Russell claims a hat-trick of wins
The 23-year-old junior international from Stroud not made it three wins in a row on the Clifton Downs, clocking his fastest time on the course and claim the 50th annual Mike Sully Trophy,
Russell shaved eight seconds off the time he set when winning the senior men's race for the first time in 2007 and puts him in fine shape to improve on his 16th place finish in last year's European trials..
"It was a good, solid run-out and to get my hat-trick in my fastest time was very pleasing," said Russell.
"I think the course was probably the muddiest I have run on in the three years and the wind was going the right way and that was probably an advantage.
"It is a good benchmark to break twelve minutes and I feel confident going to Liverpool.
"Training has gone well and I think I can get up with the leading group and it will then be a question of staying there as long as possible."
In contrast to Russell's delight at winning the men's title again Slad's Kate Goodhead was left fuming after a mix-up in the laps effectively cost her the chance of retaining her women's crown.
The intended 4k race ended up being only 3k and Goodhead was out-sprinted by Bournemouth's Susie Hignett.
Coach Chris Frapwell, who advises Goodhead, said her race plan had been to wind up the pace on the last lap because she knew that Hignett was faster than her in a sprint finish.
"I think Kate could have won that because she had already tested Susie once and opened a gap and was just biding her time before making another move," said Frapwell.
"Suddenly the tape was pulled across the course to direct the runners towards the finish and Susie Hignett started sprinting."
Race organiser Nick Rose issued a public apology afterwards.
"The women were there for a 4k race to prepare for Liverpool (the trials for the European Championships) and I can understand why some of them were very upset and rightly so," said Rose.
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