TAC Distance Runners
Please contact [email protected] should you have any questions or contributions regarding the web site. Some pages are password protected, so please contact me if you need the current password. See www.tonbridgeac.org.uk for further information, including new member enquiries. Site created by Mark Hookway copyright 2024.
Events coming up
Saturday 7th December - South of England Masters/Veterans Championships at Croydon
Saturday 21st December - South of Thames Championship race, at Tonbridge
Thursday 26th December - TAC Pudding Race, 5km handicap, at Vizards
Saturday 4th January - Kent Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch (still to be confirmed)
Tonbridge AC Christmas and New Year Training – Distance Runners
Please liaise with your training group’s coaches
Tuesday 24th December – no TAC evening training
Thursday 26th December – TAC Boxing Day Handicap
Friday 27th December – no TAC evening training
Saturday 28th December – 10am morning hill session at Knole Park
Sunday 29th December – as usual
Tuesday 31st December – no TAC evening training
Thursday 2nd January – as usual
Friday 3rd January – as usual
Saturday 4th January – Kent (and other county) Cross Country Championships
Saturday 21st December - South of Thames Championship race, at Tonbridge
Thursday 26th December - TAC Pudding Race, 5km handicap, at Vizards
Saturday 4th January - Kent Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch (still to be confirmed)
Tonbridge AC Christmas and New Year Training – Distance Runners
Please liaise with your training group’s coaches
Tuesday 24th December – no TAC evening training
Thursday 26th December – TAC Boxing Day Handicap
Friday 27th December – no TAC evening training
Saturday 28th December – 10am morning hill session at Knole Park
Sunday 29th December – as usual
Tuesday 31st December – no TAC evening training
Thursday 2nd January – as usual
Friday 3rd January – as usual
Saturday 4th January – Kent (and other county) Cross Country Championships
| fixture_list_-_november_2024.docx |
Other Sunday results, 1st December
British Masters 5km Road Race Championships, Battersea
M60 4th Ben Reynolds 17.17, W50 3rd Penny Pilbeam 20.05
Results link - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22006&EId=1&dt=1
Oxfordshire Cross Country League, at Cirencester
Senior Men 1st Ben Cole. Results link - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/oxlr2/event/R8/
Run Through Goodwood 5km road race
Joseph Hunt finished 1st in 16.01
Results should appear here - https://www.runthrough.co.uk/race-results
Lee Valley Indoor Open Meeting, London
Videos loading !
There were 600m races where Lily Slack ran 1.38.63 (u20) and Purdey Hutcjhings (u15) 1.41.85. Purdey's time is probably a TAC u15 girls' indoor record as there hasnt been one listed before.
Results link - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/decopen/event/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBTD7e
M60 4th Ben Reynolds 17.17, W50 3rd Penny Pilbeam 20.05
Results link - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22006&EId=1&dt=1
Oxfordshire Cross Country League, at Cirencester
Senior Men 1st Ben Cole. Results link - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/oxlr2/event/R8/
Run Through Goodwood 5km road race
Joseph Hunt finished 1st in 16.01
Results should appear here - https://www.runthrough.co.uk/race-results
Lee Valley Indoor Open Meeting, London
Videos loading !
There were 600m races where Lily Slack ran 1.38.63 (u20) and Purdey Hutcjhings (u15) 1.41.85. Purdey's time is probably a TAC u15 girls' indoor record as there hasnt been one listed before.
Results link - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/decopen/event/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBTD7e
Above - Purdey Hutchings and Lily Slack at Lee Valley
Valencia Marathon, Sunday 1st December
New TAC women's marathon record by Verity Hopkins !
Verity Hopkins ran 2.34.20 to break Helen Gaunt's TAC club record by 1 minute and 18 seconds. Looking at the splits Verity ran an extremely well judged race, with remarkably even mile splits of just outside 5.50.
Nathan Chapman ran 2.38.18 which improved Dan Madams' TAC over 40 age group record by 2 minutes and 38 seconds.
Unfortunately , due to sickness in the week beforehand Lucy Reid's planned marathon debut had to be postponed.
Jess Lovell ran 3.17.59 ti improve her pb set in April at Manchester.
Results - https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/maraton/
Nathan Chapman ran 2.38.18 which improved Dan Madams' TAC over 40 age group record by 2 minutes and 38 seconds.
Unfortunately , due to sickness in the week beforehand Lucy Reid's planned marathon debut had to be postponed.
Jess Lovell ran 3.17.59 ti improve her pb set in April at Manchester.
Results - https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/maraton/
Above - Verity Hopkins and Nathan Chapman in Valencia
Other Saturday results, 30th November
A number were racing for their second claim clubs or universities around the country.
Scottish East District Championships, Stirling, Scotland
8th Kieran Reilly
Results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/eastxc/event/10/1/1/
Sussex League, at Ardingly
8th James Crombie
Full results awaited.
Hampshire League, Poole
21st George Marshall
Full results- https://www.bmhac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_25_MenALL_Bmouth.pdf
Birmingham League, Betley, Staffordshire
12th Matthew Taylor, 17th Jake Brislane
Full results -
https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2024-11-30-M1.pdf.
Gwent League
Under 20 men 2nd Tom Claridge
Results - https://www.gwent-league.org.uk/res3.html
Leeds University Relays
George Hopkins (10.44), Max Malkinson (10.45) and Jess Poland (12.57) all ran on leg 1.
Full results are on the Results 2024 page.
Scottish East District Championships, Stirling, Scotland
8th Kieran Reilly
Results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/eastxc/event/10/1/1/
Sussex League, at Ardingly
8th James Crombie
Full results awaited.
Hampshire League, Poole
21st George Marshall
Full results- https://www.bmhac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_25_MenALL_Bmouth.pdf
Birmingham League, Betley, Staffordshire
12th Matthew Taylor, 17th Jake Brislane
Full results -
https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2024-11-30-M1.pdf.
Gwent League
Under 20 men 2nd Tom Claridge
Results - https://www.gwent-league.org.uk/res3.html
Leeds University Relays
George Hopkins (10.44), Max Malkinson (10.45) and Jess Poland (12.57) all ran on leg 1.
Full results are on the Results 2024 page.
Kent Masters Cross Country Championships, at Central Park, Dartford, Saturday 30th November
Videos loaded !
Ben Reynolds won the m60 event, plus the team gold alongside Phil Coleman and Tony Fullbrook.
Maria Heslop, Tina Oldershaw and Grazia Manzotti won the w55 team title.
W35 2nd team. 5th Nichola Evans
W45 no team. 2nd Lizzie Owen
W55 1st team. 2nd Maria Heslop
M40 5th team. 17th Julian Rendall
M50 5th team. 16th James Beeston
M60 1st team. 1st Ben Reynolds
M70 no team competition. 5th Alan Newman
Full results are on the Results 2024 page .
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBTsuy
Maria Heslop, Tina Oldershaw and Grazia Manzotti won the w55 team title.
W35 2nd team. 5th Nichola Evans
W45 no team. 2nd Lizzie Owen
W55 1st team. 2nd Maria Heslop
M40 5th team. 17th Julian Rendall
M50 5th team. 16th James Beeston
M60 1st team. 1st Ben Reynolds
M70 no team competition. 5th Alan Newman
Full results are on the Results 2024 page .
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBTsuy
Above - TAC teams at the Kent Masters Cross Country Championships
Above - Ben Reynolds won the Kent m60 title
Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Elite 5k road race, California, USA, Thursday 28th November
Chris Olley had his first race for a while and finished 4th in 14.15
Results -
https://results.svetiming.com/Silicon-Valley-Leadership-Group/events/2024/Applied-Materials-Silicon-Valley-Turkey-Trot/results
Results -
https://results.svetiming.com/Silicon-Valley-Leadership-Group/events/2024/Applied-Materials-Silicon-Valley-Turkey-Trot/results
Central Coast Half Marathon, Australia, Sunday 24th November
John Madden was first over 50 in 85.42. John was in New Zealand and Australia for work. Whilst on an assignment in New Zealand John by an incredible coincidence was working alongside Mike Smith, who emigrated from the UK about 30 years ago and was a TAC member.
