Magic Murray joins illustrious company

In winning the competition, the 18-year-old, who runs for Bedford & County AC, joins illustrious company in Marathon world record-holder, Bedfordian Paula Radcliffe, who triumphed back in 1992.

Representing Bedfordshire schools, Murray finished four seconds ahead of Victoria Kenny from Avon County.

It completes a good week for the teenager who was announced the Junior Ladies winner of the McCains Cross-Challenge series.

In the same race Hannah Farmer finished off an excellent season in 58th place, while Luton AC and Icknield High School athlete Jamal Lewis also excelled.

Last month he ran 800m indoors in 1.58mins to make the final of the U17 National Championships and he used this speed in the latter stages of the contest to finish seventh only 20 seconds behind the winner.

In only his first year in this age group he has again made the team to represent England at the schools international races in Wales later this month.

In their first English schools attempt, Luton AC athletes Kai Gardner, Harry Wells and Luke King also impressed to help Bedfordshire boys win the Sussex Trophy, awarded to the top minor county.