TAC Distance Runners
Please contact markhookway@icloud.com 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.co.uk for further information, including new member enquiries.Site created by Mark Hookway copyright 2018..
Looking ahead...........
Sunday 23rd September South of England Road Relays at Crystal Palace (all ages)
Saturday 6th October National Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield (all ages)
Saturday 13th October Kent Cross Country League, at Nonington, near Canterbury (all ages)
Saturday 27th October – Kent Cross Country League, at Tonbridge (all ages)
Saturday 3rd November – National Cross Country Relays, at Mansfield (all ages)
See the respective Race Information pages for details.
Saturday 6th October National Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield (all ages)
Saturday 13th October Kent Cross Country League, at Nonington, near Canterbury (all ages)
Saturday 27th October – Kent Cross Country League, at Tonbridge (all ages)
Saturday 3rd November – National Cross Country Relays, at Mansfield (all ages)
See the respective Race Information pages for details.
Bill Dellinger Invitational Cross Country Meeting, Oregon, USA, Friday 21st September
James West finished 9th in a race that was a bit over 8km.
Full results are here - live.recordtiming.com/meets/1503/xc-scoreboard
Report here - goducks.com/index.aspx?path=cross
Full results are here - live.recordtiming.com/meets/1503/xc-scoreboard
Report here - goducks.com/index.aspx?path=cross
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 15th/16th September
Saturday
Parkrun
Steve Fennell ran a swift 16.05 to be first home at Tonbridge. All the parkrun results from TAC athletes can be found here -
www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Invitational Cross Country
Charlie Joslin-Allen made his first appearance for The American International College when placing 24th in this 8km event in 25.49. A few details can be found here -
aicyellowjackets.com/news/2018/9/15/clark-paces-mens-cross-country-at-umass-dartmouth-invite.aspx
Sunday
Copenhagen Half Marathon, Denmark
Ben Cole ran 68.49 in the Copenhagen Half Marathon, less than a minute from his pb. Ben finished 57th. Results -
resultater.cphhalf.dk/runner/category/all
Faversham 10km road race
Christian Smith won this road race by two minutes in 34.32.
Christian is due to race in the South of England Road Relays next weekend for one of the TAC mens teams.
Results are here - www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/faversham-10k
Kent Track Relay Championships, at Gillingham
I believe TAC had some teams in these relay championships, with the longer distance being over 3x800 metres. Am awaiting results. Lily Slack, Sophie Slack and Olivia Breed won the under 13 girls title in around 7.43. Albert Kreuzberg, Tim McLain and Ethan Rocks were second in the under 13 boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Parkrun
Steve Fennell ran a swift 16.05 to be first home at Tonbridge. All the parkrun results from TAC athletes can be found here -
www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Invitational Cross Country
Charlie Joslin-Allen made his first appearance for The American International College when placing 24th in this 8km event in 25.49. A few details can be found here -
aicyellowjackets.com/news/2018/9/15/clark-paces-mens-cross-country-at-umass-dartmouth-invite.aspx
Sunday
Copenhagen Half Marathon, Denmark
Ben Cole ran 68.49 in the Copenhagen Half Marathon, less than a minute from his pb. Ben finished 57th. Results -
resultater.cphhalf.dk/runner/category/all
Faversham 10km road race
Christian Smith won this road race by two minutes in 34.32.
Christian is due to race in the South of England Road Relays next weekend for one of the TAC mens teams.
Results are here - www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/faversham-10k
Kent Track Relay Championships, at Gillingham
I believe TAC had some teams in these relay championships, with the longer distance being over 3x800 metres. Am awaiting results. Lily Slack, Sophie Slack and Olivia Breed won the under 13 girls title in around 7.43. Albert Kreuzberg, Tim McLain and Ethan Rocks were second in the under 13 boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
|
|
Christian Smith wins Faversham 10k plus Olivia Breed, Sophie Slack, Lily Slack win Kent u13 girls 3x800m
World Mountain Running Championships, Andorra, Sunday 16th September
Max Nicholls finished 52nd in the World Mountain Running Championships, as he represented the Great Britain Men's team.
Full results are here -wmra.ch/files/News/OFFICIAL_RESULTATS.pdf
Full results are here -wmra.ch/files/News/OFFICIAL_RESULTATS.pdf
Max Nicholls at the World Mountain Running Championships
Great East Half Marathon, Ipswich, Sunday 16th September
Henry Pearce was not far outside his own TAC Half marathon record, when he won at Ipswich in 66.02.
His record and pb was set earlier in the year in London with 65.49. Results are here -
www.greatrun.org/myresults/full-search
His record and pb was set earlier in the year in London with 65.49. Results are here -
www.greatrun.org/myresults/full-search
Larkfield 10k road race, Sunday 16th September
Dan Bradley finished third at Larkfield in 33.36, just twelve seconds behind the winner. Luke Hooper ran 36.31 in 19th overall to smash his pb by 2 minutes and 43 seconds.
Maria Heslop ran 36.09 to win the women's race, set a pb and new TAC veterans record. It also moves Maria to 3rd on the UK all time women's list in the over 50 age group !
Full results are here - resultscui.active.com/events/larkfield10k
Maria Heslop ran 36.09 to win the women's race, set a pb and new TAC veterans record. It also moves Maria to 3rd on the UK all time women's list in the over 50 age group !
Full results are here - resultscui.active.com/events/larkfield10k
Diana Goldsmith, Claire Day, Maria Heslop and Nichola Evans at Larkfield
(photo nicked from TAC Vets Facebook page !)
(photo nicked from TAC Vets Facebook page !)
Blackheath and Bromley AC Will Bolton Memorial Relays
West Wickham, Saturday 15th September
Videos loaded !
Full results of all three races are now on the Results 2018 page.
Senior Race
Tonbridge AC dominated with the men finishing 1st , 2nd and 3rd as the three equally selected teams matched up well.
The ladies took 1st and 3rd, whilst Phoebe Barker and Ryan Driscoll recorded the fastest laps in the senior race.
Ryan and Corey De'Ath moved to first and second on the TAC all time list on this course.
Junior Race
The Tonbridge u15 boys and u13 girls were first home in their categories.
Matthew Taylor and Henry Taylor ran the two fastest laps, with 11.59 and 12.29. Ananjan Ganguli went off course at some stage so his time of 12.25 is not a valid one. He admitted the error straight after to officials.
Gracie MacAuley ran the fastest u13 girls lap, with Olivia Breed just a fraction slower.
Many thanks to all the runners and supporters who came along. Although it is quite a low key event many said how much they enjoyed it and its a great way of getting to see our runners in early season action. It was very impressive how everyone turned up on time, registered and got on with it. Many thanks particularly to Julie Goodge who helped organise the junior squads.
I will be working on the race videos later on Sunday.
Plenty of photos are available at - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156549699214788&type=3&uploaded=216
Senior Race
Tonbridge AC dominated with the men finishing 1st , 2nd and 3rd as the three equally selected teams matched up well.
The ladies took 1st and 3rd, whilst Phoebe Barker and Ryan Driscoll recorded the fastest laps in the senior race.
Ryan and Corey De'Ath moved to first and second on the TAC all time list on this course.
Junior Race
The Tonbridge u15 boys and u13 girls were first home in their categories.
Matthew Taylor and Henry Taylor ran the two fastest laps, with 11.59 and 12.29. Ananjan Ganguli went off course at some stage so his time of 12.25 is not a valid one. He admitted the error straight after to officials.
Gracie MacAuley ran the fastest u13 girls lap, with Olivia Breed just a fraction slower.
Many thanks to all the runners and supporters who came along. Although it is quite a low key event many said how much they enjoyed it and its a great way of getting to see our runners in early season action. It was very impressive how everyone turned up on time, registered and got on with it. Many thanks particularly to Julie Goodge who helped organise the junior squads.
I will be working on the race videos later on Sunday.
Plenty of photos are available at - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156549699214788&type=3&uploaded=216
Winning men's and women's team plus Ryan Driscoll and Phoebe Barker with the fastest laps
A few photos from the senior race
A few photos from the Junior race
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 8th/9th September
Saturday
Dan Watt ran 34.24 in the Prague 10k, which was the race in which Rhonex Kipruoto ran a ridiculous 26.46, for a world under 20 record ! Full results are here -
www.runczech.com/srv/www/qf/en/ramjet/resultsEventDetail?eventId=21453&frm.subeventId=21454&page=1&per_page=15&sort=finishTime
Sunday
Great North Run, Half Marathon
JulianRendall 40th 75.26 (1st in the M40 category), Elise Rendall 1.37.43, Rachel Fagg 1.48.39
Results are here - www.greatrun.org/myresults/name-search/785/rendall
Swindon Half Marathon
Ben Cole finished 2nd in the Swindon Half Marathon, running 70.19. Ben was running for his second claim club.