Results - https://thetimingguysresults.com/list/RunFestCentralCoast/2024/21KM/
Results - https://thetimingguysresults.com/list/RunFestCentralCoast/2024/21KM/
In New Zealand - John Madden (left) with former TAC member Mike Smith (right)
James Kingston named in GB squad for European Championships
and Jack Higgins first reserve for the relay
James Kingston has been named for the GB under 23 team for the European Cross Country Championships on 8th December, in Turkey. Jack Higgins will be the first reserve for the mixed short course relay (non travelling). Full press release here -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/gb-ni-team-announced-for-european-cross-country-championships-in-antalya/
www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/gb-ni-team-announced-for-european-cross-country-championships-in-antalya/
British Cross Challenge, at Liverpool, Saturday 23rd November
including European Championships Trials
Videos loaded !
Livestream - www.youtube.com/live/AerpHKYLoNM?si=uyNtbBRBmXlcZlbL
Results link - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7265327202869182464
Men short course 3rd Jack Higgins, 24th Jordan Chambers
Senior Women 19th Phoebe Barker. Under 23 Women 8th Charlotte Alexander
Senior Men 28th James West, 156th Jordan Chambers (doubled races) Under 23 men 16th James Kingston
u17 men 86th Toby Bawtree u20 men 100th Harrison Fraser
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSNHp
Results link - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7265327202869182464
Men short course 3rd Jack Higgins, 24th Jordan Chambers
Senior Women 19th Phoebe Barker. Under 23 Women 8th Charlotte Alexander
Senior Men 28th James West, 156th Jordan Chambers (doubled races) Under 23 men 16th James Kingston
u17 men 86th Toby Bawtree u20 men 100th Harrison Fraser
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSNHp
Above - TAC at Liverpool
Row 1 - Charlotte Alexander, Jack Higgins,
Row 2 - Toby Bawtree, Harrison Fraser
Row 3 - Phoebe Barker, James West
Row 4 - James Kingston, Jordan Chambers
Row 1 - Charlotte Alexander, Jack Higgins,
Row 2 - Toby Bawtree, Harrison Fraser
Row 3 - Phoebe Barker, James West
Row 4 - James Kingston, Jordan Chambers
Kent Cross Country League, at Swanley, Saturday 23rd November
Videos loaded !
Results are on the Results 2024 page.
Senior Women - Team 3rd of 12 in 3 to score, 4th of 9 in 6 to score. 11th Lizzie Owen
Under 20 Men - No team but 2nd overall in league. 2nd Mark Bridger
Under 17 Men - Team 1st of 5 and 1st overall in league. 3rd Will Bachelor (Sam Smialowski 3rd overall)
Under 17 Women - Team 3rd of 3 and 3rd overall in league. 4th Olivia Owen (3rd overall)
Under 15 Boys - Team 2nd of 10 and 1st overall in league. 2nd Charlie Warren (1st overall)
Under 15 Girls - Team 2nd of 7 and 2nd overall in league. 5th Isabel Gowing (3rd overall)
Under 13 Boys - Team 1st of 8 and 2nd overall in league. 6th Ted Vallins
Under 13 Girls - Team 3rd of 6 and 2nd overall in league. 5th Arianne Launders (2nd overall)
Senior Women - Team 3rd of 12 in 3 to score, 4th of 9 in 6 to score. 11th Lizzie Owen
Under 20 Men - No team but 2nd overall in league. 2nd Mark Bridger
Under 17 Men - Team 1st of 5 and 1st overall in league. 3rd Will Bachelor (Sam Smialowski 3rd overall)
Under 17 Women - Team 3rd of 3 and 3rd overall in league. 4th Olivia Owen (3rd overall)
Under 15 Boys - Team 2nd of 10 and 1st overall in league. 2nd Charlie Warren (1st overall)
Under 15 Girls - Team 2nd of 7 and 2nd overall in league. 5th Isabel Gowing (3rd overall)
Under 13 Boys - Team 1st of 8 and 2nd overall in league. 6th Ted Vallins
Under 13 Girls - Team 3rd of 6 and 2nd overall in league. 5th Arianne Launders (2nd overall)
Weekend action, Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November
Friday
Sevenoaks School Junior Knole Run
Results link - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=440&EId=2
I have also posted them on the Results 2024 page, thanks to John Sanders.
Sunday
Brighton 10k road race
4th Cole Gibbens 30.22 pb 10th Steve Strange 31.15 pb, 26th Dan Bradley 31.56, Nick Beer 33.58
Results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/2024/brighton10k/brighton10k24.pdf
Marden 10k and Half Marathon
10k 2nd female Sarah Cronin 41.00
Half Marathon - 5th Elliot Green 78.40 pb. Tom Rule 1st M40 80.45 pb and Tony Fullbrook 1st M60 89.43
Full results - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=434&EId=2&dt=0
Crowborough 5k and 10k road races
It looks like Andy Watkins was the only TAC runner to compete and ran 48.52
Results will appear here - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7227615676318356736
Sevenoaks School Junior Knole Run
Results link - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=440&EId=2
I have also posted them on the Results 2024 page, thanks to John Sanders.
Sunday
Brighton 10k road race
4th Cole Gibbens 30.22 pb 10th Steve Strange 31.15 pb, 26th Dan Bradley 31.56, Nick Beer 33.58
Results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/2024/brighton10k/brighton10k24.pdf
Marden 10k and Half Marathon
10k 2nd female Sarah Cronin 41.00
Half Marathon - 5th Elliot Green 78.40 pb. Tom Rule 1st M40 80.45 pb and Tony Fullbrook 1st M60 89.43
Full results - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=434&EId=2&dt=0
Crowborough 5k and 10k road races
It looks like Andy Watkins was the only TAC runner to compete and ran 48.52
Results will appear here - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7227615676318356736
Above photos by Richard Owen from Brighton 10k
Top - Cole Gibbens, Steve Strange, Dan Bradley
Bottom - Nick Beer, Lucy Thompson, Penny Pilbeam
Top - Cole Gibbens, Steve Strange, Dan Bradley
Bottom - Nick Beer, Lucy Thompson, Penny Pilbeam
English Schools Cross Country Cup, Regional Round, at Vizards Sports Fields, Judd School
Wednesday 13th November
Videos loaded !
Charlie Warren won the Inter Boys race.
Full results awaited and should be posted here under South East - https://esaa.org.uk/cross-country-cup-results-2024/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBRBEH
Full results awaited and should be posted here under South East - https://esaa.org.uk/cross-country-cup-results-2024/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBRBEH
Above - Charlie Warren who won at the English Schools Cup Regional Round
Tonbridge AC minibus
TAC now has its own minibus, available to help with travel to races and training. Drivers need a D1 on their license and we have a number of authorised drivers set up.
