Athletics: Inglis shatters PB at Crystal Palace

Jul 30 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LOTHIAN Running Club’s Sarah Inglis produced arguably her best performance to take the gold medal in the Under-20 Women’s 3000m at the prestigious televised Aviva London Grand Prix meeting at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The 17-year-old had taken the Scottish U-20 3000m title the previous week, and smashed her PB by an astonishing 13.63 seconds in London.

It was Sophie Coleman from the Phoenix Club who led for the first 2000m, but she was overhauled in the latter stages by Sarah who finished in nine minutes 26.02 seconds.

The Edinburgh University student’s time places her No 2 in the Scottish U-20 rankings at 3000m – and No 5 in Great Britain.

A day later Sarah took her place at the starting blocks at the Gateshead Stadium representing the composite Forth Valley team in the National Junior League in the Women’s 1500m A race.

Again she raced to victory, taking the tape in four minutes 38.20 seconds to collect the full compliment of points for her team.

Lothian Running Club’s Lana Turnbull, was also in action at Gateshead, where she finished fifth in the Women’s 3000m A race, clocking 11 minutes 56.31 seconds.

Meanwhile, on the highland games circuit, John McStewart, of Armadale, and his granddaughter Hannah from Blackburn were both in the prize money at the Airth Highland Games on Saturday.

Veteran John won his heat in the open 90m handicap in 9.81secs, before going on to finish fifth in the final.

In her first season on the games circuit, 10-year-old Hannah ran a fine race to take third place in the Youth’s 1600m handicap.

She ran the 1600m the following day at St Andrews Games, where she finished fifth.

A strong contingent from the Lothian Running Club will take part in this Sunday’s Bridge of Allan Highland Games.