March 2017
Friday 31st March News
Luca Russo moved to second on the 2017 TAC 1500 metre rankings with a terrific win at the Stanford Invitational Meeting, in California.
Racing for Missouri University Luca won section 6 of the mens 1500 metres in 3.46.47, which was a personal best by more than four seconds. Last year the qualifying time for the Olympic Trials in the UK was 3.47 so hopefully it won't change for this season's World Championship trials.
At the same meeting Ryan Driscoll, racing for San Francisco University was 4th in section 3 of the 3000 metres steeplechase in 8.56.99. Ryan unfortunately was taken down by another falling athlete at the first water jump. He got back up and his time was just 0.2s away from a pb and not far off the TAC record of 8.55.0.
Full results can be located here -
trackmeet.io/meets/223/results
Racing for Missouri University Luca won section 6 of the mens 1500 metres in 3.46.47, which was a personal best by more than four seconds. Last year the qualifying time for the Olympic Trials in the UK was 3.47 so hopefully it won't change for this season's World Championship trials.
At the same meeting Ryan Driscoll, racing for San Francisco University was 4th in section 3 of the 3000 metres steeplechase in 8.56.99. Ryan unfortunately was taken down by another falling athlete at the first water jump. He got back up and his time was just 0.2s away from a pb and not far off the TAC record of 8.55.0.
Full results can be located here -
trackmeet.io/meets/223/results
Weekend ahead 1st and 2nd April
A few racing this weekend, that I am aware of -
Friday 9.12pm UK time - Luca in section 6 of mens 1500m at Stanford Invitational in California. Live on Flotrack Pro
Saturday morning 1.47am UK time - Ryan in section 3 of mens 3000m s/c at Stanford Invitational in California.
Live on Flotrack Pro
Saturday - Dan Bradley in Victoria Park 5 miles
Sunday - Greg Cole in Berlin Half Marathon
Sunday - Paddock Wood Half Marathon - I know Julian Rendall is racing
Friday 9.12pm UK time - Luca in section 6 of mens 1500m at Stanford Invitational in California. Live on Flotrack Pro
Saturday morning 1.47am UK time - Ryan in section 3 of mens 3000m s/c at Stanford Invitational in California.
Live on Flotrack Pro
Saturday - Dan Bradley in Victoria Park 5 miles
Sunday - Greg Cole in Berlin Half Marathon
Sunday - Paddock Wood Half Marathon - I know Julian Rendall is racing
World Cross Country Championships, Kampala, Uganda, Sunday 26th March
Phoebe Barker placed 57th in the under 20 women's race and was the fourth scorer for the ninth placed Great Britain team.
Full results are at -
www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-cross-country-championships/iaaf-world-cross-country-championships-kampal-5837/results/women/u20-race/final/result
Photo below courtesy of Richard Owen, who travelled to Uganda to support Phoebe.
Full results are at -
www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-cross-country-championships/iaaf-world-cross-country-championships-kampal-5837/results/women/u20-race/final/result
Photo below courtesy of Richard Owen, who travelled to Uganda to support Phoebe.
Other Weekend news, 25th/26th March
Saturday
Nathan Marsh ran 15.22 at the York parkrun, which was the second fastest time in the UK today.
South East Schools Year 7 and 8 Inter Counties at Reigate - Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Sunday
Lucy Reid was first female home in the Hyde Park 10km in 36.22, not far from her personal best set in 2014. Full results are at - racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16586&RId=94
Nathan Marsh ran 15.22 at the York parkrun, which was the second fastest time in the UK today.
South East Schools Year 7 and 8 Inter Counties at Reigate - Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Sunday
Lucy Reid was first female home in the Hyde Park 10km in 36.22, not far from her personal best set in 2014. Full results are at - racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16586&RId=94
South of England 6 stage (women) and 12 stage (men) Road Relay Championships,
at Cyclopark, Gravesend, Saturday 25th March - Video loaded !
