December 2021
Lough 5 mile road race, Friday 31st December
Lucy Thompson probably produced the final TAC distance runner performance of 2021 when she raced a 5 mile road race in Ireland. Lucy finished 41st in 30.37.
Full results here - www.lough5.com/#/results
Full results here - www.lough5.com/#/results
New Year's Eve Hill Training Session at Knole Park
About 50 runners of all ages came to the last training session of 2021.
Tonbridge AC Boxing Day Handicap Results, 26th December 2021
Video loaded !
Ewan Prendergast was first home.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjzwoaf plus on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Results on the Results 2021 page
Conditions were so wet that hardly any other than the first three home ran faster than initially predicted .
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjzwoaf plus on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Results on the Results 2021 page
Conditions were so wet that hardly any other than the first three home ran faster than initially predicted .
Ewan Prendergast - winner of the TAC Boxing Day Handicap
Christmas and New Year Training 2021/2 - General timetable
Please consult your specific group coach for more information.
| tonbridge_ac_christmas_and_new_year_training_schedule.docx |
South of Thames Cross Country Championship Race, Saturday 18th December
Video loaded !
Jamie Goodge had the best win of his career, after a race long battle with a small group at the front of this 12km race. Jamie became the first TAC men's winner since Ben Reynolds in 1992 (records here - www.sotcca.org.uk/mens-championship-race
Full results are on the Results 2021 page -
Men - 1st Jamie Goodge, 11th Harry Paton, 19th Luke Reeves, 56th Tony Bennett, 84 Mark Pitcairn-Knowles, 89th Joe Watts, 110th Tom Rule, 111th Chris Potter, 171st Richard Sargent, 179th Scott Shurmer.
The men's team didn't actually finish 3rd as the results suggest. Maths suggest otherwise !
Women - 42nd Sophie Preston, 49th Grazia Manzotti.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjzvzqt and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Full results are on the Results 2021 page -
Men - 1st Jamie Goodge, 11th Harry Paton, 19th Luke Reeves, 56th Tony Bennett, 84 Mark Pitcairn-Knowles, 89th Joe Watts, 110th Tom Rule, 111th Chris Potter, 171st Richard Sargent, 179th Scott Shurmer.
The men's team didn't actually finish 3rd as the results suggest. Maths suggest otherwise !
Women - 42nd Sophie Preston, 49th Grazia Manzotti.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHBqjzvzqt and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above - Jamie Goodge on his way to a win at Beckenham
Above - TAC squad at Beckenham
Battersea Park Under The Lights 5 miles road race, Friday 17th December
Personal bests all around for TAC runners at Battersea.
Women
1st Lucy Reid 26.26 (TAC club record), 2nd Nicole Taylor 26.30, 6th Imogen Amos 29.32
Men
31st Dan Bradley 24.39
Full results here - results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1334&EId=1&dt=0&adv=0
Women
1st Lucy Reid 26.26 (TAC club record), 2nd Nicole Taylor 26.30, 6th Imogen Amos 29.32
Men
31st Dan Bradley 24.39
Full results here - results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=1334&EId=1&dt=0&adv=0
James West runs 13.40 for a 5000 metres time trial at Tonbridge, Friday 17th December
James West ran a 5000 metres time trial on Friday night at Tonbridge, two days after getting back from the USA. He was helped by team mates completing a variety of sessions. Video here -
Other weekend news, 11th/12th December
Sunday
Telford 10k
Ben Cole finished in 30.27. Verity Hopkins ran 35.20.(pb by 68s)
Full results here - results.eventchiptiming.com/results.aspx?CId=16202&RId=12061
Telford 10k
Ben Cole finished in 30.27. Verity Hopkins ran 35.20.(pb by 68s)
Full results here - results.eventchiptiming.com/results.aspx?CId=16202&RId=12061
South of England Inter Counties and Masters Cross Country Championships, at Lloyd Park, Croydon
Saturday 11th December 2021 - Videos Loaded !
The bulk of the TAC athletes present were representing Kent in the inter counties events, but there were also a number running as Tonbridge in the Masters Championships.
Results are on the Results 2021 page and here - seaa.org.uk/index.php/results/cross-country
Lucy Reid who finished 2nd in the senior women's race.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXf7fcF and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Results are on the Results 2021 page and here - seaa.org.uk/index.php/results/cross-country
Lucy Reid who finished 2nd in the senior women's race.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXf7fcF and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above photos at the Southern Inter Counties
Top - Lucy Reid, Imogen Amos, Ella Ayden
Bottom - Annabelle Hales, Ollie Head, James Petrie
Top - Lucy Reid, Imogen Amos, Ella Ayden
Bottom - Annabelle Hales, Ollie Head, James Petrie
Latest Masters news from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles, 9th December
The file below includes the latest Masters / Veterans newsletter from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles.
| tac_masters_9th_december_2021_newsletter.pdf |
Other results, Saturday and Sunday 4th/5th December
Saturday
Podium 5k road race at Leicester
Alex Howard was 8th in 14.46 and Simon Coppard 23rd in 15.08
Results here - www.ukresults.net/2021/podleic4.html
Sunday
Weybridge 10k road race
Aimee Holdstock ran 47.50 to finish 26th female.
