Lawrence rules Richmond (From Croydon Guardian)

Lwarence rules Richmond

9:59am Friday 13th January 2012 in Athletics

Parkrun hopefuls must get deflated when they see Andrew Lawrence lining up on the start line.

The Morpeth Harrier decided to try his hand at the Richmond Park event for the first time since August last Saturday, but, despite his break, the result was the same – victory.

It continues Lawrence’s remarkable record of winning nine out of the 10 Richmond and Bushy Park parkrun races he has taken part in.

If he is to be beaten again, Saturday was probably the best chance because his 17 minutes, 10 seconds time was his slowest ever, but he still came home eight seconds ahead of second-placed William Cowell.

Stragglers’ Jess Peterson – in third overall – was the first woman finisher in 18:07.

Over at Bushy Park, there was a new attendance record as 1,000 runners took to the race.

Herne Hill Harrier Mohammed Ismail, in his first appearance there, beat them all to the line as he crossed in 16:45.