a lot of faith in the training I’m doing. Post the Euro’s, my Achilles didn’t feel right and I didn’t want to risk chronic injury so I took it easy for a good bit but fortunately I’m back to full training now.

You ran 14.37 on the roads last year, and 14.12 on the track. What kind of time do you think you’re capable of in two weeks time?

MG: I would like to think somewhere in between. We’ll just have to see how the race goes; I think I’ll go in looking for a good position as opposed to a time. I’ll say around 14:30.  

Your latest Great Britain vest came at the Euro Cross in December. Your first vest however came back in 2008 on the Mountains, and you seem to have pretty much mastered everything else in-between. What is your ultimate focus going forward and what is it that motivates you?

MG: 100% the track, I love running fast on the track. I can’t seem to get as fired up for any other races as I do for the track. I really hope I can get well under 14 minutes this year for the 5000m. I thought I would get it last summer but a back injury kept me from finding that out. For the next season the 5000m is the goal, I won’t be dwelling too far from that. So as much as I’d like to, there’ll be no half marathons, 10ks or hill races. I’ll get down to a few BMC races and will try and get in the Olympic Trial.

My motivation is quite simple, I love what I’m doing and trying to get the absolute best out of myself is my focus and motivation.

Given that, what do you currently consider your best event?

MG: I reckon it’s probably a 10,000m but I want to keep things shorter and move up to that once I’m happy with what I’ve achieved at the 5,000m.

I notice your Bank of Scotland Local Hero page on Facebook has received quite a lot of attention. What kind of support do they provide for you?

MG: It’s quite funny how much attention it’s received. I thought I’d be honest and provide useful data about my training that I’d be happy telling friends but ultimately there’s always someone that will think what you are doing is categorically wrong. I’ve stopped posting the data now; I don’t really want to be discussed.

Bank of Scotland Local Heroes provide support to athletes in their late teens and early 20’s who are trying to make major Championships in the future. I am very grateful for their support which has essentially helped me with my equipment costs and some physio bills. I should point out that I'm also grateful for the support from Shettleston Harriers, Glasgow University, Glasgow Athletics Association, Clackmannanshire Sports Council, scottishathletics and of course my parents. 

And finally, I think I am right in saying that you finish your degree this summer? What are your plans after that?

MG: I’m finishing off my law degree this year. There are lots of options on the table; there’s staying here and continuing my studies, going to the US to use my last 2 years of eligibility up or entering the world of work. I’ll hopefully know quite soon but I’m exploring all 3 options.

Thanks for your time Matt, and good luck in two weeks time!

Andy Wiles Interview

Our next interview is with New Marske Harrier’s fast improving Andy Wiles. The 1500m runner from the North East has re-written his pb’s over every distance from 800m up to 10k over the past 12 months, as well as earning his first England call up. Here we question him on the secrets to his success and his plans for the future, with the Armagh International 5k now only two weeks away.

I have to start with this question, how did it feel to outkick one of the best endurance runners of all time, Keninisa Bekele at Edinburgh? I take it you were pleased with your run?

AW: I was pleased with Edinburgh I ran off my highest mileage and was unsure how I would feel, once the race got underway I felt ok. It was a great experience just being in the same race as those athletes and to beat two of the best runners in the world is great for something to look back on. Bekele was not running to his usual standard on this occasion and I felt I had to use this opportunity to take a chance I may not get again. The result has given me a lot of confidence and I just need to build on this now and concentrate on the summer and 1500m.

Looking at your Power of 10, you made a big breakthrough in 2009. What do you put this down to?

AW: In 2009 I began training with Steve Shaw, who I believe is one of the best coaches in the UK. He took me on as an athlete struggling to break 4 minutes for 1500m. He gave me a lot of confidence which I never had before. We work really well together and have had some fantastic training sessions. I only started running as an u20 so we upped the mileage slightly and we have done this slowly and progressively which has improved my endurance a lot over the last few years.

You had a good run at Ribble Valley, do you have any thoughts on breaking the elusive 30min barrier at what seemed to be your first real crack at it?

AW: Yes It was nice to break the 30 minute barrier, I wasn’t really sure how to run it as I had never been involved in a fast one before so I was happy with knocking 75 seconds off my P.B, but I believe there is still room for improvement this season. 

Having run 1.50.06 and 3.43.47 last year, I take it you’ll be aiming to take down a few more barriers in the summer, namely that magical 4 minute mile?

AW: I was pleased with how last season went especially after an injury which left me out through May and early June missing some fast races like Watford, so it was good to come back and at least run a few P.B’s. I would like to try breaking the 4 minute barrier, but this season it won’t be a priority due to the trials in June. After that then I will be looking to break some P.B’s and hopefully if I stay injury free I will get my times down further.

You’re coached by Steve Shaw and have good training partners in the likes of Ricky Stevenson and Mark Shaw. Can you tell us a bit more about your set up in the North East?