Full results are here - mytime.kronosports.uk/results.aspx?CId=20177&RId=186&EId=1
Victory 5 mile road race, Portsmouth
Full results are here -
results.sporthive.com/events/6873224228578493184/races/1
8th Dan Bradley 24.51 (pb by 33s), 9th Steve Strange 24.55 (pb by 49s)
1st female Nicole Taylor 27.00 (pb by 1.31), 2nd female Lucy Reid 27.15 (first race since March 2020), 12th Harriet Woolley 30.22 (pb by 36s), 14th Imogen Amos 30.40 (debut).
Nicole's time is a TAC club record, improving Lucy Reid's mark by four seconds.
Podium 5k road race at Leicester
Alex Howard was 8th in 14.46 and Simon Coppard 23rd in 15.08
Results here - www.ukresults.net/2021/podleic4.html
Sunday
Weybridge 10k road race
Aimee Holdstock ran 47.50 to finish 26th female.
Full results are here - mytime.kronosports.uk/results.aspx?CId=20177&RId=186&EId=1
Victory 5 mile road race, Portsmouth
Full results are here -
results.sporthive.com/events/6873224228578493184/races/1
8th Dan Bradley 24.51 (pb by 33s), 9th Steve Strange 24.55 (pb by 49s)
1st female Nicole Taylor 27.00 (pb by 1.31), 2nd female Lucy Reid 27.15 (first race since March 2020), 12th Harriet Woolley 30.22 (pb by 36s), 14th Imogen Amos 30.40 (debut).
Nicole's time is a TAC club record, improving Lucy Reid's mark by four seconds.
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Photos above - Nicole Taylor and Lucy Reid 1st and 2nd at Portsmouth 5 miles road race
English Schools Cross Country Cup Final, at Newquay, Saturday 4th December
Judd School won the Senior Boys title and finished third in the Junior Boys. All 4 scorers with the senior team were TAC members, with the first 3 scorers for the Junior Boys being likewise. Sevenoaks School won the junior girls' championship, although none of their team are with TAC.
Top 10 places were achieved by Matthew Dubery (senior 3rd), Jamie MacDonald (senior 6th) and James Petrie (junior 8th).
Reports suggest that high winds and hail made conditions extremely challenging.
Full results - www.schoolsathletics.net/esaa/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21results.php and also on the Results 2021 page with all TAC highlighted.
Top 10 places were achieved by Matthew Dubery (senior 3rd), Jamie MacDonald (senior 6th) and James Petrie (junior 8th).
Reports suggest that high winds and hail made conditions extremely challenging.
Full results - www.schoolsathletics.net/esaa/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21results.php and also on the Results 2021 page with all TAC highlighted.
Above - all Tonbridge AC but winning the English Schools Cup in the Senior Boys age group
Josh Prendergast, George Hopkins, Jamie MacDonald, Matthew Dubery, Rhys Page, Ben Pearce
Josh Prendergast, George Hopkins, Jamie MacDonald, Matthew Dubery, Rhys Page, Ben Pearce
Kent Masters/Veterans Cross Country Championships, at Dartford, Saturday 4th December
Videos loaded !
Ben Reynolds won the men's 50 to 59 age group title.
TAC over 35 women won the team title, with Nichola Evans 3rd. The over 45 women's team also won.
The over 50 men finished 3rd.
Full results can be found here - www.kcaa.org.uk/race%20results%2021.htm and also on the Results 2021 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXcZWpR and Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
TAC over 35 women won the team title, with Nichola Evans 3rd. The over 45 women's team also won.
The over 50 men finished 3rd.
Full results can be found here - www.kcaa.org.uk/race%20results%2021.htm and also on the Results 2021 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXcZWpR and Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above - Photos from the Kent Masters Championships
Top - Over 40 men, Over 50 men
Middle - Women's squad, Ben Reynolds
Bottom - Nichola Evans, Julian Rendall
Top - Over 40 men, Over 50 men
Middle - Women's squad, Ben Reynolds
Bottom - Nichola Evans, Julian Rendall
Weekend ahead, 4th/5th December
There are TAC distance runners competing at various venues across the weekend.
The main TAC event is the Kent Masters Cross Country Championships at Dartford. See the Race Information page for details. There are also healthy numbers racing for local schools in the English Schools Cross Country Cup Final, at Newquay. See here - www.esaa.net/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21final.php
The Birmingham Cross Country League takes place, which should feature one or two TAC runners, whilst similarly on Sunday there is a 5 mile road race at Portsmouth which will include some TAC vests.