Full results are here - dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=219
Dan Watt ran 34.24 in the Prague 10k, which was the race in which Rhonex Kipruoto ran a ridiculous 26.46, for a world under 20 record ! Full results are here -
www.runczech.com/srv/www/qf/en/ramjet/resultsEventDetail?eventId=21453&frm.subeventId=21454&page=1&per_page=15&sort=finishTime
Sunday
Great North Run, Half Marathon
JulianRendall 40th 75.26 (1st in the M40 category), Elise Rendall 1.37.43, Rachel Fagg 1.48.39
Results are here - www.greatrun.org/myresults/name-search/785/rendall
Swindon Half Marathon
Ben Cole finished 2nd in the Swindon Half Marathon, running 70.19. Ben was running for his second claim club.
Full results are here - dbmaxresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16421&RId=219
Eridge 10 mile Trail Challenge, Sunday 9th September
Lucy Reid was the overall winner of the Eridge 10 in 67.04, ahead of Nicole Taylor with 68.47.
The women's race was dominated by TAC with Lucy Reid, Nicole Taylor and Kiri Marsh finishing 123, with Kiri 10th overall in 76.33.
Richard Bamford was 123rd in 1.37.37 and Duncan Ralph 144th in 1.40.16
The women's race was dominated by TAC with Lucy Reid, Nicole Taylor and Kiri Marsh finishing 123, with Kiri 10th overall in 76.33.
Richard Bamford was 123rd in 1.37.37 and Duncan Ralph 144th in 1.40.16
Junior Great North Run, Saturday 8th September
Lily Slack won the under 13 girls race at the Junior Great North Run in 15.03, with sister Sophie in fourth, with 15.40
Sophie and Lily Slack after the Great North Junior Run
Jungfrau Marathon, Switzerland, Saturday 8th September
Greg Cole likes an outdoor challenge to say the least and ran the Jungfrau Marathon in 4.19.37 to place 295th. The race was one by GBs Robbie Simpson in 2.56.31. You can tell by the times that its not flat !
Full results can be found here - www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/en/results.html
Full results can be found here - www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/en/results.html
Greg Cole after the Jungfrau Marathon (the course didn't go to the summit of what's behind him !)
Training session at One Tree Hill, near Underriver, Saturday 8th September
A nice mix of 31 runners came along to train at One Tree Hill, rating from under 13s to seniors.
A summary is on the Training Completed page.
A summary is on the Training Completed page.
Some of the training group at One Tree Hill on Saturday morning
Tonbridge AC 'Junior' 1 mile cross country races 2018/19
The dates have been announced for this season's 1 mile races, which will mainly be held at Vizards sports fields, near Lower Hayesden ie the new Judd school facility. However, the first event is 27th October before the Kent Cross Country League, at The Schools at Somerhill. Details are below -
| tac_junior_1_mile_races_2018-2019.pdf |
James West wins Oregon Cross Country Race, Thursday 6th September
James West returned to university at Oregon, USA and within a week has won his first race back.
James won the Oregon Cross Country Preview 7km Trail race in a sprint finish, recording 21.49.
Report and results here - goducks.com/news/2018/9/6/cross-country-west-ejore-defend-home-turf-at-oregon-xc-preview.aspx
James won the Oregon Cross Country Preview 7km Trail race in a sprint finish, recording 21.49.
Report and results here - goducks.com/news/2018/9/6/cross-country-west-ejore-defend-home-turf-at-oregon-xc-preview.aspx
James West sprints for the win in Oregon
Sue James helps GB women win team title at World Masters Championships
Malaga, Thursday 6th September
Sue James finished 8th in the over 65 womens cross country race at the World Masters Athletics championships in Malaga, Spain. Sue was in the GB scoring three that won the gold medals.
The result is here - results.simplyregister.net/Malaga2018/r/X9215.html
The result is here - results.simplyregister.net/Malaga2018/r/X9215.html
Sue James (centre) with the winning GB team)
Harry Paton wins National Police 10 mile road championship , Wednesday 5th September
Harry Paton ran 55.00 to win the National Police Force 10 mile championship today.
Sunday news 2nd September
Cardiff 10k
Henry Pearce set a new personal best of 29.33 when finishing 4th in the top class Cardiff 10k, on Sunday morning.
Full results are here (the person showing as second, Richie Powell is an error).
www.tdleventservices.co.uk/event-results/events
Weald St Georges 10k (and 2k)
Will Beeston finished 3rd in this local 10k in 36.54
Maria Heslop was first female in 38.35, finishing 6th overall
Jamie Bingham was 16th in 40.35
There were a number of TAC members in the junior 2k, with Beatrice Heslop being the first girl home. James Petrie, who is still only nine, finished second overall.
Results of both events are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6440846662045926400
Kent Coastal Half Marathon
Tony Bennett was 4th in 81.48
Full results are at - www.uksportstiming.co.uk/Results/kent_2018/half_results.xlsx
Henry Pearce set a new personal best of 29.33 when finishing 4th in the top class Cardiff 10k, on Sunday morning.
Full results are here (the person showing as second, Richie Powell is an error).
www.tdleventservices.co.uk/event-results/events
Weald St Georges 10k (and 2k)
Will Beeston finished 3rd in this local 10k in 36.54
Maria Heslop was first female in 38.35, finishing 6th overall
Jamie Bingham was 16th in 40.35
There were a number of TAC members in the junior 2k, with Beatrice Heslop being the first girl home. James Petrie, who is still only nine, finished second overall.
Results of both events are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6440846662045926400
Kent Coastal Half Marathon
Tony Bennett was 4th in 81.48
Full results are at - www.uksportstiming.co.uk/Results/kent_2018/half_results.xlsx
Maria and Beatrice Heslop both winners at Weal on Sunday
Saturday news 1st September and
Tonbridge parkrun
Julian Rendall notched up another 'win', whilst there was some good running from Simon Fraser, Ed Coutts (u15), Albert Kreuzberg (u13) and others not far behind.
Other parkruns
Ben Cole was first home at Swindon in 16.01, just three seconds away from his best there.
James Kingston (u17) was first home at the Isle of Wight in 17.43
A summary of all TAC park runs at the weekend can be found here -
www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
UK School Games, at Loughborough
Katie Goodge (u17) finished 3rd in the 3000m, representing the South of England. Katie ran 10.12.32, about 10s outside her pb. Full results are at - www.schoolgamesfinals.org/sports/athletics/athletics-results/athletics-results/
University of San Francisco Invitational Cross Country meeting
Chris Olley had a very good debut by finishing 2nd over the 8km course in 24.36.
Full results are here - live.recordtiming.com/meets/1398/xc-scoreboard
Report here - usfdons.com/news/2018/9/1/cross-country-xc-dons-post-strong-debuts-at-usf-invitational.aspx
South of England Inter Counties, under 15 and under 20, at Horspath, near Oxford
Sam Crick won the under 20 men's 2000m steeplechase in 6.16.42 and his brother Charlie qualified for the 800m final in 2.01.80, then finishing 5th in the final with 2.01.02.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Olympic Park 10km road race
Holly Gordon (u20) ran 48.54 over 10km in her debut at the distance.
Full results are at - racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16586&RId=294
Julian Rendall notched up another 'win', whilst there was some good running from Simon Fraser, Ed Coutts (u15), Albert Kreuzberg (u13) and others not far behind.
Other parkruns
Ben Cole was first home at Swindon in 16.01, just three seconds away from his best there.
James Kingston (u17) was first home at the Isle of Wight in 17.43
A summary of all TAC park runs at the weekend can be found here -
www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
UK School Games, at Loughborough
Katie Goodge (u17) finished 3rd in the 3000m, representing the South of England. Katie ran 10.12.32, about 10s outside her pb. Full results are at - www.schoolgamesfinals.org/sports/athletics/athletics-results/athletics-results/
University of San Francisco Invitational Cross Country meeting
Chris Olley had a very good debut by finishing 2nd over the 8km course in 24.36.
Full results are here - live.recordtiming.com/meets/1398/xc-scoreboard
Report here - usfdons.com/news/2018/9/1/cross-country-xc-dons-post-strong-debuts-at-usf-invitational.aspx
South of England Inter Counties, under 15 and under 20, at Horspath, near Oxford
Sam Crick won the under 20 men's 2000m steeplechase in 6.16.42 and his brother Charlie qualified for the 800m final in 2.01.80, then finishing 5th in the final with 2.01.02.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Olympic Park 10km road race
Holly Gordon (u20) ran 48.54 over 10km in her debut at the distance.
