Very few Cornish athletes have ever been invited to compete in the British Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, and so it was an honour and an experience not to be missed for Helston-based Emma Stepto (Cornwall AC) in the Women’s 5000 metres. 

Temperatures at trackside reached 30 degrees, but Emma started sensibly, only losing out to the heat over the closing few laps and still managing to finish seventh in 16 minutes 42.16, just ten seconds outside her personal best.

With the England Championships included at this event, Emma was really pleased to finish in the bronze medal position -  not bad for a marathon international and veteran athlete, and surely an inspiration to others, showing what can be achieved through consistent hard work in training.

Afterwards Emma said: “Well that hurt a lot but what a fantastic experience, to run with such amazing ladies in the Alexander Stadium. 

"I was very chuffed not to get lapped and not finish last!  Seventh in 16.42 and exhausted!  So proud to be there for Cornwall and all my friends at Cornwall Athletic Club.  I would really like to thank everyone so much for the amazing support.  I'm so lucky and really appreciate it.”