The main TAC event is the Kent Masters Cross Country Championships at Dartford. See the Race Information page for details. There are also healthy numbers racing for local schools in the English Schools Cross Country Cup Final, at Newquay. See here - www.esaa.net/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21final.php
The Birmingham Cross Country League takes place, which should feature one or two TAC runners, whilst similarly on Sunday there is a 5 mile road race at Portsmouth which will include some TAC vests.
Other weekend news, 27th/28th November
Saturday
Oxford vs Cambridge Varsity Cross Country Second Team match, at St Neots
Lauren Major finished 1st, running for Oxford.
Oxford vs Cambridge Varsity Cross Country Second Team match, at St Neots
Lauren Major finished 1st, running for Oxford.
Kent Cross Country League at Footscray Meadows, Saturday 27th November
Videos loaded !
Results are on the Results 2021 page.
Wins for the under 13 girls, under 17 men, under 20 men and senior men.
Individual wins for Steve Strange (seniors) and Jamie MacDonald (under 17)
Tom Claridge (u17) and Harrison Fraser (u15) both completed their league seasons in 2nd place.
We have some video footage from all the races. Many thanks to Mark Pitcairn-Knowles and Philippa Robinson for helping with this.
Wins for the under 13 girls, under 17 men, under 20 men and senior men.
Individual wins for Steve Strange (seniors) and Jamie MacDonald (under 17)
Tom Claridge (u17) and Harrison Fraser (u15) both completed their league seasons in 2nd place.
We have some video footage from all the races. Many thanks to Mark Pitcairn-Knowles and Philippa Robinson for helping with this.
Above - The under 13 girls who had their first win of the season at the Kent League
(photo courtesy of Sarah Tayton)
(photo courtesy of Sarah Tayton)
Above - Steve Strange who won the men's race at the Kent League
UK Cross Challenge and European Championships Trials, at Sefton Park, Liverpool
Saturday 27th November . Videos loaded !
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6870310191559753728
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXbmcF6 and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Senior Men - 39th Alasdair Kinloch, 64th Corey De'Ath, 70th Jamie Goodge, 80th Kieran Reilly
Senior Women - 34th Nicole Taylor
Under 20 Women - 40th Katie Goodge (Charlotte Alexander did not finish)
Under 20 Men - 17th James Kingston, 35th Matthew Taylor
Under 15 Girls - 19th Lily Slack
Senior Men 1500m - 11th Simon Coppard, 15th Kieran Reilly
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmXbmcF6 and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Senior Men - 39th Alasdair Kinloch, 64th Corey De'Ath, 70th Jamie Goodge, 80th Kieran Reilly
Senior Women - 34th Nicole Taylor
Under 20 Women - 40th Katie Goodge (Charlotte Alexander did not finish)
Under 20 Men - 17th James Kingston, 35th Matthew Taylor
Under 15 Girls - 19th Lily Slack
Senior Men 1500m - 11th Simon Coppard, 15th Kieran Reilly
Stop Press ! - Two late results
A couple of late results, from Sunday 7th November -
Hamsterley Forest Running Festival
Steph Puxty finished 2nd female at the Hammersley Multi Terrain Marathon in 4.19.53
Full results are here - www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=433186&pagenum=1#MarMT
Oxfordshire Cross Country League
Ben Cole finished 3rd, running for his second claim club, Swindon Harriers
Results here - oxonxc.org.uk/files/results/2021_14.pdf
Hamsterley Forest Running Festival
Steph Puxty finished 2nd female at the Hammersley Multi Terrain Marathon in 4.19.53
Full results are here - www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=433186&pagenum=1#MarMT
Oxfordshire Cross Country League
Ben Cole finished 3rd, running for his second claim club, Swindon Harriers
Results here - oxonxc.org.uk/files/results/2021_14.pdf
RunThrough Chase The Moon Battersea Park 10km Road Race, Wednesday 24th November
Harry Paton won this evening 10km road race at Battersea Park in 31.58, which improved his pb by 52 seconds.
Full results are here - results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=4562
Full results are here - results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=4562
Above - Harry Paton ran a pb and won at the Battersea 10km road race
Latest Masters news from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles, 23rd November
The file below includes the latest Masters / Veterans newsletter from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles.
| tac_masters_23rd_november_2021_newsletter.pdf |
Sunday news, 21st November
Crowborough 10k road race
Sophie Preston was the only TAC member in action at Crowborough and ran 45.31 to finish as 6th female on this tough course. Full results - results.sporthive.com/events/6868133145880062720
British Masters Athletic Federation 10km road championships, at Gravesend
There were plenty of TAC Masters/Veterans racing at Gravesend. See below.
