Tom was the only runner in the elite race on 8 Sep in the heat of Newcastle to have two qualification times for the world 5k road relay championships, and a chance of a senior GB vest after being out injured for more than a year!
Only the winner of the British Championship who also had to have the qualification time would qualify for automatic selection for the GB team for the worlds on 1st October.
On a hot night on a challenging tight technical course which certainly did not suit Tom, he was away at 3k with 2 Geordies based out of the US, including the European U23 10000m champion.
Tom looked good and in control of the race until Scott Beattie, with lots of home support, kicked away with 500m from the line to take a deserved victory. Tom chased but was unable to close Beattie and secured the silver medal ahead of another local.
Tom had an agonising wait to hear from the GB selectors for 2nd and last available place but his selection has now been confirmed and Tom will run for GB at the Road Racing World Championsips in Riga on 1 October!