Full results are at - racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16586&RId=294
Chris Olley (223) on his way to second place at the San Francisco Invitational on Saturday
Katie Goodge competing for the South of England at UK School Games
Simon Fraser, Toby Ryan and Ed Coutts at the Tonbridge parkrun
Dartford Harriers Open Meeting, Monday 27th August
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
There were a few TAC distance runners in action with Adam Roeder (see below) yet again extending his pb sequence at 800m.
There were a few TAC distance runners in action with Adam Roeder (see below) yet again extending his pb sequence at 800m.
Weekend news Saturday 25th August and Sunday 26th August
Tonbridge parkrun
The Tonbridge parkrun continues to flourish with between five and six hundred runners this week, despite it being a Bank Holiday weekend. Dan Bradley was first home in 16.41, ahead of Julian Rendall, on a glorious morning.
Adam Roeder added to his recent string of pbs by lowering his parkrun best (official times awaited), following two 800s and a 1500m last week !
Other parkruns
There were a number of TAC 'wins' around the country -
Tunbridge Wells - Dan Watt 18.07, Lottie Richardson 21.20
Isle of Wight - James Kingston (u17) 17.24
Derry - Matthew Taylor (u15) 17.40
Swindon - Ben Cole 16.16
Portsmouth - Fraser Gordon (u17) 17.19
Great Lines - Nichola Evans 21.11
Malling - Alex Crockford 21.44
Richmond - Nick Barrable 17.20
National under 15 and 17 Championships at Bedford
Katie Goodge was the sole TAC distance runner in action and ran in the under 17 womens 1500m final.
Katie was 9th in 4.46.01
Full results are posted here - resultsengland.athletics-uk.org/resultsengland/
The Tonbridge parkrun continues to flourish with between five and six hundred runners this week, despite it being a Bank Holiday weekend. Dan Bradley was first home in 16.41, ahead of Julian Rendall, on a glorious morning.
Adam Roeder added to his recent string of pbs by lowering his parkrun best (official times awaited), following two 800s and a 1500m last week !
Other parkruns
There were a number of TAC 'wins' around the country -
Tunbridge Wells - Dan Watt 18.07, Lottie Richardson 21.20
Isle of Wight - James Kingston (u17) 17.24
Derry - Matthew Taylor (u15) 17.40
Swindon - Ben Cole 16.16
Portsmouth - Fraser Gordon (u17) 17.19
Great Lines - Nichola Evans 21.11
Malling - Alex Crockford 21.44
Richmond - Nick Barrable 17.20
National under 15 and 17 Championships at Bedford
Katie Goodge was the sole TAC distance runner in action and ran in the under 17 womens 1500m final.
Katie was 9th in 4.46.01
Full results are posted here - resultsengland.athletics-uk.org/resultsengland/
National Masters Championships, at Birmingham, Saturday/Sunday
A few TAC distance runners were in action -
400m Lisa Knight - 2nd W45 in 67.61 pb
1500m Sue James - 5th W65 in 7.27.30
5000m Ben Reynolds - 2nd M50 in 16.20
400m Lisa Knight - 2nd W45 in 67.61 pb
1500m Sue James - 5th W65 in 7.27.30
5000m Ben Reynolds - 2nd M50 in 16.20
Watford Open Meeting, Wednesday 22nd August
There were three TAC distance runners in action at Watford, on Wednesday evening.
Dan Seagrove (u20) ran 4.09.98 for 1500m, which was a seasons best.
Over 3000m Kiri Marsh (senior) ran 9.57.20 (0.9s pb) and Maddie Wise (u15) ran 11.01.23 (4.2s pb).
Dan Seagrove (u20) ran 4.09.98 for 1500m, which was a seasons best.
Over 3000m Kiri Marsh (senior) ran 9.57.20 (0.9s pb) and Maddie Wise (u15) ran 11.01.23 (4.2s pb).
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 8th to 20th August
A slightly longer period than a week, as its been quieter, but here are a few performances to recognise -
800 metres
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 1.54.17 (improvement by 0.9s)
Adam Roeder (m35) has improved to 2.15.5 chipping away at it and producing 9 pbs in a row !
5000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 16.09.96 (improvement by 10.8s)
2000 metres steeplechase
Elizabeth Heslop (u17) 8.09.8 (improvement by 42.9s)
TAC Club record
5000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 16.09.96 (broke Nicole Taylor's previous mark of 16.17.57)
800 metres
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 1.54.17 (improvement by 0.9s)
Adam Roeder (m35) has improved to 2.15.5 chipping away at it and producing 9 pbs in a row !
5000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 16.09.96 (improvement by 10.8s)
2000 metres steeplechase
Elizabeth Heslop (u17) 8.09.8 (improvement by 42.9s)
TAC Club record
5000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 16.09.96 (broke Nicole Taylor's previous mark of 16.17.57)
Southern Athletics League at Thurrock, Saturday 18th August
Videos Loaded !
Tonbridge AC took a convincing win in the final match of the Southern League Division 2 East season.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
There was good support from the distance runners, with some just filling in and having a good run for the points.
A few highlights -
Elizabeth Heslop has taken almost a minute off her 2000m steeplechase pb in the last year. Luciana Anderson bravely cracked on in the same race, despite getting very wet !
Tom Richards finally dipped under 2 minutes for 800m.
Michael Ellis (1500m and steeplechase) and Harry Paton (5k and steeplechase) put in good shifts for the team.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
There was good support from the distance runners, with some just filling in and having a good run for the points.
A few highlights -
Elizabeth Heslop has taken almost a minute off her 2000m steeplechase pb in the last year. Luciana Anderson bravely cracked on in the same race, despite getting very wet !
Tom Richards finally dipped under 2 minutes for 800m.
Michael Ellis (1500m and steeplechase) and Harry Paton (5k and steeplechase) put in good shifts for the team.
Other Saturday news, 18th August
British Milers Club Grand Prix, at Trafford
Ryan Driscoll was the only TAC competitor, having his final track race of the season. Ryan finished 9th in the A race 1500m in 3.50.34, just doing in the last 200m
Parkruns
Jamie Bryant ran 16.26 at Tunbridge Wells, which was just 14 seconds away from the course record.
Ben Cole was first home at Swindon in 16.37
James Kingston first home at Kingston (!) in 16.58
The fastest TAC female was Lily Slack who was 4th in Jersey in 21.05
Ryan Driscoll was the only TAC competitor, having his final track race of the season. Ryan finished 9th in the A race 1500m in 3.50.34, just doing in the last 200m
Parkruns
Jamie Bryant ran 16.26 at Tunbridge Wells, which was just 14 seconds away from the course record.
Ben Cole was first home at Swindon in 16.37
James Kingston first home at Kingston (!) in 16.58
The fastest TAC female was Lily Slack who was 4th in Jersey in 21.05
British Milers Club and Cambridge Harriers Meeting, at Eltham, Wednesday 15th August
Videos loaded !
There were quite a few TAC distance runners in action at Eltham, with racing, pacing or both.
Sean Molloy finished 4th in the Sydney Wooderson Memorial 800m, running 1.49.94, in a hotly contested race.
Other highlights included an 800m win and a new pb for Ryan Driscoll in 1.54.17, taking 0.9s from his best, whilst Cameron Payas ran a seasons best of 1.55.56 in the same race.
It was also good to see Dan Seagrove (u20) run a seasons best of 1.59.21, after a spell of injury, illness and exams.
Sean Molloy finished 4th in the Sydney Wooderson Memorial 800m, running 1.49.94, in a hotly contested race.
Other highlights included an 800m win and a new pb for Ryan Driscoll in 1.54.17, taking 0.9s from his best, whilst Cameron Payas ran a seasons best of 1.55.56 in the same race.
It was also good to see Dan Seagrove (u20) run a seasons best of 1.59.21, after a spell of injury, illness and exams.
Hercules Wimbledon 5000 metres Festival Night, Wednesday 15th August
Lucy Reid Sets Tonbridge AC 5000m record
Lucy Reid ran a terrific 16.09.96 at Wimbledon on Wednesday evening to smash the Tonbridge AC women's club record, which stood to Nicole Taylor at 16.17.57, set in May. It represented a 10.8s improvement for Lucy and probably moves her into the UKs top 25 for 2018.
Lucy Reid set a new TAC womens 5000m record of 16.09.96 on Wednesday evening
Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting, Monday 13th August
TAC distance runners in action -
Tom Richards 800m 2.00.51 still aiming to break 2 minutes
Adam Roeder (m35) 800m 2.15.80 - won his race and set a pb
Ananjan Gangulu (u15) 800m 2.22.66 - just missed his pb
Alan Buckle (m55) 800m 2.30.05 - season best
Tom Richards 800m 2.00.51 still aiming to break 2 minutes
Adam Roeder (m35) 800m 2.15.80 - won his race and set a pb
Ananjan Gangulu (u15) 800m 2.22.66 - just missed his pb
Alan Buckle (m55) 800m 2.30.05 - season best
Baby Micah Taylor arrives !
