Ben, our newest team member joined us in March of this year and has been in scintillating form on both the roads and track, this followed a great winter over the cross country culminating in victory at the English National Cross Country Championships in February.
So far this year Ben has improved his 5,000m PB from 13:53 to 13:42 and his 10,000m PB from 29:18 to 28:23. He won the English 5km Road Championships in April and finished 3rd in the British 10,000m championships last month in Highgate.
Ben is originally from Derby and is a member of Derby Athletics Club. Before joining Team NB Manchester he spent 4 years (2011-2014) under the tuteledge of Ray Treacy at Providence College in the USA.
Favourite pair of running shoes? New Balance 1080.
Favourite place to run? It would probably be Font Romeu. I’ve only been there once, but it was just one of those places I couldn’t get bored of.
If you weren’t a runner what would you do? England’s number 9!
I’ve never really considered it to be honest. It’s all I really wanted to do from a young age. I was never a massive fan of school.
Who inspired you to start running? My Dad. I would go running with him from very young age and would always go to watch him race and couldn’t wait to do it myself.
First race? School cross country race when I was in year 5. I won the race and beat all the year 6’s so I was delighted at the time.
What do you love most about running? The places it takes you both racing and training. Also the feeling you get when you finish a race and you know it’s gone pretty well.
Childhood hero? Craig Mottram, I just loved the way he raced with no fear. Also, I shook his hand at the world cross country champions in Edinburgh and was shaking for about an hour after!
Biggest influence in your athletics career so far? It’s hard to say just one. There have been several. My Mum and Dad definitely, because nothing would’ve been possible without their support. I’ve also been fortunate to have worked with great coaches. Jerry Hall from Derby AC when I was just getting started, Ray Treacy at Providence College and now Steve. I definitely learnt a lot from Ray and we still keep touch today, and although I’ve only been working with Steve for a few months I’ve learnt so much off him in that time.
Favourite race venue? Stanford, California. I’ve only raced there once but I loved it and can’t wait to go back again.
Favourite weather to train in? 15 degrees, no wind
Career highlight? There have been a few. Winning the national cross country this year is definitely up there. Also any time I represent Great Britain or England is always extra special.
Interests away from running? Watching sport! I’m pretty much a fan of every sport in some way. I’m also a big Derby County fan and try to go to as many matches as possible.
Favourite film? Shawshank redemption.
Favourite food? Indian food! I love a good curry on a weekend.
Favourite holiday destination? Cornwall. We use to go camping there a lot when I was younger, and always enjoyed it despite the unreliable British weather!
Interesting fact? I’m a massive fan of WWE wrestling. I watch Raw and Smackdown religiously every week!
Best advice? Don’t stress.
Goals for 2017? Give 110% and the get the best out of myself!
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