2018 Highgate Night of 10,000m PBs Diary: Adel Mechaal to debut over 10k, Chris Thompson, Andy Vernon top in field

LONDON (GBR): European indoor 3000m champion Adel Mechaal of Spain, who is making his 25-lap debut, is among the lead names for the Highgate Harriers Night of the 10,000m PB in London on Saturday, athleticsweekly.com reports. With the event incorporating for the first time the European 10,000m Cup, Britain’s resurgent Chris Thompson, who recently ran a 13:25 5000m, is the fastest in the field, followed by former European silver medallist Andy Vernon. Spain’s Antonio Abadia defends his European Cup title, while compatriot Juan Perez will have high hopes too. European under-23 5000m champion Yeman Crippa makes his debut at the distance after his recent 13:18 over half the distance. Also making new ground is Morhad Amdouni of France, who ran 13:11 last year. Another home entrant of note in the men’s event is the highly promising Alex Yee, who makes his 10,000m debut. French Florian Carvalho and Germany’s Richard Ringer are among the overseas challengers. In the women’s event, Germany’s Sabrina Mockenhaupt chases a third European 10,000m title. Kenyan-born Israeli Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, who has a best of 31:39, should provide a stern challenge. Also in the field are Krisztina Papp of Hungary, Jip Vastenburg of Netherlands, Spain’s Nuria Lugueros and Ana Lozano, and France’s former European cross-country champion Sophie Duarte. Former European junior cross-country champion Emelia Gorecka is among the top Brits.

RunBlogRun opines: This is a fantastic event. The Highgate Night of 10,000m PBs is one of my favorite events. Here is my video from last year, on why I loved the event: https://www.runblogrun.com/2018/05/conversations-with-larry-why-i-love-the-highgate-harriers-night-of-10000m-pbs-and-why-you-should-do.html