Claire Duck was the outstanding performer from a strong Leeds City AC contingent in last Wednesday’s first John Carr 5K at Esholt. She now ranks first in Britain at the distance for 2013.

Duck’s time of 16min 20sec on this perfect PB course around Esholt Hall placed her 14th of 341 finishers. It smashed her previous best of 17.42 in 2007.

Bingley’s Stephen Broadbent bagged the local honours in third place (15.52), with Keighley’s Willy Smith sixth (15.55).

Duck’s club-mate Mike Burnett won in 15min 30sec. Richard Harris from Rotherham was second in 15.41.

Aidan Johnson (also Rotherham, 16.03), Darren Newbould (Hallamshire, 15.54) and Simon Wright (Doncaster, 16.12) represented a strong South Yorkshire presence in a race that doubled as the Yorkshire Vets 5K Championship.

Bradford-Airedale, minus Tesfaye Debele, still had two in the top 20: Matt Nowell (12th, 16.15) and Peter Hopson (19th, 16.36). The host club’s Andy Bedford ran a lifetime best in 17th (16.29), while Hannah Oldroyd did likewise in 18.15 as third lady.

In the vets races, Bingley’s John Merritt was an impressive winner of the over-70s in 17.52.

In the women, Halifax’s Sarah Cumber put any tired London marathon legs to bed, winning the over-40s in 17.57, and second lady.

Ilkley’s Sally Morley was fourth lady and quickest over-35 in 18.18.

Keighley youngster Zarra Knappy was fastest junior lady in 18.29.

The second race in the series, organised by Saltaire Striders in memory of a former club member, is tomorrow night, and the final race next Wednesday.

In last weekend’s North of England Track and Field League, Bingley finished third behind Doncaster and Chesterfield in Division Three but Pudsey & Bramley in sixth may struggle to avoid relegation.

In Division Four, Spenborough were winners, with Halifax fourth and Longwood sixth, while Bradford-Airedale’s strong men’s team were handicapped by only one lady being present.