Other weekend results, Saturday/Sunday 9th/10th November
Saturday
Cardiff Cross Challenge
Senior Women - 24th Charlotte Alexander
Under 17/20 Men - 41st Isaac Arnott, TBA estimated 57th Tom Claridge
Under 17/20 Women - 46th Ella Ayden
Full results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/ccc/event/
Birmingham Cross Country League, Northampton
11th Matthew Taylor. Results - https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2024-11-09-M1.pdf
Hampshire Cross Country League, Aldershot
20th James Crombie. Full results - https://www.bmhac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024_25_MenALL_Aldershot.pdf
Surrey Cross Country League, Beckenham
Men 9th Alex Howard, Women 54th Lucy Thompson
Results - https://surreyleague.org/slm/match/180/
Podium 5k, Barrowford Lancashire
Ben Gardiner 15.27
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22002
Sunday
Stebbing 10 mile road race, Essex
1st Steve Strange 52.50. Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7227613193827258880
Cardiff Cross Challenge
Senior Women - 24th Charlotte Alexander
Under 17/20 Men - 41st Isaac Arnott, TBA estimated 57th Tom Claridge
Under 17/20 Women - 46th Ella Ayden
Full results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/ccc/event/
Birmingham Cross Country League, Northampton
11th Matthew Taylor. Results - https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2024-11-09-M1.pdf
Hampshire Cross Country League, Aldershot
20th James Crombie. Full results - https://www.bmhac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024_25_MenALL_Aldershot.pdf
Surrey Cross Country League, Beckenham
Men 9th Alex Howard, Women 54th Lucy Thompson
Results - https://surreyleague.org/slm/match/180/
Podium 5k, Barrowford Lancashire
Ben Gardiner 15.27
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22002
Sunday
Stebbing 10 mile road race, Essex
1st Steve Strange 52.50. Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7227613193827258880
Kent Cross Country League, at Danson Park, Saturday 9th November
Videos loaded !
Senior Men - 1st in 4 and 12 to score (1st Cole Gibbens, 2nd Ted Higgins)
Under 17 Men - 2nd team (6th Sam Smialowski)
Under 17 Women - 3rd team (5th Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys - 1st team (and Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls - 2nd team (4th Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd team (7th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls - 1st team (3rd Aimee Watts)
Full results are on the Results 2024 page.
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBRhAd
Under 17 Men - 2nd team (6th Sam Smialowski)
Under 17 Women - 3rd team (5th Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys - 1st team (and Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls - 2nd team (4th Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd team (7th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls - 1st team (3rd Aimee Watts)
Full results are on the Results 2024 page.
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBRhAd
Above - Debuts, Best performers and Top form runners
Row 1 - Jess Ellis, Henry Mclements, Bailey Webster
Row 2 - Ted Vallins, Ollie White, Jemima Wellesley
Row 3 - Isabel Gowing, Zara Greeves, Charlie Warren
Row 4 - Oscar Willis, Luca Szumileiwicz, Sam Smialowski
Row 5 - Tony Fullbrook, Ollie White, Cole Gibbens
Row 1 - Jess Ellis, Henry Mclements, Bailey Webster
Row 2 - Ted Vallins, Ollie White, Jemima Wellesley
Row 3 - Isabel Gowing, Zara Greeves, Charlie Warren
Row 4 - Oscar Willis, Luca Szumileiwicz, Sam Smialowski
Row 5 - Tony Fullbrook, Ollie White, Cole Gibbens
Other weekend results, Saturday and Sunday 2nd/3rd November
Saturday
Gloucestershire Cross Country League
Official results awaited but under 20 men 9th Ethan Rocks, 11th Charlie Ellison. They were 49th and 59th overall in the men's race.
Scottish Short Course Cross Country Championships
7th Kieran Reilly, 32nd Jamie Goodge
Results - http://results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20065&RId=1169&EId=5
Sunday
New York Marathon
Ben Cole 2.28 38
Results - https://liveresults.nyrr.org/e/NY2024#/dash/RSM4JHGW
Gloucestershire Cross Country League
Official results awaited but under 20 men 9th Ethan Rocks, 11th Charlie Ellison. They were 49th and 59th overall in the men's race.
Scottish Short Course Cross Country Championships
7th Kieran Reilly, 32nd Jamie Goodge
Results - http://results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20065&RId=1169&EId=5
Sunday
New York Marathon
Ben Cole 2.28 38
Results - https://liveresults.nyrr.org/e/NY2024#/dash/RSM4JHGW
Above - Kieran Reilly and Jamie Goodge at the Scottish Short Course Championships
National Cross Country Relay Championships, Berry Hill Park, Mansfield, Saturday 2nd November
Videos loaded !
There were no TAC medals this year, but across the board some solid performances. These relays are one of the highlights of the year, featuring many of the best distance runners in the country. I am sure that the standard was as high as ever.
Senior Men - 9th, 21st, 35th (1st C team) of 164 teams (James Kingston 2nd fastest leg)
Senior Women - 29th of 106 teams
Under 20 Men - 20th and 34th of 83 teams
Under 20 Women - 19th of 47 teams
Under 17 Men - 5th, 18th, 24th of 92 teams (1st B team, 1st C team)
Under 17 Women - 25th of 66 teams
Under 15 Boys - 15th, 20th, 43rd of 91 teams (2nd B team, 2nd C team)
Under 15 Girls - 18th of 89 teams
TAC results summary on the Results 2024 page.
Livestream link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foz_k2_aq4k
Results link - https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2024/#9
Results appear at - https://results.sporthive.com/for/frsystems
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQnhr
Senior Men - 9th, 21st, 35th (1st C team) of 164 teams (James Kingston 2nd fastest leg)
Senior Women - 29th of 106 teams
Under 20 Men - 20th and 34th of 83 teams
Under 20 Women - 19th of 47 teams
Under 17 Men - 5th, 18th, 24th of 92 teams (1st B team, 1st C team)
Under 17 Women - 25th of 66 teams
Under 15 Boys - 15th, 20th, 43rd of 91 teams (2nd B team, 2nd C team)
Under 15 Girls - 18th of 89 teams
TAC results summary on the Results 2024 page.
Livestream link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foz_k2_aq4k
Results link - https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2024/#9
Results appear at - https://results.sporthive.com/for/frsystems
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQnhr
Above - a few of the photos from Mansfield
Top - Mark Bridger, Jacob Hunt, Connor Prendergast
Middle - Isabel Gowing, Christian du Toit, Ollie Lester
Bottom - Katie Goodge, Simon Coppard, James Kingston
Top - Mark Bridger, Jacob Hunt, Connor Prendergast
Middle - Isabel Gowing, Christian du Toit, Ollie Lester
Bottom - Katie Goodge, Simon Coppard, James Kingston
Other weekend news, 26th/27th October
Valencia Half Marathon
Sarah Cronin ran a pb with 88.33. This was almost two minutes quicker than her best from 2019.
Lausanne Half Marathon
Amelia Beeston improved her pb by more than three minutes with 93.25
Results - https://www.datasport.com/live/ranking/?racenr=26110#2_66B6DA
Bedgebury Half Marathon
Mark McLeavery 1.47.31
Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7224357200595281152/races/11/team/7256277195725232640
Sarah Cronin ran a pb with 88.33. This was almost two minutes quicker than her best from 2019.
Lausanne Half Marathon
Amelia Beeston improved her pb by more than three minutes with 93.25
Results - https://www.datasport.com/live/ranking/?racenr=26110#2_66B6DA
Bedgebury Half Marathon
Mark McLeavery 1.47.31
Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7224357200595281152/races/11/team/7256277195725232640
Cross Cup Roeselare, Belgium, Sunday 27th October
James Kingston finished 3rd and was first home for the England team.
Results - https://my.raceresult.com/308559/live
Results - https://my.raceresult.com/308559/live
Above - James Kingston (with cap) 3rd in Belgium)
Kent Cross Country League at the Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge, Saturday 26th October
Videos loaded !
Many thanks to everyone who raced and helped with the event. Summary -
Senior Men - 1st in 4 and 12 to score (1st Ben Cole, 2nd Ben Murphy, 3rd Jack Higgins, 4th Ted Higgins)
Senior Women - 4th in 3 to score and 4th in 6 to score (12th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men - 1st (1st Joseph Hunt, 3rd Tom Claridge)
Under 20 Women - no team (9th Polly Moses)
Under 17 Men - 1st (1st Ewan Prendergast)
Under 17 Women - 3rd (3rd Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys - 1st (2nd Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls - 2nd (1st Aoife Foley)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd (4th Daniel McPherson)
Under 13 Girls - 2nd (2nd Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2024 page, including league placings to date.
