Telford's Claire Martin is celebrating completing the 'grand slam' amongst the world's best at Corporate Challenge Championship. The TAC star returned from New York on Monday after earning a stunning victory in the 3.5 mile race - clocking 19mins 14secs - which attracts elite runners from all over the world.
(Photo courtesy of JP Morgan Corporate Chase Challenge)
It was Claire’s second success in the individual female event, repeating her success of 12 months ago. She was also part of the winning mixed team this year and has previously won the ladies team event on no less than seven occasions in a race which captures the imagination of Americans.

"It's the only sporting event which closes Park Avenue so it's a big deal for them," said the 31-year-old postal worker, who works from Tweedale sorting branch in Telford.

"There are plenty of people lining the streets so to win a race like that is a big thrill. I was fairly confident going into the race because I've been in good form. But it's getting harder every year and the second placed girl was only 15 seconds behind me."

"I ran a PB for the course so it couldn't have gone much better really. We were a bit surprised the team competition wasn't closer, but obviously we’re happy to win."

Claire and her team qualified for the world final after winning the British round of the competition held in Battersea Park, London, in July.
She is also hoping to book her place in the British team for the European Cross-country Championships, for which the trials are due to take place next month.

In a recent interview with a telfordrunning reporter Claire was quoted to have said
  "My success this year is all attributable to my training partner and mentor John Sanders. He is a great bloke and has made huge sacrifices to his own running career to help me. I will be forever in his debt. Thanks John - You're brill!"
Claire is pictured here with John in a post training clinch.