British athletes need more 10,000m races, says Raven

By Gerard Meagher, Sportsbeat

GARETH Raven has called for an increase in the number of 10,000m races if British distance running is to rebound from its current slump.

MORE CHALLENGES: Gareth Raven wants three more races over 10,000m every season in a bid to revive British distance running fortunes (Getty Images)

The 36-year-old Sale Harrier leads a 14-strong British team in the European Mountain Running Championships in Bulgaria next month.

Raven finished 18th at this year's Virgin London Marathon and earned a British vest at last year's World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham.

But the Englishman is frustrated by the lack of 10,000m chances for the likes of himself and 2009 European Cross Country silver medallist Mo Farah.

"I think there are nowhere near enough 10,000m opportunities on the track," said Raven.

"There is the nationals coming up but other than that we don't get many chances to run over that distance.

"I don't understand why we can't organise another two or three races throughout the season.

"There have been more 5,000m races which is a step forward but they could definitely take the bull by the horns and give us more challenges over 10,000m."

Despite his frustrations however, Raven insists British long distance running is on the up with Ian Stewart making significant strides since his appointment as head of endurance strategy in November 2008.

Stewart returned the 10,000m to the Aviva UK Championships last year and has overseen some encouraging junior performances of late, while Farah and Chris Thompson have produced impressive performances recently.

And Raven expects the men's squad, also including Orlando Edwards, James McMullan and Adam Osborne to put in a good performance in Bulgaria on July 4.

"It's a good event to run and it's another opportunity to get a British vest and represent your country," he added

"This year's course is a bit more up and down whereas last year it was just uphill but I'd hope to finish inside the top 15 or 20.

"It also helps when you get back on the track after running on different surfaces because it can suddenly feel much easier.

"As a team I think we're quite strong and I'd hope we could be aiming for the top five overall.

"It's obviously not been the best few years for British distance running but I think things are moving in the right direction.

"I think there is a bit more competition about which is what you need because it's always better to have someone to test yourself against."