Photos are on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPFoA
Senior Men - 1st in 4 and 12 to score (1st Ben Cole, 2nd Ben Murphy, 3rd Jack Higgins, 4th Ted Higgins)
Senior Women - 4th in 3 to score and 4th in 6 to score (12th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men - 1st (1st Joseph Hunt, 3rd Tom Claridge)
Under 20 Women - no team (9th Polly Moses)
Under 17 Men - 1st (1st Ewan Prendergast)
Under 17 Women - 3rd (3rd Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys - 1st (2nd Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls - 2nd (1st Aoife Foley)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd (4th Daniel McPherson)
Under 13 Girls - 2nd (2nd Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2024 page, including league placings to date.
Photos are on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPFoA
Above at the Kent Cross Country League
Row 1 - Aimee Watts, Daniel McPherson, Aoife Foley
Row 2 - Charlie Warren, Olivia Owen, Polly Moses
Row 3 - Joe Hunt, Ewan Prendergast, Lizzie Owen
Row 4 - Ben Cole, Maisy Smith, Mary Fitzmaurice
Row 5 - Jess Lowell, Laura Wrigley, Imogen Else
Row 1 - Aimee Watts, Daniel McPherson, Aoife Foley
Row 2 - Charlie Warren, Olivia Owen, Polly Moses
Row 3 - Joe Hunt, Ewan Prendergast, Lizzie Owen
Row 4 - Ben Cole, Maisy Smith, Mary Fitzmaurice
Row 5 - Jess Lowell, Laura Wrigley, Imogen Else
Above - TAC men at Kent League
Above - TAC women at Kent League
Sean and Jess Molloy Wedding, Sunday 20th October
Sean Molloy married Jess Murphy on Sunday. They have been TAC members for many years, meeting at the club and competing regularly for teams. We wish them well in their future together.
Above - Jess and Sean get married
Action on Sunday 20th October
Tonbridge 10k, at Hildenborough
4th Tom Weston-Simons 38.49, 12th Tim Sherman-Samuels (m40) 41.17
Results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=433
Amsterdam Marathon
Mason Willis ran 2.36.40, whilst John Madden set a TAC men's over 50 record of 2.59.15, which is also a pb and first time under 3 hours.
Cabbage Patch 10 miles, at Twickenham
Max Selby ran 52.26 and finished 14th. Official results - https://events.sportsystems.co.uk/results/?eid=3785&rid=6028
Maidstone Half Marathon
Craig Halsey (m45) won the race in 76.15
Results - https://resultscui.active.com/events/maidstonehalfmarathon4
4th Tom Weston-Simons 38.49, 12th Tim Sherman-Samuels (m40) 41.17
Results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=433
Amsterdam Marathon
Mason Willis ran 2.36.40, whilst John Madden set a TAC men's over 50 record of 2.59.15, which is also a pb and first time under 3 hours.
Cabbage Patch 10 miles, at Twickenham
Max Selby ran 52.26 and finished 14th. Official results - https://events.sportsystems.co.uk/results/?eid=3785&rid=6028
Maidstone Half Marathon
Craig Halsey (m45) won the race in 76.15
Results - https://resultscui.active.com/events/maidstonehalfmarathon4
Above - John Madden after his TAC m50 marathon record
English Schools Cross Country Cup Round 1, The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge
Tuesday 15th October
There were plenty of TAC members racing.
There were wins for Charlie Warren, Purdey Hutchings and Toby Bawtree.
Full results - https://esaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/KENT-1.pdf
There were wins for Charlie Warren, Purdey Hutchings and Toby Bawtree.
Full results - https://esaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/KENT-1.pdf
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 12th/13th October
Saturday
Gwent League, Wales
Under 20m men 2nd Isaac Arnott, 11th Tom Claridge
Full results - https://www.gwent-league.org.uk/res1.html
Sunday
Leeds Abbey Dash
Women - 5th Verity Hopkins 32.58 (pb)
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7231253882985291008/races/490477
Great Eastern Run, Peterborough Half Marathon
Dan Longhurst (m40) finished 61st in 74.17 (pb)
Full results - https://totalracetiming.co.uk/raceresults/477#sr778
Chicago Marathon
Two weeks after running the Berlin Marathon, Julian Rendall ran 2.45.17 at Chicago. He now has just Tokyo to go to complete the full list of 'marathon majors'.
Results - https://results.chicagomarathon.com/2024/?content=detail&fpid=search&pid=search&idp=9TGG96382A56D4&lang=EN_CAP&event=MAR&event_main_group=runner&search%5Bname%5D=rendall&search_event=MAR
Recent school races
Thomas Trophy at Sevenoaks Prep, Friday 11th October
Full results here - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/schoolxc/g-live.html?f=thomastrophy24.clax
Older result
Somerhill Schools Cross Country, Tuesday 3rd October
See Results 2024 page
Gwent League, Wales
Under 20m men 2nd Isaac Arnott, 11th Tom Claridge
Full results - https://www.gwent-league.org.uk/res1.html
Sunday
Leeds Abbey Dash
Women - 5th Verity Hopkins 32.58 (pb)
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7231253882985291008/races/490477
Great Eastern Run, Peterborough Half Marathon
Dan Longhurst (m40) finished 61st in 74.17 (pb)
Full results - https://totalracetiming.co.uk/raceresults/477#sr778
Chicago Marathon
Two weeks after running the Berlin Marathon, Julian Rendall ran 2.45.17 at Chicago. He now has just Tokyo to go to complete the full list of 'marathon majors'.
Results - https://results.chicagomarathon.com/2024/?content=detail&fpid=search&pid=search&idp=9TGG96382A56D4&lang=EN_CAP&event=MAR&event_main_group=runner&search%5Bname%5D=rendall&search_event=MAR
Recent school races
Thomas Trophy at Sevenoaks Prep, Friday 11th October
Full results here - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/schoolxc/g-live.html?f=thomastrophy24.clax
Older result
Somerhill Schools Cross Country, Tuesday 3rd October
See Results 2024 page
Manchester Half Marathon, Sunday 13th October
TAC club record by Lucy Reid !
Lucy Reid had a great run to win the women's race at the Manchester Half Marathon in a superb 69.13
This broke her own TAC club record by 1 minute and 16 seconds
Full results - https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/results/
The time ranks Lucy 6th on the 2024 UK Half Marathon rankings and puts her 14th on the UK all-time list.
Crucially it is inside the 71.30 qualifying time that UK Athletics set as the standard for the World Road Running Championships, which take place next April, in Belgium. The run has therefore given Lucy a chance of GB selection.
The top 4 TAC all-time have all set their bests in 2024. Lucy Reid, Phoebe Barker, Verity Hopkins and Helen Gaunt.
This broke her own TAC club record by 1 minute and 16 seconds
Full results - https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/results/
The time ranks Lucy 6th on the 2024 UK Half Marathon rankings and puts her 14th on the UK all-time list.
Crucially it is inside the 71.30 qualifying time that UK Athletics set as the standard for the World Road Running Championships, which take place next April, in Belgium. The run has therefore given Lucy a chance of GB selection.
The top 4 TAC all-time have all set their bests in 2024. Lucy Reid, Phoebe Barker, Verity Hopkins and Helen Gaunt.
Kent Cross Country League, at Footscray Meadows, Saturday 12th October
Videos loaded !
