The hours of training paid off for Halstead Road Runners’ Treena Harrington as she lined up alongside double Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff.

Harrington was among elite runners from more than 60 countries in a field of 16,000 runners who lined up on a cold, wet and windy afternoon.

A downpour on the start line and a mini hurricane after around six miles didn’t put Harrington off as she cruised round the 13.1 mile course in a new personal best of one hour 58 minutes 39 seconds and she was delighted to have broken the two-hour mark.

Harrington said: “I am glad I have finally broke the two-hour mark. I really enjoyed the race, although conditions could have been more forgiving.”