The Tonbridge men's team pulled off an exciting win, to claim the club's first ever medals in the iconic 12 stage road relay championship, whilst the ladies were 13th in their championship. The mens team finished over a minute clear of Serpentine, with Highgate third, followed by Aldershot, Kent AC and Belgrave. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
First of all, although it wasn't easy, it was a great effort by everyone to complete two mens teams of twelve and two women's teams of six. So we had 36 runners out in total.
James West 'won' leg 1 of the men's race and posted the 4th fastest time of the 'Long' legs (the race alternates Long and Short stages). On the short stage Alex Howard was 3rd fastest and Jamie Goodge, with probably his best ever race, 4th fastest. Ashley Gibson was 2nd fastest overall on the short stage, in the women's race.
First of all, although it wasn't easy, it was a great effort by everyone to complete two mens teams of twelve and two women's teams of six. So we had 36 runners out in total.
James West 'won' leg 1 of the men's race and posted the 4th fastest time of the 'Long' legs (the race alternates Long and Short stages). On the short stage Alex Howard was 3rd fastest and Jamie Goodge, with probably his best ever race, 4th fastest. Ashley Gibson was 2nd fastest overall on the short stage, in the women's race.
More photos on Mark Hookways Facebook page
Home Countries Schools International, Port Talbot, Wales, Saturday 25th March
Fraser Gordon, representing England Schools finished a superb fourth in the schools international, scoring for the winning England team.
Tonbridge AC Masters Update 21st March
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles has produced an update of all the latest news from the Tonbridge AC veterans/masters scene. This is now posted on the TAC Masters/Veterans Updates page.
Trackside podcast Episode 11 goes live !
Episode 11 went live earlier this week, where we talked about -
UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships
World Cross Country Team Selections, plus World Relay Championship selections
The Nike 2 hour marathon project
The latest news from the Alberto Salazar investigation
Latest news and outstanding performances.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships
World Cross Country Team Selections, plus World Relay Championship selections
The Nike 2 hour marathon project
The latest news from the Alberto Salazar investigation
Latest news and outstanding performances.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Kent Indoors Championships, at Lee Valley, Sunday 19th March - Day 2
Toby Ralph won the senior mens 1500m in 4.05.30. A video of the race has been uploaded. The event was combined with the Kent under 20 mens race. Lizzie Miller won the under 17 womens 1500m and Fin Croll was third in the under 15 1500m.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Other Weekend news, 18th/19th March
Lullingstone parkrun, Saturday
Steph Puxty ran 22.44 at the very tough Lullingstone parkrun to break the TAC course record.
Hornet Invitational, Sacramento USA, Saturday
Ryan Driscoll made an excellent start to his outdoor season by winning the 1500 metres in 3.48.73. Full results are at -
timerhub.com/getHytResults.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2017/hornet/170317F026.htm
Reading Half Marathon, Sunday
Ben Cole ran 68.40 in the Reading Half Marathon to finish 19th. This is a gun time, rather than chip time, as final results are awaited. His pb is 67.52.
Steph Puxty ran 22.44 at the very tough Lullingstone parkrun to break the TAC course record.
Hornet Invitational, Sacramento USA, Saturday
Ryan Driscoll made an excellent start to his outdoor season by winning the 1500 metres in 3.48.73. Full results are at -
timerhub.com/getHytResults.php?page=redcaptiming.com/2017/hornet/170317F026.htm
Reading Half Marathon, Sunday
Ben Cole ran 68.40 in the Reading Half Marathon to finish 19th. This is a gun time, rather than chip time, as final results are awaited. His pb is 67.52.
English Schools Cross Country Championships, at Norwich, Saturday 18th March
Videos loaded !
The TAC highlight was Fraser Gordon finishing 6th in the Junior Boys race and therefore gaining selection for the England Schools team for the home international.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Kent Indoors Championships, at Lee Valley, Saturday 18th March - Day 1
Videos loaded !