Summary
Senior Men 1st in 4 and 12 to score (1st Ted Higgins, 2nd Cole Gibbens, 3rd Ben Murphy, 6th Jack Higgins)
Senior Women 2nd in 3 and 6 to score (13th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men no team (4th Toby James)
Under 20 women no runners
Under 17 Men 2nd team (3rd Toby Bawtree, 6th Ollie Head)
Under 17 Women 2nd team (4th Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys 2nd team (4th Ethan Brooks, 5th Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls 2nd team (6th Purdey Hutchings)
Under 13 Boys 2nd (7th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls 1st (3rd Aimee Watts, 4th Arianne Launders)
Results - https://www.stuweb.co.uk/events/2024/10/12/4481/
Also full results in Excel on the Results 2024 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMQ2m
Senior Men 1st in 4 and 12 to score (1st Ted Higgins, 2nd Cole Gibbens, 3rd Ben Murphy, 6th Jack Higgins)
Senior Women 2nd in 3 and 6 to score (13th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men no team (4th Toby James)
Under 20 women no runners
Under 17 Men 2nd team (3rd Toby Bawtree, 6th Ollie Head)
Under 17 Women 2nd team (4th Olivia Owen)
Under 15 Boys 2nd team (4th Ethan Brooks, 5th Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls 2nd team (6th Purdey Hutchings)
Under 13 Boys 2nd (7th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls 1st (3rd Aimee Watts, 4th Arianne Launders)
Results - https://www.stuweb.co.uk/events/2024/10/12/4481/
Also full results in Excel on the Results 2024 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMQ2m
Above - Top 3 in the men's race Cole Gibbens, Ted Higgins, Ben Murphy
Above - all the girls and women's teams at the Kent League
Row 1 - some of the best performers at the Kent League
Row 2 - Arianne Launders, Sam Shearer, Purdey Hutchings
Row 3 - Charlie Warren, Theo Ackerman, Ethan Brooks
Row 4 - James Crombie, Jay Smith, Paul Freeman-Jones
Row 5 - Ted Higgins & Cole Gibbens, Ollie White, Olivia Owen
Row 2 - Arianne Launders, Sam Shearer, Purdey Hutchings
Row 3 - Charlie Warren, Theo Ackerman, Ethan Brooks
Row 4 - James Crombie, Jay Smith, Paul Freeman-Jones
Row 5 - Ted Higgins & Cole Gibbens, Ollie White, Olivia Owen
Above - Some of the TAC cross country debuts at the Kent League
Top - Henry McClements, Jack Levett & Aryan Nair
Middle - Jack Szumilewicz, Jemima Wellesley, Elsa Billingham
Bottom - Ellis Hill, Isaac Fenn, Mimi Marshall, Debbie Scott
Top - Henry McClements, Jack Levett & Aryan Nair
Middle - Jack Szumilewicz, Jemima Wellesley, Elsa Billingham
Bottom - Ellis Hill, Isaac Fenn, Mimi Marshall, Debbie Scott
English Schools Cross Country Cup, Surrey 1st Round, Guildford, Wednesday 9th October
Joseph Hunt won the senior boys race. Results here -
https://esaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SURREY.pdf
https://esaa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SURREY.pdf
Other action Saturday and Sunday, 5th/6th October
Sunday
Cardiff Half Marathon
Cole Gibbens 69.27, Craig Halsey (m45) 74.25 TAC over 45 record.
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7231234663007034112/races/490468
Westward Cross Country League
Men 5th Jamie Macdonald, Women 102nd Annabelle Hales
Full results - https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league
Cardiff Half Marathon
Cole Gibbens 69.27, Craig Halsey (m45) 74.25 TAC over 45 record.
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7231234663007034112/races/490468
Westward Cross Country League
Men 5th Jamie Macdonald, Women 102nd Annabelle Hales
Full results - https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league
National Road Relay Championships, at Sutton Coldfield, Saturday 5th October
Videos loaded !
In summary -
Senior Women - 13th (Fastest laps 8th Charlotte Alexander, 10th Phoebe Barker)
Senior Men - 14th (Fastest laps 4th James Kingston)
Under 17 men - 5th, 23rd, 25th (Fastest laps 9th Toby Bawtree)
Under 15 girls - 13th
Under 15 boys - 11th, 23rd
Under 13 girls - 16th
Note - the under 15 boys and under 17 men first leg results have been adjusted numerous times, after the recorders had difficulties.
Results link - https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2024/#9
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBLKxK
Senior Women - 13th (Fastest laps 8th Charlotte Alexander, 10th Phoebe Barker)
Senior Men - 14th (Fastest laps 4th James Kingston)
Under 17 men - 5th, 23rd, 25th (Fastest laps 9th Toby Bawtree)
Under 15 girls - 13th
Under 15 boys - 11th, 23rd
Under 13 girls - 16th
Note - the under 15 boys and under 17 men first leg results have been adjusted numerous times, after the recorders had difficulties.
Results link - https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2024/#9
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBLKxK
Above - Under 13 girls team. Aimee Watts, Emily Butcher, Arianne Launders
Above at The National Road Relay Championships
Top - Charlie Warren, Aoife Foley, Ethan Brooks
Second Row - Purdey Hutchings, Isabel Gowing, Connor Prendergast
Third Row - Toby Bawtree, Sam Smialowski, Charlotte Alexander
Bottom - Phoebe Barker, James Kingston, Ted Higgins
Top - Charlie Warren, Aoife Foley, Ethan Brooks
Second Row - Purdey Hutchings, Isabel Gowing, Connor Prendergast
Third Row - Toby Bawtree, Sam Smialowski, Charlotte Alexander
Bottom - Phoebe Barker, James Kingston, Ted Higgins
Other action Saturday and Sunday, 28th/29th September
Sunday
Berlin Marathon
Julian Rendall (m45) 2.46.25
Boran Cakir 2.47.23
Full results - https://berlin.r.mikatiming.com/2024/?pid=start&pidp=start
Saturday
Invicta AC Open Meeting
800m Lisa Knight (w50) 2.40.43
Full results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/liveresults.html?meeting=iek28.9.24&page=results
Berlin Marathon
Julian Rendall (m45) 2.46.25
Boran Cakir 2.47.23
Full results - https://berlin.r.mikatiming.com/2024/?pid=start&pidp=start
Saturday
Invicta AC Open Meeting
800m Lisa Knight (w50) 2.40.43
Full results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/liveresults.html?meeting=iek28.9.24&page=results
Above - Julian Rendall at the Berlin Marathon
Tonbridge Half Marathon, plus 5k and 10k, Sunday 29th September
Results are here - http://results.runthrough.co.uk/
Half Marathon
2nd Ben Shearer (2nd claim TAC) 72.12, 3rd Neil McClements 72.52, 6th Paul Freeman- Jones 75.45
Women 3rd Lizzy Owen 88.15
10k
2nd Hugo Maeda 39.09
Women 2nd Olivia Owen 41.52, 3rd Penny Pilbeam 41.56
5k
Women 1st Hana Maeda 21.29
Half Marathon
2nd Ben Shearer (2nd claim TAC) 72.12, 3rd Neil McClements 72.52, 6th Paul Freeman- Jones 75.45
Women 3rd Lizzy Owen 88.15
10k
2nd Hugo Maeda 39.09
Women 2nd Olivia Owen 41.52, 3rd Penny Pilbeam 41.56
5k
Women 1st Hana Maeda 21.29
Other action Saturday and Sunday, 21st/22nd September
|
Saturday
Chiltern Centurion Wonderland 50 mile multi terrain race 10th Tom Rule 8 hours 35 minutes 30s Results - https://results.opentracking.co.uk/event/CW50-2024 Sunday Vitality London 10km road race Lucy Reid had a great run to finish second to Eilish McColgan in the women's race. Lucy ran 32.17. The time took 18 seconds from her own TAC record set 2 years ago. There were a few others from TAC racing and can see the results here (put Tonbridge in Advanced search, against club) - results.vitalitylondon10000.co.uk/2024/?pid=start&pidp=start Photo right - Lucy Reid setting a TAC 10km road record in London |
|
Larkfield 10k road race
Men - 5th Dan Bradley, 6th Nick Beer, 8th Mason Willis
Women - 2nd Maria Heslop
Graeme Saker ran 38.38 to set a TAC m60 record, taking 15 seconds from his own mark.
