Tom Marshall kicked off Team Thie’s first big racing weekend of 2016 season in style – taking both the road mile and the 5K crowns at Cardiff’s Race For Victory.
In the mile race, he just missed his own course record, running home in 4:28 over what Coach Thie described as “a tough little course”. The next day he was back in action as he held off his teammate, the Team Thie road 5K record holder, Ieuan Thomas.
5K road is probably the best ground for an even fight between the predominantly speed-based 1500m runner and the strength-based 3000m chaser, and as expected it went down to the wire. Marshall had closed out his 2015 outdoor season in great form, especially over 800m and Team Thie thought he simply ran out of time and races as he narrowly missed a sub 1:50 clocking and the Team Thie 800m record. He showed his legs still have the speed 9 months later, kicking away to finish in 14:51, two seconds ahead of Thomas and six ahead of 3rd placed Carwyn Jones. Running well with the whole season ahead should bode well for Marshall’s record toppling aspirations.
Fair play to Mr Marshall @Marshall17TU – he ran smart and strong, the better man won today! https://t.co/YbaxGWwjOG
— Ieuan Thomas (@ThomasIeuan) May 1, 2016
Thomas was gracious in defeat to his friend and work colleague (they both work at Sporttape) and despite losing office bragging rights for the time being he will also be happy with his start to the season, although it hasn’t been without setbacks. After running a 10K PB of 29:44, his first time sub 30, Thomas was hit with a small calf tear and for a few weeks was forced to cross train. 14:53 off of only a few weeks of training indicates that he has maintained his strength is ready to put in some good work on the track before the season gets fully underway. The chaser will be looking to improve on his 2014 form which saw him run an 8:40 over his signature event.
It's the office showdown on Sunday at the @Cardiff5K – Tom v Ieuan! Who will earn SPORTTAPE bragging rights? #placeyourbets #5km #race
— SPORTTAPE (@SPORTTAPE) April 29, 2016
Team Thie also won the women’s 5K in Cardiff, with new team member Charlotte Green running a solid 17:32 off the back a training stint in Madrid.
Full results here. Team Thie BUCS results to follow.