Last gasp sprint: Denise Nott overtakes long-time leader Claire Jolliffe in the closing stages of the race
CLARE Jolliffe literally had victory in her sights at the Swindon 10k when it was snatched from her grasp.
Entering the long finishing straight for this popular race, which again saw many personal bests recorded, the Bristol & West AC runner was in the lead and heading victory.
But what Jolliffe didn’t know was that a super-motivated Denise Nott of Calne Running Club was closing her down fast and she was determined as she had ever been to lift the trophy.
“It is the seventh time I have run the Swindon 10k and I have always been the bridesmaid here so it was brilliant to finally win it,” said Nott.
“I heard Simon (Nott, her husband and coach) shouting at me down the finish straight and I just went for it so it is nice to know I still have a sprint finish!
“I really wanted to win so it is a massive box ticked for me.”
Women: 1 Denise Nott (Calne RC, W40) 39:33; 2 Clare Jolliffe (B&W, W50) 39:35; 3 Claire Hill 39:43.