Results - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=412
Run Reigate Half Marathon
22nd John Madden (m50) 85.38
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1981&EId=3
Eridge 10 mile Trail Race
41st Michael Thomson. Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7242120498137382144/races/1
Men - 5th Dan Bradley, 6th Nick Beer, 8th Mason Willis
Women - 2nd Maria Heslop
Graeme Saker ran 38.38 to set a TAC m60 record, taking 15 seconds from his own mark.
Results - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=412
Run Reigate Half Marathon
22nd John Madden (m50) 85.38
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1981&EId=3
Eridge 10 mile Trail Race
41st Michael Thomson. Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7242120498137382144/races/1
South of England Road Relay Championships, at Aldershot, Saturday 21st September
Videos loaded !
Results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7242834360355782656
Summary results on the Results 2024 page.
Senior Men 7th (James Kingston fastest leg)
Under 17 Men 12th
Under 15 Girls 12th
Under 15 Boys 14th
Under 13 Girls 11th
Over 50 women 5th (Maria Heslop fastest leg)
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJBwi
Summary results on the Results 2024 page.
Senior Men 7th (James Kingston fastest leg)
Under 17 Men 12th
Under 15 Girls 12th
Under 15 Boys 14th
Under 13 Girls 11th
Over 50 women 5th (Maria Heslop fastest leg)
Photos on Mark Hookway's Facebook page and here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJBwi
Above - some of the photos from Aldershot and those who ran particularly well
Top - Jamie Rogers, Steven Galliard, Luca Szumilewicz
Middle top - Aoife Foley, Isabel Gowing, Maria Heslop
Middle bottom - Henry Cleary, Sam Smialowski, Will Beeston
Bottom - Matt Taylor, James Kingston u13 girls team (Arianne Launders, Aimee Watts, Emily Butcher)
Top - Jamie Rogers, Steven Galliard, Luca Szumilewicz
Middle top - Aoife Foley, Isabel Gowing, Maria Heslop
Middle bottom - Henry Cleary, Sam Smialowski, Will Beeston
Bottom - Matt Taylor, James Kingston u13 girls team (Arianne Launders, Aimee Watts, Emily Butcher)
Skinners School Cross Country Meeting, Tuesday 17th September
I have posted the u13 and u15 results on the Results 2024 page.
National Cross Country Championships - Report
For those interested here are a few observations about Saturday’s Championships.
Videos, photos and results links all available at www.tacdistancerunners.com
Although the number of overall competitors was down on usual, due to the time of the year, the championships went ahead and were really well organised. They had been rescheduled from the postponement in February, due to flooding and once the organisers were committed it seemed the right thing to do to support them, especially as TAC is one of the prominent cross country clubs in the UK.
James Taylor (JT) took on most of the pre-event organisation and knowing what is involved, I would like to thank him for doing this.
Fears that the event might not be reflective of a true national championship were proved wrong, as in many of the races some of the top distance runners competed, as did clubs, making for some strong competition.
We have probably been lulled into a false sense of security, as the glorious weather and the superb grounds of Weston Park made for a great day out.
Note - the age groups used were those that would have applied in February, so many will have moved up an age group for this Autumn/Winter.
Ben Brooks won the Team Manager's Award for helping so much and being a positive influence over the weekend. He has even threatened to do a few training runs before the February National, when he aims to continue his long sequence of National Championship appearances.
Alex Howard won the 'Achievement Award' at the dinner for facing adversity and bouncing back. Alex had major achilles surgery almost a year ago and in his first race finished an excellent 50th in the men’s race.
Summary
Under 15 Boys - 1st (13th Will Bachelor, 17th Ewan Prendergast, 24th Henry Cleary, 26th Peter Fitzmaurice)
Under 20 Men - 2nd (5th Matthew Taylor, 10th Matthew Dubery
Senior Men - 4th (3rd James Kingston, 15th Ben Cole)
Under 17 Men - 4th (30th Harrison Fraser)
Under 13 Boys - 14th (80th Joel Graffin)
Senior Women - 17th (36th Katie Goodge)
Incomplete teams - Under 13 Girls (29th Purdey Hutchings), Under 15 Girls (78th Isabel Gowing), Under 20 Women (28th Jess Poland)
Total runners = 59
Under 15 Boys - 1st
The last time TAC won this championship was in 2015, but across the last 16 championships we have only missed out on a podium place a couple of times.
The lads ran really well, packing closely together. Simon Fraser (u17 coach) correctly predicted that Will and Ewan would run well, since they have been training very consistently. All of the front ones are now under 17s.
Under 20 Men - 2nd
Aldershot were always the favourites, based on how they performed last Winter, so to get silver medals was excellent. With some going off to university etc, what is potentially a large squad was reduced to just five runners. A few weeks ago I suggested to Max Malkinson that he runs, since we needed some more back-up, incase of injuries and he surprised himself by being the 4th scorer and coming away with a National medal.
Matthew Taylor had one of his superb race charges, moving from 30th after the small lap, to 12th with a lap to go, before storming through to 5th, whilst Matt Dubery also had one of his best performances in 10th. George Hopkins ran strongly, despite having to come along on the back end of a pre-university field trip.
TAC have been on the podium 11 times in the last 12 championships, so hopefully this is an indication that we can continue to feed a few through to the senior team.
Senior Men - 4th
Watching the race, it looked ‘obvious’ to me that the team medals would be contested by Bristol, Highgate and Leeds, so when the results came out and we were just 5 points away from Leeds it was a bit of a surprise. We put all 6 scorers in the top 50, which was a fine effort, especially as 12k cross country is probably not the ideal distance for some of the team. They all battled really well on a tough course and in the warmest conditions of the day.
James Kingston, who won in 2023, finished 3rd and was only beaten by Hugo Milner who was 4th in last year’s European Champs and Ben Connor a 2.11 marathon runner and sub 28 minute 10k athlete.
Someone asked Ben Cole after the race when his last ‘bad performance was’ and he couldn't remember ! He has been such a great club man over the years and this was no exception as he finished a superb 15th.
Scott Shurmer won the TAC ‘Most Improved’ male runner at the championships.
Under 17 Men - 4th
TAC were just 2 points away from a podium position, so I am sure there has been plenty of analysis over our 166 points and Hercules Wimbledon on 164. The answer is probably - if two runners had each run a second quicker we would have won the bronze medals. This is a good lesson to everyone in such championships, in that as you enter the home straight you take a look at those around you and try to win, or finish as high as possible, in your own little race with them.
Tom Beghein had one of the TAC races of the day to come through to be the second scorer in 37th, behind Harrison Fraser in 30th.
Under 13 Boys - 14th
We were missing a few for various reasons, but am hopeful that the squad will get stronger as the season goes on.
Well done to all of you who came along and raced, as getting six out the same weekend as the Kent u13 champs etc was a good effort.
Senior Women - 17th
Katie Goodge led the team home in 36th place, but the team was well below full strength.
Pearl Pearce took advantage of the smaller than usual number of starters to claim the TAC ‘Most Improved’ female runner at the championships.
Under 20 Women - no team
Both Jess Poland in 28th and Ella Ayden in 33rd had good runs.
Under 13 Girls - no team
Purdey Hutchings, who has been racing 800m all Summer, ran a well-judged race to finish 29th, with Arianne Launders being the other competitor. Arianne deserves huge credit as she was the youngest member of the club who did the full trip, supported by dad James.