It was '800m day' at the Kent Championships and there were TAC medals as follows -
Senior Men - 1st Kieran Eland, 3rd Alex Hookway
Under 17 Men - 2nd Toby Emm
Under 15 Girls - 1st Rebekah O'Brien, 3rd Katie Burgess
Under 15 Boys - 3rd Fin Croll
Senior Men - 1st Kieran Eland, 3rd Alex Hookway
Under 17 Men - 2nd Toby Emm
Under 15 Girls - 1st Rebekah O'Brien, 3rd Katie Burgess
Under 15 Boys - 3rd Fin Croll
National Masters Cross Country Championships, at Liverpool, Saturday 18th March
There were some terrific results for the TAC veterans squad at Liverpool today -
Over 55 men - 1st Graeme Saker
Over 50 women - 2nd Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Over 35 women - 1st team Tonbridge
Full results are on the Results 2017 page
Over 55 men - 1st Graeme Saker
Over 50 women - 2nd Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Over 35 women - 1st team Tonbridge
Full results are on the Results 2017 page
Photos above - Womens over 35 team - Sasha Houghton, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles, Nina Ridge - 1st Team
Graeme Saker 1st m55, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 2nd w50
Graeme Saker 1st m55, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 2nd w50
Tonbridge AC Masters/Veterans Updates
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles has produced a comprehensive veterans scene update which i have posted on a separate page (see third section down on left menu column).
Phoebe Barker selected for Great Britain under 20 team for World Cross Country Championships
Phoebe Barker, having finished fifth in the trial race on Saturday, has been selected for the Great Britain under 20 team to go to Kampala, Uganda, for the World Cross Country Championships, on 27th March. GB are taking full under 20 teams of six, for men and women, plus a senior women's team of four scorers, but no senior mens team. Full details are at -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/media/news/2017-news-page/march-2017/14-03-17-world-cross-team/
www.britishathletics.org.uk/media/news/2017-news-page/march-2017/14-03-17-world-cross-team/
Summer 2017
There is now a Guide to the Summer season available under the Race Information section. This explains how the TAC Summer works and gives the contact details of team managers. I will endeavour to keep all the distance runners up to date, but I don't actually team manage in the Summer.
Mark
Mark
Tonbridge AC Junior (4 to 12) 1 mile races, Sunday 12th March
The last of the Winter junior 1 mile races were held at Tonbridge School, on Sunday.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th March
Haworth Hobble 50km, Yorkshire, Saturday 11th March
Julian Rendall finished 13th in 4 hours 20 minutes on this multi terrain ultramarathon around the hills of Yorkshire. Results are at - www.facebook.com/Team-GB-Ultra-Running-1557553204496942/
Bromley Vets 5 miles Cross Country, Saturday 11th March
Doug Bentall (m50) made an impressive TAC debut for TAC to finish 4th overall and first over 50. Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles was 3rd overall and first over 50 lady. Mark Pitcairn -Knowles was 10th overall and 3rd over 50. Full results are at -
www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=1360001
National Prep Schools Championships, at Malvern, Sunday 12th March
Full results are on the Results 2017 page. Lily Slack won the under 11 race, with sister Sophie in third. All four scorers for Yardley Court u13 boys are TAC members.
Julian Rendall finished 13th in 4 hours 20 minutes on this multi terrain ultramarathon around the hills of Yorkshire. Results are at - www.facebook.com/Team-GB-Ultra-Running-1557553204496942/
Bromley Vets 5 miles Cross Country, Saturday 11th March
Doug Bentall (m50) made an impressive TAC debut for TAC to finish 4th overall and first over 50. Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles was 3rd overall and first over 50 lady. Mark Pitcairn -Knowles was 10th overall and 3rd over 50. Full results are at -
www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=1360001
National Prep Schools Championships, at Malvern, Sunday 12th March
Full results are on the Results 2017 page. Lily Slack won the under 11 race, with sister Sophie in third. All four scorers for Yardley Court u13 boys are TAC members.