AW: Steve has a small group at New Marske and as a team we are improving and working well together. I have great training partners who push me to my limits. The North East has some great places to train, although it’s mainly in cold, wet and windy conditions which is probably why we can run on the mud and track. The small setup is used to our advantage as I feel it is much more beneficial to have a smaller number of athletes training at any one time in the same place. I believe this is why we are all running well. Steve invests the same amount of time in each of his athletes and knows what we need as individuals to perform to our best.

And finally, I read on twitter that you’re off to America in the near future. Can you tell us a bit more about this move, and what it is that appeals to you about going stateside?

AW: There are a number of options for me in America which I am considering at the moment. It is a hard decision to make as I am improving every year in the UK, but I am not at a level to get a sponsorship or funding at the moment. America have a great set up and it is a lot easier financially along with the perks of being able to see a physio whenever I need one. It’s a long way off at the moment and I will have to see what the year brings. @AndrewWiles1 for all you twitter fans!

Thanks Andy

Dave Norman Interview

Joining us again this year representing the Real Runners team is England international Dave Norman. Dave has been one of the top English road runners over the past decade, and has represented his country on the road, cross country and on the mountains. His stand-out achievement is undoubtedly a top 15 finish in the London Marathon (3^rd Brit).

Afternoon Dave! You ran the race for the first time last year, what did you make of the event, and what is it that’s brought you back again this year?

DN: I really enjoyed last year’s event; there was something pretty special about a multi-lap evening race with big crowds.  I wasn’t particularly happy with my result in last year’s race so I wanted to come back and do myself justice.  It’s a very fast course and it’s easy to see why people run fast on it.

Having just dipped 15 minutes last year, what kind of shape do you think you’re in, and what target time do you have in mind this year? We noticed a good return to form at the Ribble Valley 10k recently...

DN: I was disappointed with my time last year, but because I was in marathon training I didn’t come into the race fresh.  To run a good 5k road race, you need the zip in your legs.  Ribble Valley was a step forward for me and I tapered well for that – I’ll try a similar taper for Armagh.  My target has to be my road 5k PB of 14:42 – largely because I have an ongoing bet which prevents me getting my haircut until I run a PB!  I ran faster than that on the track in 2011 so it’s certainly achievable.

How do you think your team, Real Runners, will get on this year?

DN: We have a good mix of youth and experience.  Ashley Harrell is definitely one to watch – he ran very well over 5k at the English Cross Country Relays.  Chris Busaileh is improving quickly.  Richard Ward is a big talent and highly unpredictable.  Most of the team ran last year for the first time and I think that will help all of us.

Do you have any other races lined up over the coming months? I assume the English National XC will feature highly in your plans?

DN: My main priorities are the Northern and National Cross Country Championships.  And possibly the Manchester Marathon, but I haven’t decided for certain yet.

No London Marathon for you this year then?

DN: Unfortunately not, I love the event but it hit me very hard last year having to drop out with injury when in good shape and I’m only just getting back to any sort of serious training.  I decided I wouldn’t do a serious marathon until autumn 2012, but the thought of doing the first marathon in Manchester for 10 years is very appealing to me.

And finally, can you give us your prediction for the race winner and his time?

DN: I’m predicting a win for Jonny Mellor, it’s difficult to predict a time as the race could be run in a number of ways but I’m going to say 13:57!

Cheers!

PRESS RELEASE: Dobriskey’s coming to town

It was confirmed last night that 2009 1500m World Silver medallist and former Commonwealth Champion Lisa Dobriskey will be opening up her 2012 campaign in Armagh on the 8^th of February. She will be the star attraction in an already strong women’s line-up, which seems to be growing year on year. Lining up in the 3k, Dobriskey will be hoping to make a positive start to the Olympic year, where she will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2011. Last summer was her first under the tutelage of husband come coach, Ricky Soos, who is himself an Olympian. Her split from long time coach George Gandy was well publicised, however the pair know her below-par summer season wasn’t down to this. A long term hip injury, more commonly found in ballet dancers was the cause, meaning she couldn’t generate any power or run at top speed. After being knocked out in the first round in Daegu, Dobriskey didn’t hang around, getting a flight home the next day to seek the answer to her problem. After a successful operation at the back end of the summer, Dobriskey is confident her troubles are behind her, and is in reasonable shape after returning to training just over 2 months ago. This will be her first true test though in the year where she hopes she can challenge for an Olympic medal once more, after narrowly missing out when finishing 4^th in Beijing in 2008. Her indoor 3000m best of 8.47 makes her the undoubted favourite to take the Armagh women’s title on her debut at the annual event, and we are excited to see her in action.

Coverage of the 2009 race

Below is a video of the 2009 edition of the race featuring:

Mark Carroll (Ireland)
Chris Thompson (Great Britain)
David Nightingale (USA)
Chris Barnicle (USA)
Jussi Utriainen (Finland)

You can also click here to see Flotrack's complete coverage of the 2009 race.