Congratulations to James (JT) and Megan Taylor on the birth of baby Micah.
Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting, Monday 13th August
Tom Richards (senior) ran 2.00.5 for 800m to again just miss out on that elusive sub 2 clocking.
'Weekend' results 9th to 12th August
Thursday 9th August
Ballater Highland Games Hill Race, Forres, Scotland
Alice Wood was 4th female in this race, whilst on holiday in Scotland.
Results are at - www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=146420&gender=F
Saturday
British Milers Club Milton Keynes 5000m
Ben Cole finished 9th in the B race with 15.03.80
Parkrun
I think that Julian Rendall 17.06 and Phoebe Barker 18.00 were the fastest TAC park runners at the weekend and both of these were at Tonbridge.
Sunday
Borth Beach 10k, Aberystwyth, Wales
Dan Watt won this very unusual 10k race in 36.35, finishing a minute and a half clear of the runner up.
So why is it 'unusual' ? Because the entire race is run on the beach !
Below is a photo supplied by Dan.
Ballater Highland Games Hill Race, Forres, Scotland
Alice Wood was 4th female in this race, whilst on holiday in Scotland.
Results are at - www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=146420&gender=F
Saturday
British Milers Club Milton Keynes 5000m
Ben Cole finished 9th in the B race with 15.03.80
Parkrun
I think that Julian Rendall 17.06 and Phoebe Barker 18.00 were the fastest TAC park runners at the weekend and both of these were at Tonbridge.
Sunday
Borth Beach 10k, Aberystwyth, Wales
Dan Watt won this very unusual 10k race in 36.35, finishing a minute and a half clear of the runner up.
So why is it 'unusual' ? Because the entire race is run on the beach !
Below is a photo supplied by Dan.
Dan Watt leads the Birth 10k on Sunday !
Dominic Brown visits Uganda and reports on a project for disadvantaged runners
Dom Brown, who is studying medicine at Sheffield University, visited Uganda in July and experienced working in a hospital there.
Coincidentally, not long before this, some of us had been introduced to a project based not far from where Dom was staying.
It is a project run by Mukasa Edward, a good athlete himself, who is desperately trying to provide opportunity for poor and disadvantaged young people and develop their running and athletics.
Richard Owen and Phoebe Barker visited Uganda a year or so ago and will testify how huge the disparity is between the wealthy and the poor.
Personally I (Mark Hookway) collected a significant amount of second hand kit that I would like to send out to Uganda, but to date have yet to find an efficient and economical shipping method. So in the meantime I am hoping some will be willing and able to help the project by making a donation.
Dom's two page report is available in the file below and you can also read a little about the project here -
www.giveasportingchance.org
Coincidentally, not long before this, some of us had been introduced to a project based not far from where Dom was staying.
It is a project run by Mukasa Edward, a good athlete himself, who is desperately trying to provide opportunity for poor and disadvantaged young people and develop their running and athletics.
Richard Owen and Phoebe Barker visited Uganda a year or so ago and will testify how huge the disparity is between the wealthy and the poor.
Personally I (Mark Hookway) collected a significant amount of second hand kit that I would like to send out to Uganda, but to date have yet to find an efficient and economical shipping method. So in the meantime I am hoping some will be willing and able to help the project by making a donation.
Dom's two page report is available in the file below and you can also read a little about the project here -
www.giveasportingchance.org
| dom_brown_visit_to_uganda_report_july_2018.pdf |
Dom Brown (left) with Mukasa Edward (right) and one of the supporters of the project who is a head teacher (centre)
They even make their own bricks in preparation for building the accommodation !
Max Nicholls selected for Great Britain at Mountain Running World Championships
Max Nicholls has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Mountain Running Championships.
The championships take place in Andorra on 16th September.
The British Athletics announcement can be found here -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/world-mountain-running-champs-team-announced/
The championships take place in Andorra on 16th September.
The British Athletics announcement can be found here -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/world-mountain-running-champs-team-announced/
Max Nicholls - Another GB Mountain Running selection
Watford Open Meeting, including British Milers Club Gold Standard races, Wednesday 8th August
Videos loaded !
There were four TAC distance runners in action at Watford and all had solid runs, although no pbs.
Ryan Driscoll finished third in the British Milers Club B race with 3.48.15
Then in the open 800m races Cameron Payas ran 1.56.38, Dan Seagrove (u20) 1.59.22, Toby Emm (u17) 2.01.25
The times were seasons bests for both Cameron and Dan.
Ryan Driscoll finished third in the British Milers Club B race with 3.48.15
Then in the open 800m races Cameron Payas ran 1.56.38, Dan Seagrove (u20) 1.59.22, Toby Emm (u17) 2.01.25
The times were seasons bests for both Cameron and Dan.
Tom Holden interview with 'Let's Get Running'
I know a few of you have been following carefully Tom Holden's progress since his accident at the end of May 2017.
In the last week he completed a podcast interview with Shaun Dixon, who runs for Highgate Harriers. Shaun has a podcast called 'Let's Get Running' and Tom is on episode 51. The link is here -
www.letsgetrunning.co.uk/podcast/tom-holden?locale=en
Introduction - On this week's show we talk to the inspirational Tom Holden. In May 2017 Tom, a GB Junior international athlete, was involved in an accident which caused damage to his brain affecting his movement and speech. Doctors thought it was unlikely Tom would walk again, but incredibly Tom has fought back- and is slowly starting to learn to run again. He speaks about how the love and support shown by his family, friends and fellow runners has kept his going. He still has a long way to go but his positivity is infectious.
In the last week he completed a podcast interview with Shaun Dixon, who runs for Highgate Harriers. Shaun has a podcast called 'Let's Get Running' and Tom is on episode 51. The link is here -
www.letsgetrunning.co.uk/podcast/tom-holden?locale=en
Introduction - On this week's show we talk to the inspirational Tom Holden. In May 2017 Tom, a GB Junior international athlete, was involved in an accident which caused damage to his brain affecting his movement and speech. Doctors thought it was unlikely Tom would walk again, but incredibly Tom has fought back- and is slowly starting to learn to run again. He speaks about how the love and support shown by his family, friends and fellow runners has kept his going. He still has a long way to go but his positivity is infectious.
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 1st to 7th August
A few more improvers this week and all seniors, which is good to see -
800 metres
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 1.55.07 (improvement by 0.9s)
3000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 9.26.00 (improvement by 62.7s)
5000 metres
Jamie Bryant (senior) 15.06.14 (improvement by 7.5s)
400 metres hurdles
Tom Richards (senior) 59.20 (improvement by 0.9s)
TAC Club record
3000 metres
Nicole Taylor (senior) 9.12.41 (broke Ashley Gibson's previous mark of 9.24.82)
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 1.55.07 (improvement by 0.9s)
3000 metres
Lucy Reid (senior) 9.26.00 (improvement by 62.7s)
5000 metres
Jamie Bryant (senior) 15.06.14 (improvement by 7.5s)
400 metres hurdles
Tom Richards (senior) 59.20 (improvement by 0.9s)
TAC Club record
3000 metres
Nicole Taylor (senior) 9.12.41 (broke Ashley Gibson's previous mark of 9.24.82)
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th August
Saturday
Parkruns
Dan Bradley was a 'parkrun tourist' as he finished 1st at Southsea in 16.19.
Ben Reynolds (2nd claim, M50) looks like he is returning to form, running 16.46 at Abingdon.
Julian Rendall 'won' at Tonbridge in 17.15 and Matthew Taylor (u15) at Tunbridge Wells in 17.54
Sunday
East Peckham 10k
Fraser Gordon (u17) and Tina Oldershaw (w50) won the male and female categories at this 10k, as almost 200 finished.
Fraser ran 36.06 and Tina 40.10, as TAC had nine of the top sixteen overall.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Great Britain Trial for World Mountain Running Championships, at Keswick
Max Nicholls finished 5th in the senior mens race. A team of four is selected but there is a chance one or two who were ahead in the trial do not have the championships in their plans.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Parkruns
Dan Bradley was a 'parkrun tourist' as he finished 1st at Southsea in 16.19.
Ben Reynolds (2nd claim, M50) looks like he is returning to form, running 16.46 at Abingdon.
Julian Rendall 'won' at Tonbridge in 17.15 and Matthew Taylor (u15) at Tunbridge Wells in 17.54
Sunday
East Peckham 10k
Fraser Gordon (u17) and Tina Oldershaw (w50) won the male and female categories at this 10k, as almost 200 finished.