Results here - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/bmaf-10km/
Chelmsford 10km road race
2nd Dan Bradley 31.24 (pb), 3rd Steve Strange 31.33 (pb by 51s)
7th female Philippa Robinson ran 39.12 (pb by 68s)
Full results - www.racetimeresult.co.uk/chelmsford-10k
Sophie Preston was the only TAC member in action at Crowborough and ran 45.31 to finish as 6th female on this tough course. Full results - results.sporthive.com/events/6868133145880062720
British Masters Athletic Federation 10km road championships, at Gravesend
There were plenty of TAC Masters/Veterans racing at Gravesend. See below.
Results here - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/bmaf-10km/
Chelmsford 10km road race
2nd Dan Bradley 31.24 (pb), 3rd Steve Strange 31.33 (pb by 51s)
7th female Philippa Robinson ran 39.12 (pb by 68s)
Full results - www.racetimeresult.co.uk/chelmsford-10k
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Above - TAC results at British Masters Athletics Association Championships
Plus 58th Mark Pitcairn-Knowles 39.17, 117th Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 45.49, 126th Mark Grange 46.57 and 128th Alan Newman 47.15
Plus 58th Mark Pitcairn-Knowles 39.17, 117th Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 45.49, 126th Mark Grange 46.57 and 128th Alan Newman 47.15
Above
Left - Nichola Evans, Lisa Knight, Tina Oldershaw, Maria Heslop, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Right - Joe Baldwin blocks out his guide Kean Anderson !
Left - Nichola Evans, Lisa Knight, Tina Oldershaw, Maria Heslop, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Right - Joe Baldwin blocks out his guide Kean Anderson !
Saturday news, 20th November
Scottish Universities Cross Country Championships
Kieran Reilly, who is at Stirling University, finished 5th. Full results here, although one showing ahead only did two of the three laps - kitst.co.uk/sss-xc-men-2021.html
NCAA Cross Country Championships, Florida
George Duggan finished 149th. Full results -
live.pttiming.com/XC-PTT.html?mid=2431
Kieran Reilly, who is at Stirling University, finished 5th. Full results here, although one showing ahead only did two of the three laps - kitst.co.uk/sss-xc-men-2021.html
NCAA Cross Country Championships, Florida
George Duggan finished 149th. Full results -
live.pttiming.com/XC-PTT.html?mid=2431
Weekend ahead 20th/21st November
Saturday
NCAA Cross Country Championships from Florida. Live on BT Sport 2 at 3pm to 5pm. George Duggan is in the University of Portland team.
Scottish Universities Cross Country Championships - Kieran Reilly and maybe others racing.
Sunday
British Masters 10km Road Championships, at Cyclopark, Gravesend
See TAC entries here - bmaf.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/bmaf-10km/
NCAA Cross Country Championships from Florida. Live on BT Sport 2 at 3pm to 5pm. George Duggan is in the University of Portland team.
Scottish Universities Cross Country Championships - Kieran Reilly and maybe others racing.
Sunday
British Masters 10km Road Championships, at Cyclopark, Gravesend
See TAC entries here - bmaf.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/bmaf-10km/
Other Weekend news, Friday 12th to Sunday 13th November
Friday
NCAA West Region Cross Country Championships, Sacramento, California
George Duggan finished 32nd in the West Region Championships, scoring for the third placed Portland team. George ran 30.28 for the 10k course.
Full results - rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/111221/events/2
Saturday
English Schools Cross Country Cup, Regional Round, at Vizards fields, Judd School
Matthew Dubery won the senior boys race. Full results are here -
www.schoolsathletics.net/esaa/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21results.php
They are also on the Results 2021 page with TAC members highlighted.
Edinburgh Braid Hills Cross Country Races, Edinburgh
10k - 7th Kieran Reilly
5k - 3rd Nathan Marsh, 24th James Puxty, 144th Elizabeth Heslop, 167th Steph Puxty
Full results are on the Results 2021 page.
Milton Keynes Cross Challenge
Senior Men - 5th Alasdair Kinloch 18th Corey De'Ath, Senior Women - 8th Nicole Taylor, 42nd Lauren Major 51st Lucy Thompson Under 17/20 Men - 10th James Kingston, Under 17/20 Women - 2nd Charlotte Alexander 38th Katie Goodge, Under 15 Girls - 12th Lily Slack
Full results - www.chilternccl.co.uk/cl2021m2provisional.htm
Some videos can be found here - www.youtube.com/c/MojaSports/videos
Birmingham Cross Country League, at Crewe
Toby Emm, running for Loughborough University, finished 48th.
www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2021-22/2021-11-13-Combined.pdfFull results -
Lydd 10k Road Race
5th Matthew Dennis 35.53, 6th Dan Madams 36.00. Full results -
www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Lydd-10k/2021
Surrey Cross Country League at Wimbledon Common
12th Max Nicholls
Full results - https://www.surreyleague.org/slm/race/275/#indiv
Cambridge University Cuppers Races, at St Neots
Women - 29th Lucy Randall, Men - 18th Alex Beeston. Results -
thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=434246
Sunday
Marden 10k and Half Marathon
There was some TAC representation at Marden.
