27.10.2009

Great run continues for Willis in Portsmouth

Continuing her recent run of good form, Australian distance star Benita Willis has finished third in the Great South Run in Portsmouth, England, at the weekend.

Returning to the scene of her 2004 victory Willis completed the 10-mile course in 54.41 to place third behind Portuguese duo Ines Monteiro, whose 52.32 was a new national best, and Ana Dulce Felix (53.58).

Monteiro, the European cross country bronze medallist, was quick to hit the front of the elite women's field and by the 3km-mark had established a comfortable lead over her more-fancied rivals, including two-time world marathon champion Catherine Ndereba (KEN).

But despite the windy conditions Monteiro never looked back, taking out the race in emphatic style ahead of compatriot Felix and previous race winner Willis.

In a fast-finishing men’s race, Britain’s Mo Farah held off the challenge laid down by African pair Stephen Mokoka (RSA) and Luke Kibet (KEN) to claim line honours.

Having fallen behind early on Farah took out the event in 46.25, just one second ahead of Mokoka in 46.26. Kibet, winner of the Great South Run in 2007, placed third in 47.16.

Willis' result continues a string of impressive runs for the 30-year-old Victorian, on the return to the competitive distance circuit after time away from the spotlight.

In three previous editions of the Great Run series Willis has twice placed second to Scotland's Freya Murray, earning podium finishes over 10km in the Great Yorkshire Run (32.29) and 5km in the Great Capital Run (15.46), and placed 10th in the Great North Run half marathon event, crossing the line in 1:11.57. 

In September the three-time Olympian, four-time world championships representative and 2004 world cross country champion was pipped at the post by England's Charlotte Purdue in the two-mile event at the Great North City Games, finishing second in 10.00.

In other distance results, fellow Victorian Craig Mottram made a very low-key return to racing in Round 4 of the Athletics Victoria Shield at Geelong on the weekend.

The six-time national 5000m champion posted a time of 13:50.84 at the regional meet as he counts down to his return to international competition at the Chiba Ekiden relay event in Japan next month, where he will lead Australia's campaign in the men's 5km opening leg.