Cardiff one two again

Monday 19 October 2009

Cardiff's Simon Lawson (pictured during the race) was the surprise winner of yesterday's Cardiff Half Marathon with one of the pre-race favourites Mike Johnson second.

Simon's time of 1:05.50 was a mere one second outside his own Great Britain Junior record for the distance set earlier this year in Bath.

Mike took a massive six and a half minutes of his previous best to finish in 1:06.04.

Simon Lawson surprised himself with the stength of his run when he broke the field early on and, by the 8 mile mark, had built up a lead of well over a minute. Mike Johnson also ran strongly, not letting Simon get too far ahead and closing to within 14 seconds at the finish. This was Mike's first serious attack on the half marathon and he will be pleased with his breakthrough.

Simon and Mike also took the first two places in the Welsh Championship that was incorporated within the race.

Cardiff runner Ed Takata came home in 18th place and Keith Fairbank was 24th.

Mike Johnson pictured during the race.

11,000 runners took to the streets of Cardiff in aid of Barnado's and this race has established itself as a major event. Highlights will be shown on S4C tonight at 9.30pm.

Full results can be viwed by clicking on RESULTS.