London winner Charlotte Purdue heads the line-up bound for Valencia
British Athletics has selected a full team of 10 athletes to compete at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia on March 24.
Charlotte Purdue earned her selection following her impressive performance at The Vitality Big Half, which incorporated the British Half Marathon Championships, in London last weekend, where she lowered her personal best to 70:29 minutes as she took gold.
The 26-year-old, who was first European home after finishing 13th in the marathon at the IAAF World Championships last year, is the only member of the team to have competed at the last World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff in 2016.
Two other athletes to set personal bests last weekend and earn their selection were bronze medallist Charlotte Arter (71:31) and Faye Fullerton (74:04). Tracy Barlow, who also ran the world championship marathon last summer, and Gemma Steel – seventh in Bulgaria in 2012 – complete the women’s team.
Ben Connor enjoyed an impressive cross-country season before transferring that fine form to the roads and he will be making a quick return to Spain. He finished eighth at the Barcelona Half Marathon last month while the man who finished one place behind him that day, Luke Traynor, has also booked his place on the British team.
Rio 2016 Olympic marathon runner Tsegai Tewelde, fourth last weekend, will also feature while Mohamud Aadan and Dan Studley will be making their senior international debuts.
“We have chosen a full squad of 10 for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia as we seek to achieve the highest possible placing in both the men’s and women’s team standings,” said team leader Charlotte Fisher.
“The team is a mixture of some very experienced road runners and those who we believe have the potential to go on to enjoy successful careers. There is great competition among the team, as proven throughout the qualifying period and at the British Championships at the weekend.
“We enjoyed a great Championships two years ago in Cardiff and Valencia will act as a great test for all those selected.”
Great Britain team for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships
Men
Ben Connor
Luke Traynor
Tsegai Tewelde
Mohamud Aadan
Dan Studley
Women
Charlotte Purdue
Gemma Steel
Charlotte Arter
Tracy Barlow
Faye Fullerton
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