Lydd 20 mile road race, Sunday 12th March
Greg Cole ran his second 20 mile road race in two weekends and finished 5th in 1.56.44, which was a pb by six seconds !
Antonia Skerritt ran 2.29.37 and Duncan Ralph 2.49.56.
Antonia Skerritt ran 2.29.37 and Duncan Ralph 2.49.56.
UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, Saturday 11th March
Videos loaded !
There were plenty of TAC runners in action. Results are on the Results 2017 page.
Phoebe Barker was 5th (the winner was disqualified for taking the wrong course) in the under 20 womens race, despite still being an official u17. Phoebe was gunning for a place in the GB under 20 team and will have to wait to see if she is named in the team of six for the World Championships.
Other top runs -
Senior Women - 12th Nicole Taylor, 18th Ashley Gibson
Senior Men - 21st Corey De'Ath, 25th Ben Cole, 26th Max Nicholls
Under 17 Men - 9th James Puxty
Under 15 boys - 12th Fraser Gordon
Phoebe Barker was 5th (the winner was disqualified for taking the wrong course) in the under 20 womens race, despite still being an official u17. Phoebe was gunning for a place in the GB under 20 team and will have to wait to see if she is named in the team of six for the World Championships.
Other top runs -
Senior Women - 12th Nicole Taylor, 18th Ashley Gibson
Senior Men - 21st Corey De'Ath, 25th Ben Cole, 26th Max Nicholls
Under 17 Men - 9th James Puxty
Under 15 boys - 12th Fraser Gordon
Trackside podcast Episode 10 goes live !
Episode 10 of our Trackside Podcast went live on Sunday evening, 5th March. In this episode Alex Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Mark Hookway discuss the National Cross Country Championships, the fall out from the Alberto Salazar revelations, the latest action from home and abroad plus much more.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
There will be a 'bonus' podcast out shortly where we talk about the development of distance running at Tonbridge AC, culminating in the senior men winning the National Cross Country Championship.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
There will be a 'bonus' podcast out shortly where we talk about the development of distance running at Tonbridge AC, culminating in the senior men winning the National Cross Country Championship.
Sunday Road Races, 5th March
Trafford 10k, near Manchester - Ben Cole ran 30.35, which was only 13 seconds outside his pb. I believe that the conditions weren't great either. The race was won by Chris Thompson in 28.55.
Essex 20 miles, at Langham
Steve Fennell finished 6th in 1.55.00 and Greg Cole was 20th in 1.59.25. Both scored for the Kent team who were runners-up to Essex in the inter counties championship. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Thanet 20 miles
Matt Dennis ran 2.15.41 and finished 5th in this 20 mile road race.
Essex 20 miles, at Langham
Steve Fennell finished 6th in 1.55.00 and Greg Cole was 20th in 1.59.25. Both scored for the Kent team who were runners-up to Essex in the inter counties championship. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Thanet 20 miles
Matt Dennis ran 2.15.41 and finished 5th in this 20 mile road race.
Gwent Cross Country League, Saturday 4th March
Charlie Joslin-Allen seemed to have recovered from being in the National winning team the previous weekend, when he finished third in the Gwent League, at Llanelli, on Saturday, racing for Cardiff Met University.
Charlie Joslin-Allen (maroon) finished third in Gwent League
TAC Winter Park Run Grand Prix, update after 4th March fixture
by Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
15 Parkrun registered Tonbridge AC athletes scored in the age graded Grand Prix today. Sophie Slack, defending champion, moved up to 3rd place and has two more races to put a 4th score in. Amber Crush and Angus Tosh both increased their overall scores while discarding previous scores. There were three 5 point bonus PB’s run by Ollie Croll, William McCarthy and Martin Hillier. With 2 races to go Andrew Mercer holds a narrow lead.
The league table is on the parkrun page.
The league table is on the parkrun page.
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 10
English National Cross Country Championships, 25th February
The final league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page. Ian has done a terrific job getting the results compiled and producing his entertaining summaries.
English National Cross Country Championships, at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Saturday 25th February
Race videos loaded !
