Elliot Giles pips James Whitehouse at the line
Elliot Giles pips James Whitehouse at the line

A thrilling finish to the Lichfield Cathedral Dash saw Elliot Giles claim victory.

Elliot Giles pips James Whitehouse at the line
Elliot Giles pips James Whitehouse at the line

The Birchfield Harrier pipped his team-mate and 2010 champion James Whitehouse on the line in the Salts Techstep-sponsored race.

Giles is one of the UK’s top under-20 800m runners and he admits the Dash was a big title for him to win. He said:

“Other Birchfield athletes told me about the Dash and how different it was, but I never dreamt just how different it was. The atmosphere was incredible especially on such a horrible day weatherwise, but the roar from the crowd as I came round the final bend really spurred me on to victory.”

Dash founder and organiser Kevin Wilson added:

“His win was incredible, especially after his win in the Elite Mile and a relay leg for his Birchfield team to win the relay event too, so he was a triple winner – a first in dash history – and the crowd really took to him to their hearts. He’s one to watch out for at the 2016 Olympics!”

Full result:

  1. Elliot Giles (Birchfield Harriers) 56.78
  2. James Whitehouse (Birchfield Harriers) 57.09
  3. Simon King (Tamworth AC) 59.04
  4. Ashley Wickett (Cannock and Stafford AC) 61.34
  5. Pete Dimbleby (Birchfield Harriers) 70.47
  6. Simon McNamee (Birchfield Harriers) 71.10

In the KP Fitness Junior Dash at 11am, Tamworth AC’s Ellis Cross beat Cannock and Stafford AC’s Billy Hicks.

Full results of all the races on the day plus video and photos will be posted at www.kpevents.net.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.