Laura’s stunning run to land national title
Last updated 19:35, Thursday, 20 March 2008
CUMBRIAN teenage running sensation Laura Park shrugged off an overnight bout of illness and migraine to take an impressive Junior Women’s title at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, admitting the increasing list of drop-outs had made her leave her sick bed to contest the trial knowing there were team slots up for grabs.
“I just thought as long as I get in the top three I have a chance, so decided to see if I could warm up and if I felt okay to try and race,” she recalled.
Although she is actually an under 17, Ellenborough runner Laura ran in this race in order to secure a UK place in the world Championships.
It looked as though she would have to settle for silver at one point when Emma Pallant built up a good lead, but the dogged Park would not be beaten and, working hard into the wind on the final straight, overtook a fading Pallant with 400m to take the title as well as the first of the selection spots for the World Cross Country.
It was a remarkable achievement for the 16 year old competing up an age group and there are potentially four World Cross Country championships to attend as a junior.
“It’s like winning the lottery,” she beamed of her victorious afternoon.
Laura is aiming to gain selection for Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh later this month and has firmly set her sights on London 2012 glory.