Under 15 Girls - no team
Isabel Gowing and Zara Greeves were our only runners, so many thanks to both of them for making the effort to race and also be part of the hotel stay and awards dinner.
Under 17 women - no starters
Although we didnt have any starters, Polly Moses still came on the trip, despite an injury, to support everyone.
Once again, many thanks to everyone who supported the trip. Cross country is tough and offers so many different challenges, which quite a few shy away from, so huge credit to all of you who gave it a go at this time of the year.
Videos, photos and results links all available at www.tacdistancerunners.com
Although the number of overall competitors was down on usual, due to the time of the year, the championships went ahead and were really well organised. They had been rescheduled from the postponement in February, due to flooding and once the organisers were committed it seemed the right thing to do to support them, especially as TAC is one of the prominent cross country clubs in the UK.
James Taylor (JT) took on most of the pre-event organisation and knowing what is involved, I would like to thank him for doing this.
Fears that the event might not be reflective of a true national championship were proved wrong, as in many of the races some of the top distance runners competed, as did clubs, making for some strong competition.
We have probably been lulled into a false sense of security, as the glorious weather and the superb grounds of Weston Park made for a great day out.
Note - the age groups used were those that would have applied in February, so many will have moved up an age group for this Autumn/Winter.
Ben Brooks won the Team Manager's Award for helping so much and being a positive influence over the weekend. He has even threatened to do a few training runs before the February National, when he aims to continue his long sequence of National Championship appearances.
Alex Howard won the 'Achievement Award' at the dinner for facing adversity and bouncing back. Alex had major achilles surgery almost a year ago and in his first race finished an excellent 50th in the men’s race.
Summary
Under 15 Boys - 1st (13th Will Bachelor, 17th Ewan Prendergast, 24th Henry Cleary, 26th Peter Fitzmaurice)
Under 20 Men - 2nd (5th Matthew Taylor, 10th Matthew Dubery
Senior Men - 4th (3rd James Kingston, 15th Ben Cole)
Under 17 Men - 4th (30th Harrison Fraser)
Under 13 Boys - 14th (80th Joel Graffin)
Senior Women - 17th (36th Katie Goodge)
Incomplete teams - Under 13 Girls (29th Purdey Hutchings), Under 15 Girls (78th Isabel Gowing), Under 20 Women (28th Jess Poland)
Total runners = 59
Under 15 Boys - 1st
The last time TAC won this championship was in 2015, but across the last 16 championships we have only missed out on a podium place a couple of times.
The lads ran really well, packing closely together. Simon Fraser (u17 coach) correctly predicted that Will and Ewan would run well, since they have been training very consistently. All of the front ones are now under 17s.
Under 20 Men - 2nd
Aldershot were always the favourites, based on how they performed last Winter, so to get silver medals was excellent. With some going off to university etc, what is potentially a large squad was reduced to just five runners. A few weeks ago I suggested to Max Malkinson that he runs, since we needed some more back-up, incase of injuries and he surprised himself by being the 4th scorer and coming away with a National medal.
Matthew Taylor had one of his superb race charges, moving from 30th after the small lap, to 12th with a lap to go, before storming through to 5th, whilst Matt Dubery also had one of his best performances in 10th. George Hopkins ran strongly, despite having to come along on the back end of a pre-university field trip.
TAC have been on the podium 11 times in the last 12 championships, so hopefully this is an indication that we can continue to feed a few through to the senior team.
Senior Men - 4th
Watching the race, it looked ‘obvious’ to me that the team medals would be contested by Bristol, Highgate and Leeds, so when the results came out and we were just 5 points away from Leeds it was a bit of a surprise. We put all 6 scorers in the top 50, which was a fine effort, especially as 12k cross country is probably not the ideal distance for some of the team. They all battled really well on a tough course and in the warmest conditions of the day.
James Kingston, who won in 2023, finished 3rd and was only beaten by Hugo Milner who was 4th in last year’s European Champs and Ben Connor a 2.11 marathon runner and sub 28 minute 10k athlete.
Someone asked Ben Cole after the race when his last ‘bad performance was’ and he couldn't remember ! He has been such a great club man over the years and this was no exception as he finished a superb 15th.
Scott Shurmer won the TAC ‘Most Improved’ male runner at the championships.
Under 17 Men - 4th
TAC were just 2 points away from a podium position, so I am sure there has been plenty of analysis over our 166 points and Hercules Wimbledon on 164. The answer is probably - if two runners had each run a second quicker we would have won the bronze medals. This is a good lesson to everyone in such championships, in that as you enter the home straight you take a look at those around you and try to win, or finish as high as possible, in your own little race with them.
Tom Beghein had one of the TAC races of the day to come through to be the second scorer in 37th, behind Harrison Fraser in 30th.
Under 13 Boys - 14th
We were missing a few for various reasons, but am hopeful that the squad will get stronger as the season goes on.
Well done to all of you who came along and raced, as getting six out the same weekend as the Kent u13 champs etc was a good effort.
Senior Women - 17th
Katie Goodge led the team home in 36th place, but the team was well below full strength.
Pearl Pearce took advantage of the smaller than usual number of starters to claim the TAC ‘Most Improved’ female runner at the championships.
Under 20 Women - no team
Both Jess Poland in 28th and Ella Ayden in 33rd had good runs.
Under 13 Girls - no team
Purdey Hutchings, who has been racing 800m all Summer, ran a well-judged race to finish 29th, with Arianne Launders being the other competitor. Arianne deserves huge credit as she was the youngest member of the club who did the full trip, supported by dad James.
Under 15 Girls - no team
Isabel Gowing and Zara Greeves were our only runners, so many thanks to both of them for making the effort to race and also be part of the hotel stay and awards dinner.
Under 17 women - no starters
Although we didnt have any starters, Polly Moses still came on the trip, despite an injury, to support everyone.
Once again, many thanks to everyone who supported the trip. Cross country is tough and offers so many different challenges, which quite a few shy away from, so huge credit to all of you who gave it a go at this time of the year.
Other weekend news Saturday and Sunday, 14th/15th September
Saturday and Sunday
Kent under 13 and Masters Championships at Gillingham
Results here - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/search?id=25780
Under 13 boys 800m 1st Victor Watling
Nick Arnott 1st m50 800m and 1500m, Phil Coleman 2nd m60 800m, Harriet Woolley 1st w35 5000m
Sunday
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Verity Hopkins ran 72.38 which was a pb and moves her level with Phoebe Barker as the second fastest ever TAC female, behind Lucy Reid.
Results here - https://resultater.cphhalf.dk/runner/category/women
Hospice in the Weald 10k, Tunbridge Wells
Men 3rd Elliot Green, Women 1st Penny Pilbeam
Full results here - https://www.nice-work.org.uk/results/registration-category/39604/9902#anchor
Kent under 13 and Masters Championships at Gillingham
Results here - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/search?id=25780
Under 13 boys 800m 1st Victor Watling
Nick Arnott 1st m50 800m and 1500m, Phil Coleman 2nd m60 800m, Harriet Woolley 1st w35 5000m
Sunday
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Verity Hopkins ran 72.38 which was a pb and moves her level with Phoebe Barker as the second fastest ever TAC female, behind Lucy Reid.
Results here - https://resultater.cphhalf.dk/runner/category/women
Hospice in the Weald 10k, Tunbridge Wells
Men 3rd Elliot Green, Women 1st Penny Pilbeam
Full results here - https://www.nice-work.org.uk/results/registration-category/39604/9902#anchor
National Cross Country Championships, Weston Park, Staffordshire, Saturday 14th September
The Rescheduled 2024 National
Videos loaded !
Full results on the Results 2024 page.