Fraser ran 36.06 and Tina 40.10, as TAC had nine of the top sixteen overall.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Great Britain Trial for World Mountain Running Championships, at Keswick
Max Nicholls finished 5th in the senior mens race. A team of four is selected but there is a chance one or two who were ahead in the trial do not have the championships in their plans.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Fraser Gordon - East Peckham 10k win
Kent Young Athletes League, at Erith, Sunday 5th August
Provisional results are on the Results 2018 page.
British Athletics League, Division 4, at Nottingham, Saturday 4th August
Videos loaded !
The Tonbridge mens team have won division 4 of the league and been promoted, after their first season in the competition.
They finished second in the final match of the season, here. Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Once again TAC scored heavily in the track events.
George Duggan won the 800m A string in 1.53.24, with Ryan Driscoll (1.55.07) finishing 3rd in the B string race with a pb.
At 1500m Ally Kinloch was 2nd in the A string in 3.58.17, with Sean Molloy winning the B string in 4.02.62, just after finishing 2nd in the A string 400m with 50.06. Kieran Eland won the 400m B string in 50.89.
Jamie Bryant (15.06.14 pb) and Ben Cole (15.13.32) scored maximum points in the 5000 metres, as did Michael Ellis (10.16.80) and Greg Cole (10.51.22) in the 3000m steeplechase.
Starting off the track events Sam Crick (3rd A in 58.13) and Tom Richards (1st B 59.20) competed over 400m hurdles with Tom going sub 60 for the first time. Tom Richards (52.4), Kieran Eland (51.5), Sam Crick (51.3) and Sean Molloy (48.8) were 2nd on the 4x400m relay.
They finished second in the final match of the season, here. Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Once again TAC scored heavily in the track events.
George Duggan won the 800m A string in 1.53.24, with Ryan Driscoll (1.55.07) finishing 3rd in the B string race with a pb.
At 1500m Ally Kinloch was 2nd in the A string in 3.58.17, with Sean Molloy winning the B string in 4.02.62, just after finishing 2nd in the A string 400m with 50.06. Kieran Eland won the 400m B string in 50.89.
Jamie Bryant (15.06.14 pb) and Ben Cole (15.13.32) scored maximum points in the 5000 metres, as did Michael Ellis (10.16.80) and Greg Cole (10.51.22) in the 3000m steeplechase.
Starting off the track events Sam Crick (3rd A in 58.13) and Tom Richards (1st B 59.20) competed over 400m hurdles with Tom going sub 60 for the first time. Tom Richards (52.4), Kieran Eland (51.5), Sam Crick (51.3) and Sean Molloy (48.8) were 2nd on the 4x400m relay.
Hercules Wimbledon Meeting, Wednesday 1st August
Videos loaded !
The good weather returned and the TAC contingent took advantage to record some terrific times.
The highlight came from Nicole Taylor who lowered the TAC womens record to 9.12.41, improving it from Ashley Gibson's mark of 9.24.82, set last Summer. It was a pb from Nicole by 14.3s.
Lucy Reid ran 9.26.00 (pb by 62.7s)
Dan Madams (m45) 9.30.34 (best since 2012)
Kiri Marsh 9.58.21 (pb by 37.1s)
Graeme Saker (m55) 10.02.21 (seasons best)
Maddie Wise (u15) 11.05.40 (debut)
The highlight came from Nicole Taylor who lowered the TAC womens record to 9.12.41, improving it from Ashley Gibson's mark of 9.24.82, set last Summer. It was a pb from Nicole by 14.3s.
Lucy Reid ran 9.26.00 (pb by 62.7s)
Dan Madams (m45) 9.30.34 (best since 2012)
Kiri Marsh 9.58.21 (pb by 37.1s)
Graeme Saker (m55) 10.02.21 (seasons best)
Maddie Wise (u15) 11.05.40 (debut)
Bedgebury Summer Series 10k, Wednesday 1st August
Report from Angie Crush
A few of the vets ladies made a last minute decision to go to this tonight, Penny Pilbeam, Deniz Bowart and Kim Cross made up a team for the 10k and I was dragged to do the 5k and so made Huxley come with me. When he heard prizes were on offer he said he would run it too.
We had a lovely evening and Penny came third woman in the 10k even after doing an extra 400 or so when she went the wrong way, she also came first in her age category. Deniz was 5th woman home in the 10k and Kim 6th woman home. They won the team prize for tac! Results are on nice work website or on the summer series website.
Hux came 2nd in the 5k race in 20.59 which was good with those hills, and won me a bottle of wine, and then the guy from Nice Work gave him an extra fiver for himself because he felt bad he couldn’t benefit from the wine! So even though I didn’t win anything I got wine!
Overall we won 6 bottles and you will see below we tried to spell TAC with them for the photo!
Angie
Results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/bedgebury-series-4/2018
We had a lovely evening and Penny came third woman in the 10k even after doing an extra 400 or so when she went the wrong way, she also came first in her age category. Deniz was 5th woman home in the 10k and Kim 6th woman home. They won the team prize for tac! Results are on nice work website or on the summer series website.
Hux came 2nd in the 5k race in 20.59 which was good with those hills, and won me a bottle of wine, and then the guy from Nice Work gave him an extra fiver for himself because he felt bad he couldn’t benefit from the wine! So even though I didn’t win anything I got wine!
Overall we won 6 bottles and you will see below we tried to spell TAC with them for the photo!
Angie
Results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/bedgebury-series-4/2018
Circuit Training - Wednesdays
Circuit training is cancelled for 25th July and 1st August.
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 25th to 31st July
I am not sure that there were any more personal bests over the last few days other than this one by George.
3000m
George Duggan (senior) 8.14.95 (improvement by 4.5s)
3000m
George Duggan (senior) 8.14.95 (improvement by 4.5s)
UK Youth Development League (u17/20), at Ashford, Sunday 29th July
Videos loaded !
Very windy and wet conditions made it very difficult for athletes and officials, but the TAC team finished 4th of the 6 teams on the day and will remain in the division.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Gary Goodge kindly filmed the races which are loaded under Race Videos Summer 2018.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Gary Goodge kindly filmed the races which are loaded under Race Videos Summer 2018.
Other weekend news, Friday to Sunday 27th to 29th July
Friday
Soar Mile, at Stratford, London
Sean Molloy ran 4.13.11 to finish 4th in the Soar Mile, Elite race (race 12), on Friday.
Full results are here - www.soarrunning.com/journal-entry/soar-mile-2018-results
Saturday
Parkrun
Cameron Payas set a course record of 16.14 at Malling.
Marlow Fugitive Twilight 10k Run
Henry Pearce won this in an excellent 29.47.
Results here - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/21k/splits.html
England Athletics Championships, at Sports City, Manchester
Ben Murphy was eliminated in the heats of the 800 metres in 1.56.55 on a very windy day in Manchester. (Heat 3)
Full results are at - resultsengland.athletics-uk.org/resultsengland/
Video at - vinco.elasticbeanstalk.com/fixtures/12950-england-athletics-senior-aaa-and-uk-cau-inter-counties-championships
Under 13 Inter Counties at Kingston
There were a few TAC athletes in action including Albert Kreuzberg, George Hopkins, Lily Slack and Sophie Slack.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Soar Mile, at Stratford, London
Sean Molloy ran 4.13.11 to finish 4th in the Soar Mile, Elite race (race 12), on Friday.
Full results are here - www.soarrunning.com/journal-entry/soar-mile-2018-results
Saturday
Parkrun
Cameron Payas set a course record of 16.14 at Malling.
Marlow Fugitive Twilight 10k Run
Henry Pearce won this in an excellent 29.47.
Results here - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/21k/splits.html
England Athletics Championships, at Sports City, Manchester
Ben Murphy was eliminated in the heats of the 800 metres in 1.56.55 on a very windy day in Manchester. (Heat 3)
Full results are at - resultsengland.athletics-uk.org/resultsengland/
Video at - vinco.elasticbeanstalk.com/fixtures/12950-england-athletics-senior-aaa-and-uk-cau-inter-counties-championships
Under 13 Inter Counties at Kingston
There were a few TAC athletes in action including Albert Kreuzberg, George Hopkins, Lily Slack and Sophie Slack.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Henry Pearce receives his trophy for winning the Marlow Twilight 10k
UK Endurance Conference, Saturday 28th July, at Kingston University
Mark Hookway was one of the three invited speakers at the first ever UK Endurance Conference. Mark spoke about the rise of Tonbridge AC and was accompanied by two other speakers. Richard Partridge, a former international himself and father of current marathon runner Lily Partridge, talked about training for endurance events and cross country. Eamonn Martin, a former winner of the London Marathon, spoke about his views on the decline of elite marathon running in the UK and aspects that could be put in place to resurrect it.
