This is Bath -- Former course record holder Tewodros Shiferaw reclaimed his Bath Half title today but fell short in his bid to reclaim the course's best time. The London-based Ethiopian was restricted by a slow early pace on a chilly morning before outsprinting Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai down Great Pulteney Street to take the tape in 63mins 26secs. Shiferaw, who lost his five-year-old record when Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo posted 62:01 last year, said: "It was very hard and much tougher than 2007 [when he clocked 62:09]. "It was very cold but I am pleased to win. It is a very good race." It was the tenth successive year that an African has won the men's race, with the top British runner, international Phil Wicks, coming fourth. Kenyan newcomer Polline Wanjiru ensured an double for the continent with a swift 70:28 but she was pushed all the way to the finish by British international Susan Partridge, who clocked a personal best of 70:32. "That was a personal best by 40 seconds so I am delighted with that," said Partridge. Team Bath AC marathon international Holly Rush completed the course in 77:44 after running the nine miles from her home in Bradford on Avon to the start line. Understandably, she opted for a lift home. The top Team Bath male runner was club chairman Dave Coales in 36th place, clocking 71:46. LEADING RESULTS - MEN: 1 Teworos Shiferaw (Ethiopia) 63:26; 2 Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai (Kenya) 63:28; 3 Peter Emase (Kenya) 64:04; 4 Phil Wicks (Blgrave) 65:03; 5 John Gilbert (Kent) 65:42; 6 Anuradha Cooray (Aylesbury) 66:04. WOMEN: 1 Polline Wanjiru (Kenya) 70:27; 2 Susan Partridge (Leeds) 70:31; 3 Alyson Dixon (Sunderland) 71:20; 4 Jane Muia (Kenya) 73:18; 5 Amy Whitehead (Notts) 73:20; 6 Caroline Rimmer 76:45; 7 Holly Rush (TBAC, W35 1st) 77:44. The Bath Chronicle's athletics coverage is sponsored by Running Bath, Bath's specialist running shop. Catering for runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes, it offers a wide range of running footwear, apparel and accessories.Visit Running Bath at 18 High Street, Bath, call 01225 462555 or log on to www.runningbath.co.uk.
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