• Athletics

Clitheroe and Gebrselassie storm to Manchester victory

ESPN staff
May 15, 2011
Haile Gebrselassie claimed his fourth victory in the Great Manchester Run © Getty Images
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Britain's Helen Clitheroe took advantage of Paula Radcliffe's absence to claim victory in the Great Manchester Run, while Haile Gebrselassie claimed a fourth title in the men's race.

Gebrselassie pulled clear of Britain's Chris Thompson to cross the line in 28 minutes, 10 seconds in a wet and windy Manchester.

Thompson kept pace with the Ethiopian for 7 kilometres before fading. The European 10,000m silver medalist finished second, 11 seconds off the winner, while Sergiy Lebid of Ukraine was third.

"My big challenge right now is trying to be better than the youngsters," Gebrselassie, 38, said.

Clitheroe smashed her personal best by 30 seconds to win the women's race in 31 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of Christelle Daunay of France and Grace Momanyi of Kenya.

"I'm really pleased. I wanted to win with it being so close to home," Clitheroe said. "I felt like I dominated the race but I kept thinking they're going to come flying past me. I felt strong although I'm surprised with the time in those conditions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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