10k - 1st Nathan Chapman 34.20, 12th Lewis Jones 40.41, 13th Spencer Elphick 42.03
Half Marathon - 6th Tony Bennett 83.39, 10th John Madden 89.11, 11th David Suddes 89.38 (pb by 6.49)
Results are here -
results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=288&EId=1&dt=1
Tamworth 10k
Will Beeston finished 2nd in this 10k race in 32.46. Will and others suspect the course was about 30s short. Results are here -
www.stuweb.co.uk/race/2QR
NCAA West Region Cross Country Championships, Sacramento, California
George Duggan finished 32nd in the West Region Championships, scoring for the third placed Portland team. George ran 30.28 for the 10k course.
Full results - rt.trackscoreboard.com/meets/111221/events/2
Saturday
English Schools Cross Country Cup, Regional Round, at Vizards fields, Judd School
Matthew Dubery won the senior boys race. Full results are here -
www.schoolsathletics.net/esaa/v2/2021/xccup/xccup21results.php
They are also on the Results 2021 page with TAC members highlighted.
Edinburgh Braid Hills Cross Country Races, Edinburgh
10k - 7th Kieran Reilly
5k - 3rd Nathan Marsh, 24th James Puxty, 144th Elizabeth Heslop, 167th Steph Puxty
Full results are on the Results 2021 page.
Milton Keynes Cross Challenge
Senior Men - 5th Alasdair Kinloch 18th Corey De'Ath, Senior Women - 8th Nicole Taylor, 42nd Lauren Major 51st Lucy Thompson Under 17/20 Men - 10th James Kingston, Under 17/20 Women - 2nd Charlotte Alexander 38th Katie Goodge, Under 15 Girls - 12th Lily Slack
Full results - www.chilternccl.co.uk/cl2021m2provisional.htm
Some videos can be found here - www.youtube.com/c/MojaSports/videos
Birmingham Cross Country League, at Crewe
Toby Emm, running for Loughborough University, finished 48th.
www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2021-22/2021-11-13-Combined.pdfFull results -
Lydd 10k Road Race
5th Matthew Dennis 35.53, 6th Dan Madams 36.00. Full results -
www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Lydd-10k/2021
Surrey Cross Country League at Wimbledon Common
12th Max Nicholls
Full results - https://www.surreyleague.org/slm/race/275/#indiv
Cambridge University Cuppers Races, at St Neots
Women - 29th Lucy Randall, Men - 18th Alex Beeston. Results -
thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=434246
Sunday
Marden 10k and Half Marathon
There was some TAC representation at Marden.
10k - 1st Nathan Chapman 34.20, 12th Lewis Jones 40.41, 13th Spencer Elphick 42.03
Half Marathon - 6th Tony Bennett 83.39, 10th John Madden 89.11, 11th David Suddes 89.38 (pb by 6.49)
Results are here -
results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=288&EId=1&dt=1
Tamworth 10k
Will Beeston finished 2nd in this 10k race in 32.46. Will and others suspect the course was about 30s short. Results are here -
www.stuweb.co.uk/race/2QR
Kent Cross Country League, at Danson Park, Bexleyheath, Saturday 13th November
Videos loaded !
Verity Hopkins won the women's race and led the TAC team to victory in both the three and six to score competitions.
The TAC teams were generally significantly depleted due to other fixtures, most notably the English Schools Cup regional round. However, somehow we just about managed to complete scoring teams in each age group race.
The senior women had their best performance of the season so far to win, having 6 scorers in the first 11 home.
The under 17 men lost for the first time, but there were still some good runs, with Angus Currie first home in 8th, moving through strongly.
Credit to the under 17 women who only had three runners but kept the team alive. Ella McIntyre had one of her best races, behind Ella Ayden.
Harrison Fraser led the under 15s home in 5th, with the ever-improving Connor Prendergast finishing 9th.
Penny Horne was first scorer for the under 15s in 20th.
The under 13 boys' field had 70 finishers. Jamie Rogers improved his position to 23rd.
Millie Watts bounced back well from a recent bout of covid to finish 4th in the under 13 girls' race.
Results are on the Results 2021 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmX84BMa and Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
The TAC teams were generally significantly depleted due to other fixtures, most notably the English Schools Cup regional round. However, somehow we just about managed to complete scoring teams in each age group race.
The senior women had their best performance of the season so far to win, having 6 scorers in the first 11 home.
The under 17 men lost for the first time, but there were still some good runs, with Angus Currie first home in 8th, moving through strongly.
