Attnanger Spitz Mile

The start of the 2019 Attnanger Spitz Mile in Austria

Morpeth Harrier James Young, currently studying at Lancaster University, gained his first England vest on Saturday 27th April 2019, when he took part in the 35th annual Attnanger Spitz Mile in Austria.

He one of three English runners taking part, the other two being Sheffield and Dearne’s
Tommy Horton, and European Indoor 800m Silver Medallist Jamie Webb of Liverpool Harriers.

The event winner was Viktor Sinagl of Czechoslovakia, who posted a finishing time of 4m08.97s, ahead of fellow Czech Jan Fris (4m09.17s), with 2018 winner Abdelali Razyn of Morocco, finishing third in 4m11.40s.

With around 250 metres to go, Young looked very much in line to be the first home
of the English trio, as he was sitting in an excellent fourth place.

However, on a final bend, he hit a rough patch of ground, forcing him to stumble slightly,
resulting in him losing a few places.
He eventually hung on, finishing seventh in 4m18.44s as second counter,
headed by Horton, who placed finished fifth in 4m16.56s.

Meanwhile Webb will probably feel most disappointed, as he trailed in sixteenth
in 4m33.06s, twenty seconds ahead of the last finisher.

Horton, who had run the event in 2018, had remained focussed, and was well pleased, and Young on his England debut, was most positive, and very spirited about his performance, despite the hiccup near the end.
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Unfortunately, Young will be unable to defend his North Eastern Counties 800m and 1500m Senior titles at Middlesbrough this weekend, as he is having to return to Lancaster for his studies, with exams pending.

The three athletes competing for England in Austria including James Young (centre)