If anyone would like access to the Power Point presentation please let Mark know at markhookway@icloud.com
If anyone would like access to the Power Point presentation please let Mark know at markhookway@icloud.com
Watford Open Meeting and Cheltenham 5000m, Wednesday 25th July
Videos loaded from Watford !
Watford
George Duggan ran a big new pb for 3000m of 8.14.95 and Ryan Driscoll ran 8.18.03 in the Elite mens 3000m invitation race. This turned out to be one of the best 3000m races ever in the UK with eleven Brits running under 8 minutes.
Toby Emm ran 4.16.9 for 1500m, although the official result is awaited.
Results are at - www.watfordathletics.co.uk/Whogm/OpenindexF.htm
Cheltenham
Ben Cole finished 2nd in the 5000m in 15.04.9
George Duggan ran a big new pb for 3000m of 8.14.95 and Ryan Driscoll ran 8.18.03 in the Elite mens 3000m invitation race. This turned out to be one of the best 3000m races ever in the UK with eleven Brits running under 8 minutes.
Toby Emm ran 4.16.9 for 1500m, although the official result is awaited.
Results are at - www.watfordathletics.co.uk/Whogm/OpenindexF.htm
Cheltenham
Ben Cole finished 2nd in the 5000m in 15.04.9
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 17th to 24th July
Here are a few who have set personal bests over the last few days.
800m
Ananjan Ganguli (u15) 2.22.1 (improvement by 5.6s)
1500m
George Hopkins (u13) 4.51.0 (improvement by 4.5s)
Taliyah Dahdi (u15) 6.05.2 (improvement by 3.2s)
800m
Ananjan Ganguli (u15) 2.22.1 (improvement by 5.6s)
1500m
George Hopkins (u13) 4.51.0 (improvement by 4.5s)
Taliyah Dahdi (u15) 6.05.2 (improvement by 3.2s)
Anniversary Games, at the Olympic Stadium, London, Sunday 22nd July
James West ran a superb race at the Anniversary Games to finish 10th of 16 in a world class 1500m field.
James ran a new personal best of 3.36.59, which is not far away from Andy Graffin's club record of 3.35.97.
His time improved his best by 0.9 seconds and ranks him 6th on the UK list for 2018.
It moves James to 38th on the UK all time list and 12th on the UK all time under 23 list.
I thought that it might be worth writing a little bit more about James performance, as I am sure some would be interested.
Its been a few years since another TAC athlete reached this level at 1500 metres.
James is 22 years old and joined Tonbridge, from Medway and Maidstone in March 2012, when he was in the under 17 age group. His pbs for 800/1500/3000 at the time were 2.04/4.14/9.15. He has made steady progress ever since and apart from this 1500m has run 800m in 1.49.03, 3000 in 7.51.23 and 5000 in 13.52.29
His time was the second occasion this year that he had run inside the European Championships qualifying standard, of 3.37.50, although unfortunately the event is so strong in GB that he won’t be selected amongst the three that will go.
James attended Loughborough University for three years and is now currently one year through a two year Track scholarship at the University of Oregon, USA
His 1500m time is now 6th on the UK 2018 rankings and 38th all time (Farah, Cram, Coe and Ovett are the top 4).
He is ranked 12th on the UK all time under 23 list, which is headed by Steve Cram’s 3.33.66. This is a key point, as the comparison of the u23 list to the overall list shows that many of the GB top 1500m of all time progressed into their mid and late 20s. In other words there is every chance of developing further, beyond university, as many are still getting stronger physically. Remaining patient, consistent and hopefully injury free all play a big part.
Without embarrassing James too much I feel there are a few attributes that have helped him to get where he is. He is very focussed on what he is doing week in and week out with training ie he gets on with it, gets it done and rarely ever finds an excuse not to. He has generally (touch wood) had a good mix of training and avoided injuries. Then perhaps one attribute that particularly stands out is his attitude to adversity and set backs. He has had a few, as everyone does in their careers. Back in the Autumn he had some real disasters at cross country but maintained a determination that the training would pay off and he was getting stronger.
Then came the Summer and in the USA College system they have Conference, Regional and then National Championships. James would have been one of the favourites to make the National final but had a disastrous run in the Regional qualifiers and was eliminated very early in the process. Many would have felt sorry for themselves and even called it a day on their season, despite it only being June. He didn’t do this, ran a couple of more solid races in the States and then came home to the UK for the Summer. Again many don’t even try to prolong their season, when USA based, but James has, even running the 3000/800 double at the British League fixture, for Tonbridge, prior to this race at the weekend.
So there are a few lessons from James experience in getting to this stage -
A) You don’t have to be the best in the younger age groups to get to the highest level as a senior, even at under 17.
B) Patience, consistency and a long term view can really help.
C) How you react to adversity is often the biggest factor that divides the top athletes and others.
Hope that this is useful to some.
James ran a new personal best of 3.36.59, which is not far away from Andy Graffin's club record of 3.35.97.
His time improved his best by 0.9 seconds and ranks him 6th on the UK list for 2018.
It moves James to 38th on the UK all time list and 12th on the UK all time under 23 list.
I thought that it might be worth writing a little bit more about James performance, as I am sure some would be interested.
Its been a few years since another TAC athlete reached this level at 1500 metres.
James is 22 years old and joined Tonbridge, from Medway and Maidstone in March 2012, when he was in the under 17 age group. His pbs for 800/1500/3000 at the time were 2.04/4.14/9.15. He has made steady progress ever since and apart from this 1500m has run 800m in 1.49.03, 3000 in 7.51.23 and 5000 in 13.52.29
His time was the second occasion this year that he had run inside the European Championships qualifying standard, of 3.37.50, although unfortunately the event is so strong in GB that he won’t be selected amongst the three that will go.
James attended Loughborough University for three years and is now currently one year through a two year Track scholarship at the University of Oregon, USA
His 1500m time is now 6th on the UK 2018 rankings and 38th all time (Farah, Cram, Coe and Ovett are the top 4).
He is ranked 12th on the UK all time under 23 list, which is headed by Steve Cram’s 3.33.66. This is a key point, as the comparison of the u23 list to the overall list shows that many of the GB top 1500m of all time progressed into their mid and late 20s. In other words there is every chance of developing further, beyond university, as many are still getting stronger physically. Remaining patient, consistent and hopefully injury free all play a big part.
Without embarrassing James too much I feel there are a few attributes that have helped him to get where he is. He is very focussed on what he is doing week in and week out with training ie he gets on with it, gets it done and rarely ever finds an excuse not to. He has generally (touch wood) had a good mix of training and avoided injuries. Then perhaps one attribute that particularly stands out is his attitude to adversity and set backs. He has had a few, as everyone does in their careers. Back in the Autumn he had some real disasters at cross country but maintained a determination that the training would pay off and he was getting stronger.
Then came the Summer and in the USA College system they have Conference, Regional and then National Championships. James would have been one of the favourites to make the National final but had a disastrous run in the Regional qualifiers and was eliminated very early in the process. Many would have felt sorry for themselves and even called it a day on their season, despite it only being June. He didn’t do this, ran a couple of more solid races in the States and then came home to the UK for the Summer. Again many don’t even try to prolong their season, when USA based, but James has, even running the 3000/800 double at the British League fixture, for Tonbridge, prior to this race at the weekend.
So there are a few lessons from James experience in getting to this stage -
A) You don’t have to be the best in the younger age groups to get to the highest level as a senior, even at under 17.
B) Patience, consistency and a long term view can really help.
C) How you react to adversity is often the biggest factor that divides the top athletes and others.
Hope that this is useful to some.
James West - 3.36.59 for 1500m at the Anniversary Games
Other weekend news 21st and 22nd July
Sunday
Deal 10k road race
Tony Bennett was the only TAC athlete in action and finished an excellent 4th in 36.37, which is certainly his best time as a veteran and may well be an outright pb, as it's 1.53 quicker than his listed best.
Full results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/deal-dinosaur/2018
Deal 10k road race
Tony Bennett was the only TAC athlete in action and finished an excellent 4th in 36.37, which is certainly his best time as a veteran and may well be an outright pb, as it's 1.53 quicker than his listed best.
Full results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/deal-dinosaur/2018
Schools International, at Grangemouth, Scotland, Saturday 21st July
Videos loading !
Katie Goodge representing England finished 5th in the Inter Girls 3000m in 10.19.90.