Credit to the under 17 women who only had three runners but kept the team alive. Ella McIntyre had one of her best races, behind Ella Ayden.
Harrison Fraser led the under 15s home in 5th, with the ever-improving Connor Prendergast finishing 9th.
Penny Horne was first scorer for the under 15s in 20th.
The under 13 boys' field had 70 finishers. Jamie Rogers improved his position to 23rd.
Millie Watts bounced back well from a recent bout of covid to finish 4th in the under 13 girls' race.
Results are on the Results 2021 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmX84BMa and Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above - Senior Women's squad won at the Kent League
Above
Top - Under 17 women and under 13 girls
Botton - Under 13 boys and Verity Hopkins winning the senior race
Top - Under 17 women and under 13 girls
Botton - Under 13 boys and Verity Hopkins winning the senior race
St Albans Schools Cross Country Race, Wednesday 10th November
Some TAC who were racing -
2nd Matt Dubery, 4th Jamie MacDonald, 7th Ben Pearce, 8th George Hopkins, 12th Adam Singleterry, 14th Rhys Page, 15th Henry Bretz, 16th Huxley Crush, 25th Tom Claridge.
2nd Matt Dubery, 4th Jamie MacDonald, 7th Ben Pearce, 8th George Hopkins, 12th Adam Singleterry, 14th Rhys Page, 15th Henry Bretz, 16th Huxley Crush, 25th Tom Claridge.
Reading Half Marathon, Sunday 7th November
Verity Hopkins ran 77.37 which is a personal best and equal 4th fastest TAC all time for women.
National Cross Country Relay Championships, at Berry Hill Park, Mansfield, Saturday 6th November
Videos loading !
Full results are on the Results 2021 page and here -
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/news/results-relays-2021/
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHsmX5hRHY and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
TAC took 51 runners to Mansfield, which was the lowest number for eleven years. However, looking at the overall results, the numbers particularly in the younger age groups were down 20% or so. This is probably still the legacy from the pandemic and an unwillingness by some to travel.
Senior Men 5th of 172 teams plus B team 9th (1st B team) , C team 44th (2nd C team)
Senior Women 29th of 128 teams. only the 4th time TAC have completed a women's team at the championships.
Under 20 Men 5th of 63 (4th club as one university ahead), B team 31st
Under 20 Women 4th of 38 (Bronze medals as one university ahead). First time TAC have ever won medals in this event.
Under 17 Men 10th of 83, B team 23rd (3rd B team), C team 43rd (2nd C team)
Under 17 Women 22nd of 68, B team 46th
Under 15 Boys 17th of 85, B team 22nd
Under 15 Girls 31st of 90
Under 13 Boys 31st of 80
No under 13 Girls team
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/news/results-relays-2021/
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHsmX5hRHY and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
TAC took 51 runners to Mansfield, which was the lowest number for eleven years. However, looking at the overall results, the numbers particularly in the younger age groups were down 20% or so. This is probably still the legacy from the pandemic and an unwillingness by some to travel.
Senior Men 5th of 172 teams plus B team 9th (1st B team) , C team 44th (2nd C team)
Senior Women 29th of 128 teams. only the 4th time TAC have completed a women's team at the championships.
Under 20 Men 5th of 63 (4th club as one university ahead), B team 31st
Under 20 Women 4th of 38 (Bronze medals as one university ahead). First time TAC have ever won medals in this event.
Under 17 Men 10th of 83, B team 23rd (3rd B team), C team 43rd (2nd C team)
Under 17 Women 22nd of 68, B team 46th
Under 15 Boys 17th of 85, B team 22nd
Under 15 Girls 31st of 90
Under 13 Boys 31st of 80
No under 13 Girls team
Above - Under 20 women with bronze medals
Charlotte Alexander, Imogen Amos, Katie Goodge
Charlotte Alexander, Imogen Amos, Katie Goodge
Above photos of a few who had particularly good runs at Mansfield
Top - Under 13 boys, Imogen Amos, Sophie Slack
Middle - Tom Claridge, Connor Prendergast, Daniel Jeddo
Bottom - Ellie Baxter, Ben Murphy, Alasdair Kinloch
Top - Under 13 boys, Imogen Amos, Sophie Slack
Middle - Tom Claridge, Connor Prendergast, Daniel Jeddo
Bottom - Ellie Baxter, Ben Murphy, Alasdair Kinloch
Haskell Cup Schools Cross Country Relays, at Guildford, Wednesday 3rd November
Quite a few TAC athletes ran in this relay, mainly for Judd and Sevenoaks . Results are on the Results 2021 page.
