Medal double for ace Grace

On duty for her first claim club Aldershot, Farnham & District AC, Baker was one of the junior women’s pre-race favourites along with clubmate, training partner, fellow GB athlete and best friend Amy Griffiths.

The two were under strict instructions from their coach Mick Woods to take first and second place, but not to overdo it as next weekend they are racing at the same venue in the British Universities Championships.

A tall order, but the talented pair appeared to stick to the plan with Griffiths taking the title and Pett-based Baker 10 seconds behind leading the AFD club to the team title.

She said: “It was a bit strange. We ran stride for stride for over 5km and Amy pushed on uphill with 600m to go. I was thinking of going with her, but Mick’s instructions were in the back of my mind, so I didn’t want to get into a demanding battle to the finish. Hopefully the sacrifice will pay off with a team medal in the BUCS.”