Stroud runner Tom Mortimer is used to breaking records, this time smashing the British University and College championship record at 5000 metres.
In only his second race following more than year out with injury, Mortimer reached the final of the 5000m at the British University & College Championships at the Manchester arena on Bank Holiday Monday.
Defending champion and GB international Zakariya Mahmand was coming off his best time and was the favourite.
Coach Chris Brown said: “Tom was content to stay with the pack for three laps, then went to the front with only Zakariya able to follow him.
“After 3000m, Tom increased the tempo and was surprised to be quickly on his own. The last 1000m was a stroll for Tom to take the title and to break the record that has stood since 1985, by five seconds, In a time of 13minutes and 45 seconds.”
