Birchfield’s women retain their senior title as the men’s team claim their first win in almost 10 years.

Much like the Welsh Road Relays, rainfall was ever present on Saturday (September 22) for the Midland Road Relay at Sutton Park, as Birchfield Harriers claimed a double win the in senior races.

Will Richardson’s first leg of 17:42 gave Birchfield an early lead in the men’s 6-stage relay, which clubmates Thomas Beasley, Omer Ahmed, Harry Halford and Kadar Abdullahi maintained before the penultimate leg.

Alex Tovey took over and ran a final leg of 18:16 to give Birchfield’s senior men their first win since 2009.

Tipton Harriers were the second club over the line one minute and 50 seconds adrift, while Cheltenham & County Harriers completed the podium just 30 seconds off Tipton.

Birchfield Abdullahi took the fastest leg honours after posting a time of 17:41 on the fifth leg, while clubmates Richardson and Ahmed were just one second off with 17:42.

Tamara Armoush blistering 14:33 opening leg set Birchfield up perfectly to successfully retain their the senior women’s title.

Clubmate Carli Baldwin maintained their lead, however, a slower third leg from the Stags, allowed the consistent Royal Sutton Coldfield to take the reins going into the final leg with a 22-second seconds margin.

However, Julia Cooke retained Birchfield’s position at the front and her fast 15:12 leg secured back-to-back wins for the club.

Mel Newbery’s final leg of 15:41 secured second place for Bristol and West, while Royal Sutton Coldfield held on for third.

Birichfield’s Armoush took the fatest leg honours after her 14:33 opening run, while clubmate Cooke and Royal Sutton Coldfield’s Katie Ingle were next, both running 15:12.

At the Welsh Road Relays, Swansea Harriers had a double celebration as they clinched the senior men’s and women’s title. A full report can be found here.

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