Salford 10k

The salford 10k is my running clubs big 10k race of the year.  The race attracts a big field and the quality of the field can vary year on year, even though recently the quality of the field is on the up.  The race is a two lap 10k and can only be described as flat.  If anyone disagrees then please point me to where the hills are!
The race started well and I got out well and was leading the front group for the first km or so.  Not sure how accurate the Km markers were as they were on lamp posts but we got to 1k in 2.55.  This was pleasing to see when I looked at the watch.  Anthony Ford and Matt Pierson then took the lead and I sat in just behind them with team mate Joe Bailey.  This stayed the same until we passed the 4k marker.  Ant and Matt broke away by a few seconds and went through the 5k mark a couple of seconds up on Joe and me.  We went through 5k in about 14.55 which I could feel!  The sun was hot even though it was only after 10am and I felt like I was struggling a little.  By 6k Joe had pulled a few seconds out of me and Ant and Matt were moving away from us both.  The seconbd half of the race was about holding it together for me.  I finished in 4th in 30.35 and was pleased with this.  15 seconds faster and I would have been even happier but its a step in the right direction.  I need more track work and speed work so hopefully by the time I get to the Manchester 10k I will be aiming to dip under 30 minutes.
Salford won the mens team.  the womens winner today was Lauren Howarth who totally ripped up the old course record set by Tracy Morris.  Lauren finished 10th overall in 32.30!!!  Well done.
Next years salford 10k is on Good Friday. (Whenever this lands next year!!!!)