In an exciting finale to Corby AC's Open Meeting, Jonny Goringe recorded his seventh successive victory in the County 3000m Championships, his first as a senior athlete.
Reaching the bell in a fairly modest time alongside Rory Grant (R&N) and multiple champion Matt Almond (Coventry Godiva), who was making a very welcome return to the track after illness and injury, Jonny surged ahead, soon building up a 15m lead. Almond responded and closed the gap a little on the final bend, but could not deny the KTH athlete another gold. In what proved to be a PB of 8.58.3, the final lap was clocked at under 60 seconds.
Also pocketing a gold medal was Kelly Barnett, who was first women's Under 20 finisher in 11:50.5. Danielle Smith took the silver in this age group. And there were also silvers for Kayli Walford (U17) and Gemma Vaughan (U15). Kayli ran a faster time than in her epic victory 12 months ago, but this time had to give second best to R&N's Sarah Bennett, whilst Gemma made a fine debut over the distance.
There was also a promising performance from Dannielle Gaskell, who coped very well over a distance that is not recognised by UKA rules for Under 13s.
Several Harriers recorded PBs in the supporting programme. Beth Gordon made a fine effort to win her 800m race, making up a big gap before losing out in the final sprint. But she was rewarded with a new best of 2.37 whilst Rebecca Hughes posted 2.55.7 over the same distance.
Josh Coles improved his 800 best to 2.11.1 and he was followed home by Fran Ashworth who continued her impressive return from injury with a season's best of 2.19.8, just a second or so outside the time she set at last year's English Schools.
Finally, Harriet Sumnall made a rare appearance on the track and recorded a 100m PB, before moving to the more familiar territory of the field, where she set new figures for the javelin. Meanwhile, Lorna Milne equalled her PB (14.4) in the 100m.