Other weekend news, Saturday/Sunday 30th/31st October
Saturday
Parkruns
All the TAC results can be found here - www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Sunday
Bedgebury Forest Half Marathon and 10k Trail races
Sean Climo was 5th in the 10k in 47.15 and Rachel Fagg was 29th in 56.12
Full results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Bedgebury-Half/2021
East Sussex Cross Country League at Ashdown Forest
Jasper Burton was 4th in the under 13 boys race.
Results should be posted here - www.eastsussexcrosscountry.co.uk/results
Parkruns
All the TAC results can be found here - www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Sunday
Bedgebury Forest Half Marathon and 10k Trail races
Sean Climo was 5th in the 10k in 47.15 and Rachel Fagg was 29th in 56.12
Full results are here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Bedgebury-Half/2021
East Sussex Cross Country League at Ashdown Forest
Jasper Burton was 4th in the under 13 boys race.
Results should be posted here - www.eastsussexcrosscountry.co.uk/results
World Mountain Running Association, Nations Cup, Chiavenna, Italy, Sunday 31st October
Max Nicholls finished 10th in the race and was the second scorer for the England men's team that won silver medals.
Full results are here - www.endu.net/en/events/val-bregaglia-trail/results
Full results are here - www.endu.net/en/events/val-bregaglia-trail/results
Above - Max Nicholls (far left) with the England team who won silver medals in Italy
West Coast Cross Country Championships, Concord, California, USA, Friday 29th October
George Duggan, running for Portand finished 15th in their Conference Championships . Full results are here -
www.rtspt.com/events/wcc/xc2021/mp/#event3
www.rtspt.com/events/wcc/xc2021/mp/#event3
Latest Masters/Veterans Update, 26th October
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles' latest Masters update is available. See the TAC Masters/Veterans Updates page.
| tac_masters_26th_october_2021_newsletter.pdf |
Leeds Abbey Dash 10km Road Race, Sunday 24th October
New club record for Nicole Taylor.
Nicole Taylor and Alex Howard both had superb races at the Leeds 10k.
Nicole, who was representing an England team, finished 6th female and ran a new pb and TAC club record of 33.06, bettering Ashley Gibson's time. This was 1.46 inside her previous time set in 2019. Alex took 1.34 from his pb, also set in 2019 and ran 29.39
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6854690181502539776/races/479958
Weymouth 10 mile road race
Julian Rendall ran 60.31 and finished 6th in this 10 miles road race.
Full results here - www.timingmonkey.co.uk/results/Weymouth10-2021/#0_8AF0E5
Nicole, who was representing an England team, finished 6th female and ran a new pb and TAC club record of 33.06, bettering Ashley Gibson's time. This was 1.46 inside her previous time set in 2019. Alex took 1.34 from his pb, also set in 2019 and ran 29.39
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6854690181502539776/races/479958
Weymouth 10 mile road race
Julian Rendall ran 60.31 and finished 6th in this 10 miles road race.
Full results here - www.timingmonkey.co.uk/results/Weymouth10-2021/#0_8AF0E5
Above - Nicole Taylor and Alex Howard at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k
(photos courtesy of Richard Owen)
(photos courtesy of Richard Owen)
Kent Cross Country League, at Tonbridge, Saturday 23rd October
Videos loaded !
Full results are on the Results 2021 page.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmWZuoDb
They are also on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Sincerest thanks to the 80+ people who helped by volunteering to course marshal, monitor car parking, making cakes and sandwiches, plus all the other jobs that needed doing to put the event on.
Senior Men - 1st in 4 to score and 12 to score
For the second week in a row Jamie Goodge led TAC to a convincing win in the senior men's race, as he won the race.
Perhaps the performance of the day came from Matthew Taylor, who finished 2nd and is still just 17 years old.
Senior Women - 2nd in 3 to score, 1st in 6 to score
These were exactly the same team results as last week, with Cambridge Harriers winning the 3 to score contest. Verity Hopkins, who won the Brighton Marathon in September finished 4th. It was great to see 20 TAC starters, which equalled the club's attendance record in the league, which was set at the same fixture two years ago. This figure includes Sue James who ran in the separate over 65 women's race, a truly inspiring performance after suffering serious ill health in the last year.
Under 17 and 20 men - 1st under 17s
The squad was ravaged by Covid and injuries but still somehow managed to win. Tom Claridge stepped up well as the third scorer to finish 10th.
Under 17 and 20 women - 4th under 17s
Sophie Slack led the team home in 10th.
Under 15 Boys - 3rd
Harrison Fraser had a good run to finish 5th, as did Dan Jeddo (14th), whilst Connor Prendergast became the third of the Prendergast brothers to compete for TAC.
Under 15 Girls - 5th
Lily Slack was 4th having shaken off some illness recently and Carmen Wright had another good run in 11th to lead TAC home.
Under 13 Boys - 2nd
This was a much better showing in terms of the result and attendance compared to the previous week. Quite a few were making their debuts and had strong performances.
