James West and Almi Nerurkar triumph at SportsShoes Podium 5km — image accompanying Athletics Weekly's report. Image accompanying Athletics Weekly’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
James West narrowly edged out former Australian cyclist Jimmy Whelan in the SportsShoes Podium 5km in Ashton-under-Lyme. West improved his personal best by four seconds, finishing in 13:49. Almi Nerurkar won the women's race, completing the 5km in 15:54.
West was aiming for a sub-13:30 time to qualify for the World Road Running Championships. Despite finishing 12th in the European 5000m, he managed to secure the win. Nerurkar returned to road racing after a track season in the US, achieving a personal best in Barcelona. Read more racing coverage.
The race saw tight competition, with West and Whelan together until the final stretch. Nerurkar led the women's race, dropping Tilly Simpson in the closing stages. Both athletes expressed satisfaction with their performances and the challenging races. Related: James West and Almi Nerurkar triumph at SportsShoes Podium 5km.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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Questions about this report
What should runners know about James West and Almi Nerurkar triumph at SportsShoes Podium 5km?
James West narrowly beats Jimmy Whelan in a close finish, while Almi Nerurkar wins the women's race. James West narrowly edged out former Australian cyclist Jimmy Whelan in the SportsShoes Podium 5km in Ashton-under-Lyme. West improved his personal best by four seconds, finishing in 13:49. Almi Nerurkar won the women's race, completing the 5km in 15:54.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 18, 2026. The underlying Athletics Weekly report was dated August 18, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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