A quick summary of Tonbridge AC at this years National Cross Country Championships, at Nottingham.
Senior Men 1st (4th Chris Olley, highest ever TAC). Our previous best was 11th. TAC record = 34 starters.
Senior Women 5th , previous best 25th. TAC record = 12 starters. Ashley Gibson 17th, highest ever TAC
Under 20 men 2nd
Under 20 women 8th
Under 17 men 1st (1st James Puxty )
Under 17 women 5th (2nd Phoebe Barker). TAC record = 10 starters.
Under 15 boys 3rd
Under 15 girls 5th. TAC record = 13 starters.
Under 13 boys 4th
Under 13 girls 14th
130 runners overall is a club record. 49 Female starters is also a club record.
Many thanks to everyone who raced and supported and who has played a part in getting us to this stage.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page and here -
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/category/nationals/results-nationals/
Senior Men 1st (4th Chris Olley, highest ever TAC). Our previous best was 11th. TAC record = 34 starters.
Senior Women 5th , previous best 25th. TAC record = 12 starters. Ashley Gibson 17th, highest ever TAC
Under 20 men 2nd
Under 20 women 8th
Under 17 men 1st (1st James Puxty )
Under 17 women 5th (2nd Phoebe Barker). TAC record = 10 starters.
Under 15 boys 3rd
Under 15 girls 5th. TAC record = 13 starters.
Under 13 boys 4th
Under 13 girls 14th
130 runners overall is a club record. 49 Female starters is also a club record.
Many thanks to everyone who raced and supported and who has played a part in getting us to this stage.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page and here -
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/category/nationals/results-nationals/
English National Cross Country Champions
Charlie Joslin-Allen, Ben Cole, Chris Olley, Kieran Reilly, Corey De'Ath, Max Nicholls
Charlie Joslin-Allen, Ben Cole, Chris Olley, Kieran Reilly, Corey De'Ath, Max Nicholls
Some photos from the day , with many more at Mark Hookway's Facebook page
(they will also show at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk eventually)
(they will also show at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk eventually)
All ten Tonbridge AC squad photos from the evening (photos courtesy Gordon Emm)
Award winners
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 9
Kent Cross Country League, 11th February
The latest league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page. This is from the final paragraph from Ian's analysis and the full blog can be read on the Fantasy League page -
Some National predictions: We are going to have a 400ppm average, but it is not going to be the athlete I originally thought. It is very tight at the top of the A & B team competitions with 4 or 5 teams in the hunt in both categories. In the C team competition the Dirty Dozen looks odds on.
Ian Crawley
Some National predictions: We are going to have a 400ppm average, but it is not going to be the athlete I originally thought. It is very tight at the top of the A & B team competitions with 4 or 5 teams in the hunt in both categories. In the C team competition the Dirty Dozen looks odds on.
Ian Crawley
Ian Byett (Secretary English Cross Country Association) announced as TAC 'Guest of honour' at the National Awards dinner
I am pleased to announce that Ian Byett will be our guest of honour at the National Awards Dinner.
Below Ian has given a brief summary of his career in the sport...
Below Ian has given a brief summary of his career in the sport...
I started running back in 1964 as a teenager for North London Club Queens Park Harriers and ran in the National that year at Western Park, Leicester where I finished 438th in the Youths race.
I enjoyed my running during my period as a Youth and Junior but realised I wasnt going achieve great things!!!!!. I moved to Basingstoke in 1965 and have been a member there for 51 years now, kept running but at the age of 19 became Secretary of the Club when the then Secretary suddenly died.
During the 70’s I realised I was better organising athletics than competing and started taking Coaching badges and building the Club. Went to Loughborough University Summer Schools in the early 80s and gained Senior Coach status under Harry Wilson (Steve Ovett’s Coach).
