A Rio Olympian in 5km action on Saturday was Tom Bosworth as the race walker returned to the roads after his sixth-place finish in Brazil to challenge participants in Portsmouth to a race walk vs run challenge.
Organisers The Great Run Company had announced that any runners to beat Bosworth’s time would secure themselves free entry into the 2017 5km. With a PB of 18:54 and a target time of 20 to 21 minutes, Bosworth was spot on as he crossed the finish line with 20:10 on the clock and just 40 runners ahead of him.
“I loved it, though I wish I had warmed up a little bit more!” said Bosworth on a sunny but chilly morning. “Starting off with the front runners meant we set off at a good pace which actually really helped me. It was a lot faster than I thought it would go which just shows I haven’t lost too much fitness!"
“It’s such a great event, thanks to the organisers for inviting me down and setting up this brilliant challenge,” he added. “I think I did all right, I don’t think they will be too disappointed – not too many free entries next year!"
“The support here was amazing. It’s so nice to do a race where there’s no pressure, people cheering you on, and it’s great exposure for race walking.”