VIDEO: Baker delighted to complete Chi Half treble

James Baker clinched his third successive Chichester Half Marathon victory – and recorded an excellent time despite being out on his own for most of the race.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Oct 2014, 17:46 BST
James Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise AdamsJames Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise Adams
James Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise Adams

The 37-year-old crossed the line in 1hr 13min 05sec, seven minutes ahead of his closest challenger, and said: “I’m really pleased to get the hat-trick. I wasn’t quite as quick as last year but it went exactly to plan.

“I was aiming to pull clear at two miles and I pulled away about one-and-a-half miles. I used my course knowledge to my advantage.”

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Baker said being a lone runner at the front of the field didn’t bother him.

James Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise AdamsJames Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise Adams
James Baker was at the head of the field even just after the start, as pictured Picture by Louise Adams

“I pretend I’m on a training run really, I just push myself and I’m quite good at keeping the pace going on my own.

“It’s a really testing course and it was very muddy today, especially going up Chalkpit Lane, where it’s a bit of a hard slog. But I knew if I got to the top, I could hammer it down the hill, down to West Dean.”

See the full interview in the video above – and don’t miss the Observer, out today, for reports, pictures and a full list of finishers and their times.

STEVE BONE

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