British Runner Equals National Record at Valencia 10K

A young runner from St Mary's University just tied the British record for 10K, capping off a stunning day for British distance running in Spain.

Joe Wigfield crossed the finish line at the Valencia 10K in 27 minutes and 38 seconds, equaling the national record set by fellow St Mary's athlete Rory Leonard at the same race last year. The performance cements Joe's position among Britain's fastest distance runners and marks the second year in a row that a St Mary's athlete has reached the British benchmark.

But Joe wasn't the only one making history. Teammate Scott Beattie finished just three seconds behind in 27:41, making him the fourth-fastest British runner ever over the 10K distance on roads.

On the women's side, Izzy Fry smashed through barriers with a 31:01 finish that puts her on the edge of an exclusive group. Only a handful of British women have ever broken 31 minutes for the distance, and Izzy improved her personal best by a massive 40 seconds in a single race.

The university's strength in distance running runs deep. Student Josh Hobbs set a new personal best of 29:11, while team physiotherapist Sam Harry also achieved a personal record with 31:52.

All three top performers train through St Mary's specialized endurance programs, combining university studies with elite athletic support. The results have coaches buzzing about potential Commonwealth Games selections this summer.

The Ripple Effect

St Mary's has quietly become a powerhouse for British distance running, creating an environment where records fall regularly. Craig Winrow, who has coached Joe for eight years, sees these performances as proof that the right support system can elevate talented athletes to world-class levels.

The university combines academic programs with the Endurance Performance Centre and partnerships with England Athletics, giving runners access to professional coaching, sports medicine, and training facilities. This ecosystem approach means athletes don't have to choose between education and Olympic-level ambitions.

Andrew Reid-Smith, Head of Sport at St Mary's, noted that having three athletes perform at this level on the same day puts the university firmly on the map as a destination for serious distance runners. The model shows other universities how to build programs that compete with professional training groups.

For Joe, who broke Sir Mo Farah's track record at the university just months ago, the British record might be just the beginning of a career that could redefine British distance running.