Fionnuala Britton denied victory by Steel after fascinating duel

Gemma Steel denied Fionnuala Britton a maiden victory in a fascinating duel in blustery conditions in the Phoenix Park at the SPAR Great Ireland Run 10km on Saturday.

Steel made much of the running in trying conditions and was rewarded with victory in 33:03, four seconds clear of Britton, with Spain’s Alessandra Aguilar third in 33:11.

This was a much improved performance for Britton whose previous best was 33:54 last year and is a clear indicator her coaching link-up with Catherina McKiernan’s old coach Joe Doonan is beginning to bear fruit.