In the late 80’s a party of ECCU officials came to Basingstoke, looking for a course to stage the National Cross Country Championships. That group included Alan Brent (Blackheath Harriers). It was decided that Down Grange was not big enough for the National, however the Southern took place at Down Grange, Basingstoke in 1989 where Jeremy Barton (Blackheath) won and the Tonbridge SM’s Team were 25th!!!.
As a result of that successful event I was invited to become Hon Sec of the Southern Cross Country Assoc where I served for a number of years. When the English Cross Country Union merged with the Women’s CC Association I was elected Hon Sec of the ECCA as it became in January 1995 and headed the Organising Team for the first Joint Men’s & Women’s National at Luton in 1995. I have continued being part of the organising team up to the present day.
I became Administration Officer for the GB Cross Country Team during the mid 90’s and led Teams to the World Cross in Cape Town, Turin, Dublin and Belfast as well as European Championships at home and in Europe. I have also announced at many National events and at Bedford for Inter Counties Track & Field and Crystal Palace for Area events.
Back at club level, I proudly took Basingstoke into the British Athletics League in 2005 and then into National Division 1, before I retired in 2015 from that role.
Back in November 2016 I coached Basingstoke’s U17 Women’s Team to 3rd in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield.
I enjoyed my running during my period as a Youth and Junior but realised I wasnt going achieve great things!!!!!. I moved to Basingstoke in 1965 and have been a member there for 51 years now, kept running but at the age of 19 became Secretary of the Club when the then Secretary suddenly died.
During the 70’s I realised I was better organising athletics than competing and started taking Coaching badges and building the Club. Went to Loughborough University Summer Schools in the early 80s and gained Senior Coach status under Harry Wilson (Steve Ovett’s Coach).
In the late 80’s a party of ECCU officials came to Basingstoke, looking for a course to stage the National Cross Country Championships. That group included Alan Brent (Blackheath Harriers). It was decided that Down Grange was not big enough for the National, however the Southern took place at Down Grange, Basingstoke in 1989 where Jeremy Barton (Blackheath) won and the Tonbridge SM’s Team were 25th!!!.
As a result of that successful event I was invited to become Hon Sec of the Southern Cross Country Assoc where I served for a number of years. When the English Cross Country Union merged with the Women’s CC Association I was elected Hon Sec of the ECCA as it became in January 1995 and headed the Organising Team for the first Joint Men’s & Women’s National at Luton in 1995. I have continued being part of the organising team up to the present day.
I became Administration Officer for the GB Cross Country Team during the mid 90’s and led Teams to the World Cross in Cape Town, Turin, Dublin and Belfast as well as European Championships at home and in Europe. I have also announced at many National events and at Bedford for Inter Counties Track & Field and Crystal Palace for Area events.
Back at club level, I proudly took Basingstoke into the British Athletics League in 2005 and then into National Division 1, before I retired in 2015 from that role.
Back in November 2016 I coached Basingstoke’s U17 Women’s Team to 3rd in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield.
Trackside podcast Episode 9 goes live !
Episode 9 of the Trackside podcast went live on Friday evening.
This episode covers -
Recent World records, the British Indoor Championships, the Muller Indoor Grand Prix, The 'Flying Scots', Nitro Athletics, Latest Russian doping news, Ron Hill, National Cross Country Champs preview and a few other updates.
Mark Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway attempt to entertain and inform listeners this week.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
This episode covers -
Recent World records, the British Indoor Championships, the Muller Indoor Grand Prix, The 'Flying Scots', Nitro Athletics, Latest Russian doping news, Ron Hill, National Cross Country Champs preview and a few other updates.
Mark Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway attempt to entertain and inform listeners this week.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Tonbridge Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - Latest after 18th February
A combination of half term, club training in Knole and pre nationals weekend resulted in a low number involved in the Age graded GP. However a familiar name, Lily Slack (75.43) topped the rankings on the day to claim 11 points and move up to 4th place, after 3 scores. Cain Bradley collected 8 points with his fastest run since July 2016 (69.98%). Andrew Mercer still tops the table but with Huxley Crush (2nd) and Angus Tosh (3rd) both turning out regularly in an attempt to add points to their existing totals.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
British Universities and Colleges Indoor Championships, at Sheffield
Friday to Sunday, 17th to 19th February
Video of mens 3000m final loaded !
