14 November 2014

The final race of the runbritain Grand Prix takes place on 16 November at the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash 10k where final positions are still to be decided in the six stage series. The top ten male and female British Runners will win a share of £18,000 so every position counts in the final event in the Yorkshire city.

In the men’s competition, Scott Overall (coach: Alan Storey) has achieved an unassailable lead of 1398 points, so he cannot be caught at this stage. However, the other top ten places and the prize money are up for grabs. Nick Torry (1084 points) and Paul Martelletti (979 points) currently occupy second and third positions but they could be under threat from John McDonnell who sits in ninth place currently with 810 points after just three races.

The women’s grand prix standings are even more open with many of the contenders only competing in three races to date. Emma Stepto (Alan Rowling) who recently set a marvellous marathon personal best in Frankfurt last month is currently at the top of the leader board.  She has collected 987 points from four races but there will be others such as Rachel Felton (Christopher Frapwell) who will be fighting for a top three finish in the overall rankings.

With 250 points awarded for the 1st British finisher, down to 1 point for the 250th British finisher, plus time bonus points, there are opportunities for both leader boards to be reshaped on the fast and flat course. Four of the best scores count towards the final total of points.   

Other entries for the men’s race include Callum Hawkins (Robert Hawkins) who ran 63:06 at the Great Scottish Half Marathon in October, and Andrew Butchart (Derek Easton) who has been in good form in the early cross country season. Neither have competed in the runbritain Grand Prix series this year so will not be included in the overall series standings.

Similarly, the women’s race includes Beth Potter, Jess Coulson and Steph Twell (all Mick Woods) who will challenge for the top honours in Leeds but none of them have competed in any of the other Grand Prix races so will not feature in the overall rankings.

If a runner scores points in less than four Grand Prix events, their best two, three or single score counts towards the final standings.

For information on the Grand Prix go to http://www.runbritain.com/run-britain-grand-prix

For Grand Prix standings go to http://www.runbritainrankings.com/grandprix/standings.aspx?sex=W&year=2014