Loughnane’s Korea progression

OLIVE LOUGHNANE expressed satisfaction with preparations for the World Championships in South Korea after covering the 3,000m walk in 12:52.85 — 15 seconds faster than last year.

The featured mixed walk had to start without hamstring victim Robert Heffernan, who watched Spain’s Francisco ‘Paco’ Javier Fernandez claim victory in 11:14.63 from Hatem Ghoula (Tunisia), 11:26.34 and Pierre De Villiers (South Africa), 11:33.63.

Irish 50k specialist Colin Griffin (Ballinamore) came through to overtake long-time leader Jakub Jelonek (Poland) for fourth place in 11:38.27.