Dominic Brown (1500m) and Chris Olley (3000m) both qualified for the finals on Sunday.
Unfortunately, Dom had to withdraw, due to illness, having run 4.06.23 (heat) and 3.53.66 (semi final on Saturday).
Chris was involved in one of the best races of the championships, but just missed a championship victory by 0.2s.
He won his heat on Saturday in 8.38.09 and in the final ran 8.12.53 for second. The kilometre splits of 2.53, 2.44 and 2.35 show the type of race that it was, as Doug Musson, of Nottingham won. Chris' time was just an indoor pb improving his performance in his only previous indoor race, in Germany, at the end of January.
Chloe Bird ran 10.46.33 for 3000 metres in her heat on Saturday, which was an outright personal best by five seconds.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Unfortunately, Dom had to withdraw, due to illness, having run 4.06.23 (heat) and 3.53.66 (semi final on Saturday).
Chris was involved in one of the best races of the championships, but just missed a championship victory by 0.2s.
He won his heat on Saturday in 8.38.09 and in the final ran 8.12.53 for second. The kilometre splits of 2.53, 2.44 and 2.35 show the type of race that it was, as Doug Musson, of Nottingham won. Chris' time was just an indoor pb improving his performance in his only previous indoor race, in Germany, at the end of January.
Chloe Bird ran 10.46.33 for 3000 metres in her heat on Saturday, which was an outright personal best by five seconds.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Chris Olley missed a championship win over 3000m by 0.2s
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, Sunday 19th February
The TAC mens squad won the team competition at the Tunbridge Wells Half marathon.
Steve Fennell showed that his London Marathon preparations are going well as he placed third in 71.03. Other TAC towards the front were -
6th Julian Rendall 73.34, 8th Greg Cole 73.50, 29th Matt Dennis 81.26. 1st lady Maria Heslop (about to be first claim TAC) 82.29. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Some photos below, courtesy of Steve Keywood.
Steve Fennell showed that his London Marathon preparations are going well as he placed third in 71.03. Other TAC towards the front were -
6th Julian Rendall 73.34, 8th Greg Cole 73.50, 29th Matt Dennis 81.26. 1st lady Maria Heslop (about to be first claim TAC) 82.29. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Some photos below, courtesy of Steve Keywood.
Bushy Park 10k, Sunday 19th February
Corey De'Ath ran and comfortably won the Bushy Park 10k in 31.26, as he target the qualifying time for the British Universities 10,000 metres of 32.45. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Tenterden 5 miles, Sunday 19th February
Declan Greaves ran 28.56 to finish fifth in this road race, although he wasn't 100%. Full results are at -
niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile, at Tonbridge School, Sunday 19th February
There were only 20 runners this month for the TAC Junior 1 mile races.
First home was the son of former TAC member Huw Evans, Henry.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
First home was the son of former TAC member Huw Evans, Henry.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Muller Indoor Grand Prix, at National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Saturday 18th February
James West gave it a real go to try and get the European Indoor Championship qualifying standard of 3.42 for 1500 metres. He had been to the USA during the week to visit a university and only returned Friday morning, so his 9th place in 3.43.33 was very respectable. Full results are at -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170218_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170218_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
Armagh International 5km road race, Northern Ireland, Thursday 16th February
There were four TAC runners in the elite men's 5km at Armagh, as George Duggan ran 14.22, Tom Holden 14.28, Miles Weatherseed 14.39 and Alex Howard 14.49.
Full results are available at - http://www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race_/2031/results
Full results are available at - http://www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race_/2031/results
Other weekend performances, Friday to Sunday, 10th to 12th February
These are a few of the other performances from the weekend, that I have caught up with -
Friday
Iowa State Classic, USA Mens 1 mile - 7th Robbie Farnham-Rose 4.10.40. Frustratingly for Robbie after winning his first three races of the indoor season he has picked up an injury, which they are trying to resolve.
