Jack the lad posts new UK record

Photo: Vincent Brown

ON THE RUN: Jack Crabtree training at Oldham and Royton Harriers.

ATHLETICS: JACK Crabtree is mastering his trade quickly.

The Oldham and Royton Harriers runner became the fastest under-15 in the UK over 3,000 metres after finishing in 9min 10.68sec at an open meeting in Watford.

He now sits proudly at the top of Power of 10’s online rankings for his age group.

What makes the feat even more remarkable is the fact that speed merchant Jack has only just turned 14 — meaning he saw off competition from athletes almost two years older.

Proud mum Jacqueline said: “Jack felt confident he could record the fastest time and it turned out he was right.

“Most of the people in his age group are running out of time to beat his record because when they turn 16, they have to move up to a different age group.

“Jack on the other hand has another year ahead of him, to compete and try to beat the time he has set, if he wants to.

“The coaching is brilliant at the club. I can’t speak highly enough of the people helping him to improve.”