Making a Mark on the road

May 3 2007 By Bill Mcguirk, The Evening Chronicle

Mark Brown warmed up for the defence of his North East Counties 5,000 metres title with a comprehensive victory in the Blyth 10km Road Race.

The 27-year-old has had a disappointing second half to the winter season which saw him miss both the Inter-Counties and National Cross-Country Championships after picking up an Achilles injury not long after struggling home in 32nd place in the North of England Championships in Manchester.

However, those problems now look to be behind him and if last weekend's Blyth victory - he won by over a minute-and-a-half - is anything to go by then he could be the one to beat in 10 days' time when he defends his county title.

"It was disappointing to miss two of the biggest cross-country races of the season but you cannot do anything about it if you are injured," said the Morpeth Harrier (pictured).

"After taking a break from training I've managed to get a good set of foot inserts for my shoes and things seem to be OK now.

"Though my winning time at Blyth wasn't as quick as the previous year I was still pleased to win again and come through it without any problems.

"My attentions are now turned to the track, and especially the county championships. I was pleased to win last year, especially as it was under 15 minutes.

"I may run a 1,500 this weekend in the league which will be just about right before the championships.

"After the championships it's back to the roads and the Blaydon Race.

"The Blaydon is a super event and I'd love to improve on my best-ever finish of 10th."