THREE runners from Vale Royal Athletics Club raced against the best of the rest of their domestic rivals during the British Championships at the weekend.

They felt contrasting emotions afterwards.

Katie Brough declared herself happy after finishing ninth in the women’s 5,000m final on a sodden track at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium on Sunday, crossing the line in 16:09.08.

A near-identical time earned her a bronze medal in the same category two years ago.

“I’m very happy,” said the 33-year-old.

“It proves training is going in the right direction.”

However her clubmate Elliot Bowker was disappointed with his performance in the men’s 5,000m final the previous day, clocking 14:49.51 to rank 21st overall.

The 18-year-old, a student at Sir John Deane’s College, was making his debut at the event.

Chris Perry completed Vale Royal’s contingent, classifying ninth in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase final – also on Saturday – in a time of 9:07.27.