ADAM BOWDEN underlined his growing reputation by winning the national under-23 3,000 metres steeplechase title at Bedford on Sunday (June 30).

The Harrow Athletic Club star, who smashed his personal best at the recent Commonwealth Games trials, bridged an age gap of three years on some his rivals to storm to victory with an impressive last lap.

The 19-year-old north Watford runner was always well-placed in the leading pack in what was a slow run race in the early stages. Andrew Mitchell injected some pace when he took the lead with two laps to go.

Only Bowden and the guesting Sudanese champion were able to match this pace, and the African took the lead with 350 metres to go.

Bowden matched this break and took the lead with a speedy final water jump clearance to hang on for victory.

July 5, 2002 13:00