Sutton axe champion Tom

But there was a downside – because he was unable to take part in his borough’s trial races on the same day, Sutton have excluded him from their team for the Virgin London mini marathon on Sunday, April 25.

The 12-year-old won the Lord Mayor’s Mile on Sutton’s behalf last year.

Holden’s father Guy has written to MP Tom Brake and Councillor Graham Tope, the executive member of leisure, in protest at Sutton’s ruling, which also affects Grace O’Leary – who helped Surrey’s U17 girls team to silver medals in Birmingham.

But Coun Tope said: “Our position this year is that all runners must attend the trials to be selected.

“We realise this may mean some of the young top Sutton runners may decide not to enter the mini marathon.

“If young athletes are to progress with their athletics career, they may have to make this type of decision on many occasions in the future.”

Holden, who attends Wilson’s School, clocked 10 minutes, 22 seconds over the undulating 3,000m Birmingham course to head a 300-strong field and lead Surrey to team gold.

It vindicated his selection by team boss Trevor Raggett, who stood by Holden even though he was a disappointing 19th in last month’s County Championship.

Holden said: “I was aiming for the top three, but knew if I could run a good race I would get it.”

He stormed through from third place in the final 100m to win by a second in 10 minutes, 22 seconds.

Surrey easily took the team title, with Herne Hill Harriers’ Merhawi Tesfaldet Yemane third (10:24), Jack Crabtree fourth (10:30) and another Herne Hill runner, Lascelles Hussey, 21st (10:50).

Cassian Hyde, of Hercules Wimbledon, was 51st (11:08).

It was Holden’s second win in seven days having won the South East Schools’ Inter-Counties race at Eastleigh seven days earlier.

Coach Ray Thompson said: “He is the only young runner I have coached who has both speed and endurance.”

Holden and Yemane clash again tomorrow at the English Schools’ Championships in Manchester.