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA Mens 1 mile - 6th Luca Russo 4.13.57.
Saturday
Husky Classic, Seattle, USA Mens 3000 metres - 18th in B race Ryan Driscoll 8.14.46
Sunday
Gwent Cross Country League - 10th Charlie Joslin-Allen. Full results not yet available.
Friday
Iowa State Classic, USA Mens 1 mile - 7th Robbie Farnham-Rose 4.10.40. Frustratingly for Robbie after winning his first three races of the indoor season he has picked up an injury, which they are trying to resolve.
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA Mens 1 mile - 6th Luca Russo 4.13.57.
Saturday
Husky Classic, Seattle, USA Mens 3000 metres - 18th in B race Ryan Driscoll 8.14.46
Sunday
Gwent Cross Country League - 10th Charlie Joslin-Allen. Full results not yet available.
TAC win South of England Male Aggregate Score Trophy
TAC have been awarded this trophy for the overall best male score at the South of England Cross Country Championships ie u13,u15,u17,u20 and senior scores added up.
I must admit that I was a bit confused as its says '2016' ! It turns out it was for last year and we await the 2017 result ! I believe TAC will have come out on top again.
I must admit that I was a bit confused as its says '2016' ! It turns out it was for last year and we await the 2017 result ! I believe TAC will have come out on top again.
British Indoor Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th February
James West made his first ever senior National Championship final and then finished third to take the bronze medal, behind Elliot Giles and Tom Lancashire. Elliot Giles won in 3.45.59 and James ran 3.47.36. This was after an opening 400 metres of 67 seconds and 800 metres in 2.06.
Dom Brown went out in the heats on Saturday, having been involved in a very bumpy race.
Full results can be found here - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170211_sheffield/timetable/index/index.html
Dom Brown went out in the heats on Saturday, having been involved in a very bumpy race.
Full results can be found here - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170211_sheffield/timetable/index/index.html
Kent Cross Country League, at Footscray Meadows, Saturday 11th February
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Ashley Gibson won the women's race and Ben Cole was 2nd in the men's.
The men won both the 4 and 12 to score team events on the day, but it was only enough to clinch the Duodec (12 to score) league. We slipped up in our home match back in October, finishing third and this was enough to give Medway and Maidstone the title.
The women finished third in the three to score league and second in the 6 to score.
Ashley Gibson won the women's race and Ben Cole was 2nd in the men's.
The men won both the 4 and 12 to score team events on the day, but it was only enough to clinch the Duodec (12 to score) league. We slipped up in our home match back in October, finishing third and this was enough to give Medway and Maidstone the title.
The women finished third in the three to score league and second in the 6 to score.
TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - update after 4th February
A relatively quiet day due to clash with Schools and BUCS allowed a max of 13 points that was taken by William McCarthy. Amber Crush ran another PB and is up to equal 4th. Angus Tosh improved on his previous total from 4 scores.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 8
South of England Cross Country Championships, 28th January
The latest league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page.
British Universities and Colleges Cross Country Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday 4th February
Videos loaded !
The BUCS Cross Country Championships always offer a unique atmosphere and this year was no exception. There are tow mens races and the womens, with the supporters getting quite excited ! TAC had about 21 competing and full results are on the Results 2017 page.
George Duggan's 8th place in the mens A race was superb and it was also good to see Kieran Reilly starting to get back to his best with 6th in the B race.
George Duggan's 8th place in the mens A race was superb and it was also good to see Kieran Reilly starting to get back to his best with 6th in the B race.
South East Schools Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch, Saturday 4th February
Videos by Mark Pitcairn-Knowles (Senior and Inter only) now loaded !
Plenty of TAC runners were in action for Kent at the schools inter counties, although a number missed the event having raced so frequently recently. Bede Pitcairn-Knowles was the highest placed of the Tonbridge contingent with 6th in the senior boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.