Katie Goodge- third from left front row, represented England Schools
UK Youth Development League (u13/15), at Hornchurch, Saturday 21st July
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Saturday parkrun news, 21st July - including a womens record at Tunbridge Wells
Nicole Taylor lowered the womens record at the Royal Tunbridge Wells parkrun to 17.48 from the previous 18.51, set in April 2015 by Alice Heather-Hayes.
Full results are here - www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
There were 'wins' for Fraser Gordon (Tonbridge) and James Taylor (Lullingstone), plus an excellent 15.47 pb from Dan Schofield at Bromley.
Full results are here - www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
There were 'wins' for Fraser Gordon (Tonbridge) and James Taylor (Lullingstone), plus an excellent 15.47 pb from Dan Schofield at Bromley.
Medway Road Mile, at Rochester, Friday 20th July
Cameron Payas won the Medway Road Mile, at Rochester, on Friday evening in 4.37.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Results are on the Results 2018 page.
British Milers Club and Cambridge Harriers Meeting, at Eltham, Wednesday 18th July
Videos loaded !
There was a new personal best of 2.00.02 for Tom Richards as he continues his attempt to break two minutes for 800m this year. Also Kieran Eland and Cameron Payas ran seasons bests.
A results summary is on the Results 2018 page.
A results summary is on the Results 2018 page.
Monday and Tuesday action, 16th and 17th July
Monday
Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting
400m Charlie Crick (u20) ran an official pb of 51.45, although he has gone quicker in school races.
800m Rebekah O'Brien (u17) 2.22.40, Lily Slack (u13) 2.31.82, Sophie Slack (u13) 2.43.57
Tuesday
Standard Chartered City 5km road race, London
Lucy Reid won her second city 5km race a week after her last. Her time was 16.41.
Harry Paton finished 9th overall in 15.58.
Official results are awaited but will be shown at - www.cityrace.co.uk/results/
Westbury 5km road race
Graeme Saker (m55), on a trip to the West Country, finished 10th in 17.54.
Results will be shown here - www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk/index.php?page=results
Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting
400m Charlie Crick (u20) ran an official pb of 51.45, although he has gone quicker in school races.
800m Rebekah O'Brien (u17) 2.22.40, Lily Slack (u13) 2.31.82, Sophie Slack (u13) 2.43.57
Tuesday
Standard Chartered City 5km road race, London
Lucy Reid won her second city 5km race a week after her last. Her time was 16.41.
Harry Paton finished 9th overall in 15.58.
Official results are awaited but will be shown at - www.cityrace.co.uk/results/
Westbury 5km road race
Graeme Saker (m55), on a trip to the West Country, finished 10th in 17.54.
Results will be shown here - www.avonvalleyrunners.org.uk/index.php?page=results
Southern Counties Veterans, League, at Gillingham, Monday 16th July
The TAC over 35s (and beyond) teams dominated the Kent Divisions of the Southern League, as the men and women both finished as division 1 (top division) winners and the women’s B team won division 2 ! The final match of the league season was on Monday night and now the men and women go to the league finals in September.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Simon Fraser and Dan Madams battle it out over 800 metres
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 11th to 16th July
800m
Becky O’Hara (senior) 2.15.0 (improvement by 7.3s)
1500m
Alex Crockford (senior) 5.24.1 (improvement by 19.4s)
3000m
Katie Goodge (u17) 10.02.42 (improvement by 6.7s)
1500m steeplechase
Noémie Thomson (u17) 5.02.31 (improvement by 7.9s) - TAC record
Note - Noémie has had 5 races at the event this year and set a pb every time !
5 miles road race
Joe Watts (senior) 30.18 (improvement by 43s)
Becky O’Hara (senior) 2.15.0 (improvement by 7.3s)
1500m
Alex Crockford (senior) 5.24.1 (improvement by 19.4s)
3000m
Katie Goodge (u17) 10.02.42 (improvement by 6.7s)
1500m steeplechase
Noémie Thomson (u17) 5.02.31 (improvement by 7.9s) - TAC record
Note - Noémie has had 5 races at the event this year and set a pb every time !
5 miles road race
Joe Watts (senior) 30.18 (improvement by 43s)
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 14th/15th July
Saturday
Flanders Cup meeting, Kortrijk, Belgium
800m D race 2nd Sean Molloy 1.49.63
3000m steeplechase B race 2nd Ryan Driscoll 8.54.65
Full results are here - liveresults.be/2018/guldensporenmeeting/event014h01.html
Sunday
Mid Kent 5 mile road race, Staplehurst
In very hot conditions there were three really good performances near the front of the race, that helped win the team race.
3rd Matt Dennis 28.52 (debut), 4th Luke Hooper 28.58 (debut) , 6th Joe Watts 30.18 (pb by 43s)
40th Cain Bradley 36.07, 57th Clare Brown 37.38
325 finished
Full results are here - midkent5.co.uk/midkent5_2018%20results.pdf
Flanders Cup meeting, Kortrijk, Belgium
800m D race 2nd Sean Molloy 1.49.63
3000m steeplechase B race 2nd Ryan Driscoll 8.54.65
Full results are here - liveresults.be/2018/guldensporenmeeting/event014h01.html
Sunday
Mid Kent 5 mile road race, Staplehurst
In very hot conditions there were three really good performances near the front of the race, that helped win the team race.
3rd Matt Dennis 28.52 (debut), 4th Luke Hooper 28.58 (debut) , 6th Joe Watts 30.18 (pb by 43s)
40th Cain Bradley 36.07, 57th Clare Brown 37.38
325 finished
Full results are here - midkent5.co.uk/midkent5_2018%20results.pdf
Matt Dennis, Joe Watts and Luke Hooper - all top 6 at Mid Kent 5 miler
Southern Athletics League, at Ashford, Saturday 14th July
TAC won the match and full results are on the Results 2018 page.
English Schools Championships, Friday and Saturday 13th/14th July
Videos loaded !
Full results are at - www.esaa.net/v2/2018/tf/national/results/results.php?fname=instruct&age=ib
All event videos at - vinco.elasticbeanstalk.com/fixtures/12949-esaa-2018-track-and-field-championship
The following TAC distance runners competed -
Inter Girls 3000m - Katie Goodge 2nd 10.02.42 pb by 6.7s. Katie selected for the England team at the home international.
Inter Girls 1500m steeplechase - 4th Noémie Thomson 5.02.31 pb and TAC club record by 7.9s
Senior Boys 2000m steeplechase - 5th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles 6.16.86 7th Sam Crick 6.30.86
Senior Boys 3000m - 9th James Puxty 8.39.10
Photos at - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156393069079788.1073741986.546854787&type=3
All event videos at - vinco.elasticbeanstalk.com/fixtures/12949-esaa-2018-track-and-field-championship
The following TAC distance runners competed -
Inter Girls 3000m - Katie Goodge 2nd 10.02.42 pb by 6.7s. Katie selected for the England team at the home international.
Inter Girls 1500m steeplechase - 4th Noémie Thomson 5.02.31 pb and TAC club record by 7.9s
Senior Boys 2000m steeplechase - 5th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles 6.16.86 7th Sam Crick 6.30.86
Senior Boys 3000m - 9th James Puxty 8.39.10
Photos at - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156393069079788.1073741986.546854787&type=3
Katie Goodge - 2nd in Inter Girls 3000 metres
Noémie Thomson - 4th in Inter Girls 1500 metres steeplechase
Most of the TAC athletes at the English Schools Championships
British Milers Club Gold Standard races, at Watford, 11th July
Videos loaded !
TAC had two runners in the BMC races. Ben Murphy ran 1.53.68 for 5th in the 800m B race and George Duggan ran 3.44.90 for 10th in the 1500m A race. George's time was a seasons best and just 0.02s outside his pb.
Photos here - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156385371034788.1073741985.546854787&type=3
Photos here - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156385371034788.1073741985.546854787&type=3
George Duggan and Ben Murphy were in action at Watford on Wednesday evening
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 3rd to 10th July
With the hot weather its been tough to get pbs in the longer events, but here are two that have succeeded over the past week.
1500m
Ellie MacAuley (u15) 5.24.1 (improvement by 0.4s)
3000m
Jamie Bryant (senior) 8.38.88 (improvement by 3.4s)
1500m
Ellie MacAuley (u15) 5.24.1 (improvement by 0.4s)
3000m
Jamie Bryant (senior) 8.38.88 (improvement by 3.4s)
Under 17 Eight Counties match, at Lee Valley, Sunday 8th July
Videos uploaded !
