PAUL Pollock and Kerry Harty showed international class as they produced scintillating victories in the 31st Podium 4 Sport Seeley Cup 10K Road Race at Ormeau Park.
The event organised by Willowfield Harriers and Athletics Northern Ireland attracted a field of almost 1,000 runners.
Pollock, the Irish marathon champion, started favourite along with former double winner Paddy Hamilton also from Annadale who were chasing an amazing 27th team success.
From the start four men drew clear with Pollock, Hamilton, team mate Owen Carleton and the impressive Scott Rankin from Foyle Valley.
At half distance, Pollock, Hamilton and Scott Rankin swept through with Carleton on the tail. Alan O’Hara, Brendan Teer and Eamon White were leading the chase half a minute behind with Jarleth Falls and Adam Boyd.
It was Hamilton, Pollock and Rankin with one lap left. Hamilton tried hard but Pollock opened the decisive gap and turned into the finishing straight with a nine second advantage having covered the second half of the race sixteen seconds faster than the opening 5K.
Hamilton was an isolated second with Rankin outsprinting Carleton for third. O’Hara, White, Teer, Falls and Boyd came next with Keith Purdy in tenth.
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