National photos here and also on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBHzW9
Many thanks to everyone who supported and raced. It is always one of the toughest challenges of the year, but those who competed helped show that TAC is still one of the premier clubs in distance running. Many thanks. -
Video link - www.youtube.com/live/nhZN--ZhJSo?si=4iDDmIH840O1_2jr
National photos here and also on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBHzW9
Many thanks to everyone who supported and raced. It is always one of the toughest challenges of the year, but those who competed helped show that TAC is still one of the premier clubs in distance running. Many thanks. -
Video link - www.youtube.com/live/nhZN--ZhJSo?si=4iDDmIH840O1_2jr
Above - TAC under 15 Boys, National Champions
Above - TAC at the National Championships
Above - James Kingston with his bronze medal
Above - TAC at the National Dinner
Podium Under The Lights 5k road race, Battersea Park, London, Friday 13th September
There were three from TAC competing - Cole Gibbins 15.41, Nathan Chapman 15.41 (=pb), Tom Lockhart 16.09 (pb)
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1983&EId=5&dt=0&adv=1
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1983&EId=5&dt=0&adv=1
Veterans AC 10,000 metres, at Battersea, Wednesday 11th September
Ben Reynolds was the only m60 competitor, so won the gold medal in that age category with 35.27.79. However, it was a TAC age group record.
Full results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/vactrack10/event/T1/1/3/
Full results - https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/vactrack10/event/T1/1/3/
Latest Masters Update from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
| tac_masters_12th_september_2024_newsletter.pdf |
Sunday action, 8th September
Sunday
World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Meeting, Zagreb
James West ran 4.56.23 and finished 5th in the 2000 metres. This is a TAC record, for the rarely run distance. He puts James fifth on the UK all-time list behind Cram, Elliot, Buckner and Staines, all times recorded in the '80s and '90s. Checking Power of 10, neither Andy or Alan Graffin broke 5 minutes. Results - https://results.onlinesystem.cz/ResultsAthletic?idk=70012&discType=150
Great North Run, Half Marathon, Gateshead
27th Ben Cole 66.33, 77th Cole Gibbens 73.13
Results - https://www.greatrun.org/results/1252/?club=Tonbridge
New Forest Trail Half and Full Marathon
Charlie Ellison was 14th in the Half Marathon in 83.02. Dad Steve was 195th in the full marathon in 3.52.58.
Full results - https://www.newforestmarathon.co.uk/the-race/2024-race-results/
Surrey Half Marathon
John Madden ran 84.24 and was 4th over 50 male to finish.
Full results - https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5213&EId=1&dt=0
Cheshire Half Marathon
8th Dan Longhurst 76.11 pb
https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5216&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Meeting, Zagreb
James West ran 4.56.23 and finished 5th in the 2000 metres. This is a TAC record, for the rarely run distance. He puts James fifth on the UK all-time list behind Cram, Elliot, Buckner and Staines, all times recorded in the '80s and '90s. Checking Power of 10, neither Andy or Alan Graffin broke 5 minutes. Results - https://results.onlinesystem.cz/ResultsAthletic?idk=70012&discType=150
Great North Run, Half Marathon, Gateshead
27th Ben Cole 66.33, 77th Cole Gibbens 73.13
Results - https://www.greatrun.org/results/1252/?club=Tonbridge
New Forest Trail Half and Full Marathon
Charlie Ellison was 14th in the Half Marathon in 83.02. Dad Steve was 195th in the full marathon in 3.52.58.
Full results - https://www.newforestmarathon.co.uk/the-race/2024-race-results/
Surrey Half Marathon
John Madden ran 84.24 and was 4th over 50 male to finish.
Full results - https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5213&EId=1&dt=0
Cheshire Half Marathon
8th Dan Longhurst 76.11 pb
https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5216&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Kent Track Relay Championships, Sunday 8th September
From Diane Bradley -
Girls 3 x 800m U15 A Team 1st
Leg 1 - Purdey Hutchings 2.21.0
Leg 2 - Isabel Gowing 2.35.5
Leg 3 - Aoife Foley 2.24.3
Girls U15 B Team
Hana Maeda 2.38.7
Maya Ping 2.58.3
Zara Greeves 2.38.2
Boys 3 x 800m U15 A Team - 1st
Harry Wrigley 2.12.00
Steven Galliard 2.13.6
Oliver Lester 2.13.9
U15 B Team
Ben Rider 2.19.10
Ethan Brooks 2.11.0
Theo Ackerman 2.34.0
Girls U13 3x 800m - Incomplete team but allowed to run two legs only.
Arianne Launders 2.40.9
Emily Butcher 2.48.0
Rika Paterson DNS
Boys U13 3 x 800m A Team - 2nd
Victor Watling 2.25.8
Mika Pit 2.41.1
Zach Ward 2.18.6
U13 B Team
Henry McClements 2.53.4
Bailey Webster 2.36.3
Oliver White 2.34.3
Girls 3 x 800m U15 A Team 1st
Leg 1 - Purdey Hutchings 2.21.0
Leg 2 - Isabel Gowing 2.35.5
Leg 3 - Aoife Foley 2.24.3
Girls U15 B Team
Hana Maeda 2.38.7
Maya Ping 2.58.3
Zara Greeves 2.38.2
Boys 3 x 800m U15 A Team - 1st
Harry Wrigley 2.12.00
Steven Galliard 2.13.6
Oliver Lester 2.13.9
U15 B Team
Ben Rider 2.19.10
Ethan Brooks 2.11.0
Theo Ackerman 2.34.0
Girls U13 3x 800m - Incomplete team but allowed to run two legs only.
Arianne Launders 2.40.9
Emily Butcher 2.48.0
Rika Paterson DNS
Boys U13 3 x 800m A Team - 2nd
Victor Watling 2.25.8
Mika Pit 2.41.1
Zach Ward 2.18.6
U13 B Team
Henry McClements 2.53.4
Bailey Webster 2.36.3
Oliver White 2.34.3
Above - Under 15 Boys and Under 15 Girls 3x800m relay teams at Kent Championships
Boys - Steven Galliard, Oliver Lester, Harry Wrigley
Girls - Aoife Foley, Purdey Hutchings, Isabel Gowing
Boys - Steven Galliard, Oliver Lester, Harry Wrigley
Girls - Aoife Foley, Purdey Hutchings, Isabel Gowing
Copenhagen Games, Tuesday 3rd September
James West ran 13.50.81 for 5000m in Copenhagen, having been chasing a much faster time and going through 3000m in around 7.55. James is ok, with no injury, but it was just one of those tough nights.
Full results - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/results?id=25699&meId=226125#title-anchor
Full results - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/results?id=25699&meId=226125#title-anchor
Achilles Club (Oxford & Cambridge Universities) vs 4 Wings, Tokyo, Japan, Sunday 1st September
Miles Weatherseed won the 1500m in 3.55.6.
This week's 'Big Hitters' 12th to 31st August
(Biggest improvements against personal bests)
800 metres
Zach Ward (u13) 2.20.23 (improved by 3.2s)
Amelia Beeston (u20) 2.30.32 (improved by 0.6s)
1 mile
Will Bachelor (u17) 4.47.12 (improved by 16.8s)
Aoife Foley 5.39.57 (u15) (improved by 14.0s)
TAC records
800m men - Jack Higgins 1.45.63
M60 3000m - Ben Reynolds 10.00.29
W55 1500m - Maria Heslop 5.16.54
Zach Ward (u13) 2.20.23 (improved by 3.2s)
Amelia Beeston (u20) 2.30.32 (improved by 0.6s)
1 mile
Will Bachelor (u17) 4.47.12 (improved by 16.8s)
Aoife Foley 5.39.57 (u15) (improved by 14.0s)
TAC records
800m men - Jack Higgins 1.45.63
M60 3000m - Ben Reynolds 10.00.29
W55 1500m - Maria Heslop 5.16.54