Katie Goodge continued her fine recent form by winning the girls 1500m in 4.43.31, whilst James Kingston was third in the Boys 3000m. Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Kent Young Athletes League (u13/15), at Ashford, Sunday 8th July
On a boiling hot day at Ashford TAC produced some superb team results in the Kent Division 1 (top division) -
Boys overall - TAC 1 1st, TAC 2/Judd combined 5th (of 8 clubs)
Boys u13 - TAC 1 1st, TAC 2/Judd combined 2nd (of 8 clubs)
Boys u15 - TAC 2/Judd combined 5th (of 8 clubs), TAC 1 6th
Girls overall - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Girls u13 - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Girls u15 - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Boys overall - TAC 1 1st, TAC 2/Judd combined 5th (of 8 clubs)
Boys u13 - TAC 1 1st, TAC 2/Judd combined 2nd (of 8 clubs)
Boys u15 - TAC 2/Judd combined 5th (of 8 clubs), TAC 1 6th
Girls overall - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Girls u13 - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Girls u15 - TAC 1 1st (of 8 clubs)
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
British Athletics League Division 4, at Bedford, Saturday 7th July
Videos loaded !
Tonbridge had a terrific win in the third match, of the Division 4 British League match.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
On this occasion the league held all five divisional matches at the same location, at the same venue. Great credit goes to the organisers and officials for helping it go so well.
James West completed a tough triple as he won the 3000m in 8.11.69, a race that was combined with division 3. James' time set a new Division 4 record, whilst Jamie Bryant won the B string with a new pb of 8.38.68.
Not long after the 3000m James won the 800m A string in 1.55.60, whilst Kieran Eland won the B string in 1.57.54. James combined with Kieran, Sean Molloy and Tom Richards to win the 4x400m at the end of the day.
Sean won the 1500m in 3.55.65, covering the final 700m in about 1.45, whilst Cameron Payas won the B string in 4.07.69.
The official 3000m steeplechase results are still to be confirmed but Jamie Bryant ran 9.54.40 and Michael Ellis 10.21.80.
Photos here - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156376410039788.1073741984.546854787&type=3
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
On this occasion the league held all five divisional matches at the same location, at the same venue. Great credit goes to the organisers and officials for helping it go so well.
James West completed a tough triple as he won the 3000m in 8.11.69, a race that was combined with division 3. James' time set a new Division 4 record, whilst Jamie Bryant won the B string with a new pb of 8.38.68.
Not long after the 3000m James won the 800m A string in 1.55.60, whilst Kieran Eland won the B string in 1.57.54. James combined with Kieran, Sean Molloy and Tom Richards to win the 4x400m at the end of the day.
Sean won the 1500m in 3.55.65, covering the final 700m in about 1.45, whilst Cameron Payas won the B string in 4.07.69.
The official 3000m steeplechase results are still to be confirmed but Jamie Bryant ran 9.54.40 and Michael Ellis 10.21.80.
Photos here - www.facebook.com/mark.hookway.5/media_set?set=a.10156376410039788.1073741984.546854787&type=3
JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, London, Thursday 5th July
Lucy Reid was First Lady home in 19.15 at this prestigious event over 3.5 miles. Full results can be found at -
www.jpmorganchasecc.com/results/search.php?city_id=10
www.jpmorganchasecc.com/results/search.php?city_id=10
National Prep Schools Championships, at Birmingham, Tuesday 3rd July
Full results are here - www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=246422&pagenum=2#800
Lily Slack won the under 12 age group 1500m with 5.07.62
Lily Slack won the under 12 age group 1500m with 5.07.62
Lily Slack after National Prep Schools win
This week's 'Big Hitters' - 12th June to 2nd July
Here are some of the biggest improvers over the past couple of weeks.
800m
Matthew Dubery (u15) 2.18.48 (improvement by 5.0s)
Albert Kreuzberg (u13) 2.19.52 (improvement by 4.9s)
Lily Stewart (u15) 2.29.51 (improvement by 1.3s)
1500m
Nicole Taylor 4.26.15 (improvement by 9.2s)
Sean Molloy 3.50.28 (improvement 7.2s)
3000m
Dom Brown (senior) 8.09.37 (improvement by 6.8s)
Dan Schofield (u17) 8.56.49 (improvement by 5.3s)
5000m
Corey De'Ath (senior) 14.24.89 (improvement by 24.2s)
Kiri Marsh (senior) 17.41.00 (improvement by 12.9s)
1500m steeplechase
Elizabeth Heslop (u17) 6.23.94 (improvement by 15.6s)
3000m steeplechase
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 8.45.62 (improvement by 4.1s) - TAC mens record
Other TAC Club Records
1500m steeplechase
Noémie Thomson (u17) 5.10.24 (improvement by 1.5s) - TAC u17 womens record
800m
Matthew Dubery (u15) 2.18.48 (improvement by 5.0s)
Albert Kreuzberg (u13) 2.19.52 (improvement by 4.9s)
Lily Stewart (u15) 2.29.51 (improvement by 1.3s)
1500m
Nicole Taylor 4.26.15 (improvement by 9.2s)
Sean Molloy 3.50.28 (improvement 7.2s)
3000m
Dom Brown (senior) 8.09.37 (improvement by 6.8s)
Dan Schofield (u17) 8.56.49 (improvement by 5.3s)
5000m
Corey De'Ath (senior) 14.24.89 (improvement by 24.2s)
Kiri Marsh (senior) 17.41.00 (improvement by 12.9s)
1500m steeplechase
Elizabeth Heslop (u17) 6.23.94 (improvement by 15.6s)
3000m steeplechase
Ryan Driscoll (senior) 8.45.62 (improvement by 4.1s) - TAC mens record
Other TAC Club Records
1500m steeplechase
Noémie Thomson (u17) 5.10.24 (improvement by 1.5s) - TAC u17 womens record
Southern Counties Veterans League, Monday 2nd July
TAC teams were 1st men division 1, women 2nd division 1 and women 1st division 2.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Other Sunday news, 1st July
European Mountain Running Championships
Max Nicholls finished 12th and helped GB take the team sliver medals. Full results are at -
www.emrch2018-skopje.com
Bewl 15 (15 miles multi terrain)
Joe Watts 23rd 1.48.36, Tina Oldershaw 2nd female (31st overall) 1.52.59
Full results - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/the-bewl-15/2018
Herne Bay 10k road race
Julian Rendall finished 3rd in 34.36 and Maria Heslop was 1st women in 37.35 (7th overall).
Full results - www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/herne-bay-10k2
Max Nicholls finished 12th and helped GB take the team sliver medals. Full results are at -
www.emrch2018-skopje.com
Bewl 15 (15 miles multi terrain)
Joe Watts 23rd 1.48.36, Tina Oldershaw 2nd female (31st overall) 1.52.59
Full results - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/the-bewl-15/2018
Herne Bay 10k road race
Julian Rendall finished 3rd in 34.36 and Maria Heslop was 1st women in 37.35 (7th overall).
Full results - www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/herne-bay-10k2
Max Nicholls at the European Mountain Running Championships
British Championships and GB European Trials, at Birmingham
Saturday and Sunday 30th June and 1st July
Videos loaded !
Saturday
5000m men final - Chris Olley finished a superb 5th in 13.55.70 pb
3000m steeplechase men final - Ryan Driscoll finished 5th in 8.45.62 a new TAC record and Alex Howard was 10th in 9.21.52
800m men heats - Sean Molloy was 4th in his heat in 1.51.00 and didn't qualify for the final
1500m men heats - James West 2nd heat 3 3.44.49 (qualified), George Duggan 7th heat 2 3.49.54, Kieran Reilly 10th heat 3 3.55.40, Dom Brown did not finish heat 2, but advanced to final as an advertising hoarding blew into his way !
Sunday
5000m women final - Lucy Reid 11th 16.28.90, , Nicole Taylor 12th 16.33.85, Ashley Gibson 16th 16.49.56
1500m men final - 7th James West 3.48.48, 10th Dom Brown 3.49.93
Full results can be found here - www.uka.org.uk/results/20180701_birmingham/timetable/index/
5000m men final - Chris Olley finished a superb 5th in 13.55.70 pb
3000m steeplechase men final - Ryan Driscoll finished 5th in 8.45.62 a new TAC record and Alex Howard was 10th in 9.21.52
800m men heats - Sean Molloy was 4th in his heat in 1.51.00 and didn't qualify for the final
1500m men heats - James West 2nd heat 3 3.44.49 (qualified), George Duggan 7th heat 2 3.49.54, Kieran Reilly 10th heat 3 3.55.40, Dom Brown did not finish heat 2, but advanced to final as an advertising hoarding blew into his way !
Sunday
5000m women final - Lucy Reid 11th 16.28.90, , Nicole Taylor 12th 16.33.85, Ashley Gibson 16th 16.49.56
1500m men final - 7th James West 3.48.48, 10th Dom Brown 3.49.93
Full results can be found here - www.uka.org.uk/results/20180701_birmingham/timetable/index/