Under 13 Girls - 3rd
Emily Tayton had a well judged run to finish 8th, whilst the team finished third as they had done the week before.
Scanning through the results there we a lot of good mid pack performances by many relatively new TAC members. This was particularly encouraging and hopefully a few might continue to get stronger as we head towards the championships in the new year.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmWZuoDb
They are also on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Sincerest thanks to the 80+ people who helped by volunteering to course marshal, monitor car parking, making cakes and sandwiches, plus all the other jobs that needed doing to put the event on.
Senior Men - 1st in 4 to score and 12 to score
For the second week in a row Jamie Goodge led TAC to a convincing win in the senior men's race, as he won the race.
Perhaps the performance of the day came from Matthew Taylor, who finished 2nd and is still just 17 years old.
Senior Women - 2nd in 3 to score, 1st in 6 to score
These were exactly the same team results as last week, with Cambridge Harriers winning the 3 to score contest. Verity Hopkins, who won the Brighton Marathon in September finished 4th. It was great to see 20 TAC starters, which equalled the club's attendance record in the league, which was set at the same fixture two years ago. This figure includes Sue James who ran in the separate over 65 women's race, a truly inspiring performance after suffering serious ill health in the last year.
Under 17 and 20 men - 1st under 17s
The squad was ravaged by Covid and injuries but still somehow managed to win. Tom Claridge stepped up well as the third scorer to finish 10th.
Under 17 and 20 women - 4th under 17s
Sophie Slack led the team home in 10th.
Under 15 Boys - 3rd
Harrison Fraser had a good run to finish 5th, as did Dan Jeddo (14th), whilst Connor Prendergast became the third of the Prendergast brothers to compete for TAC.
Under 15 Girls - 5th
Lily Slack was 4th having shaken off some illness recently and Carmen Wright had another good run in 11th to lead TAC home.
Under 13 Boys - 2nd
This was a much better showing in terms of the result and attendance compared to the previous week. Quite a few were making their debuts and had strong performances.
Under 13 Girls - 3rd
Emily Tayton had a well judged run to finish 8th, whilst the team finished third as they had done the week before.
Scanning through the results there we a lot of good mid pack performances by many relatively new TAC members. This was particularly encouraging and hopefully a few might continue to get stronger as we head towards the championships in the new year.
Above - a few photos from the Kent League
Top - under 13 boys start, under 15 girls start, Verity Hopkins
Middle - Jamie Goodge, Matthew Taylor, Under 13 Girls team
Bottom - Under 17 men, Senior Men, Senior Women
Top - under 13 boys start, under 15 girls start, Verity Hopkins
Middle - Jamie Goodge, Matthew Taylor, Under 13 Girls team
Bottom - Under 17 men, Senior Men, Senior Women
Latest Masters/Veterans Update, 21st October
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles' latest Masters update is available. See the TAC Masters/Veterans Updates page.
TAC Takeaways Mentoring - Latest video
Having plenty of success as a young athlete
I thought that I had best address the balance to the video I posted a couple of days ago, which had drawn a fair amount of feedback.
TAC Takeaways Mentoring - Latest video
Finishing further down the field when you are a young athlete
Prompted by a few messages from parents in recent weeks I thought that I would this video to others that we have done this year. See the left hand menu for more tips from me and some of our established senior runners.
Sam Crick has kindly added a short video describing his own experiences.
Sam Crick has kindly added a short video describing his own experiences.
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Other weekend results, Saturday and Sunday 16th/17th October
Videos loaded !
Saturday
Cardiff Cross Challenge
James Kingston finished 5th in the under 20 men's race at the Cardiff UK Cross Challenge event, combined with visiting his twin sister at university. Full results are here - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/ccc21/event/
Lewis and Clark Cross Country Invitational, Oregon, USA
Fast times were recorded by George Duggan and James West as they both went under 24 minutes for the 8km course at Oregon. Full results are here - live.athletictiming.net/meets/11454/xc-events/379699/live
Surrey Cross Country League, at Richmond Park
Alex Howard (7th) and Max Nicholls (11th) competed for their second claim clubs at the Surrey League fixture.
Full results are here - www.surreyleague.org/slm/race/273/#indiv
Sunday
Great South Run, 10 miles, Portsmouth
Corey De'Ath finished 13th in 50.40, having been on target for sub 50 with 2 miles to go, before developing stitch. Adam Singleterry (u20) finished 74th in 59.12. Both were debut performances at the distance. Verity Hopkins made her 10 mile debut and ran 59.44 to finish an excellent 10th. Full results are here - www.greatrun.org/results/954/?race_category=3444
Cambridge Half Marathon
Lucy Thompson finished 10th female in 84.07, which was a personal best by 7.19, improving on her previous one last year.
Full results - cambridgehalfmarathon.com/previous-results/
Cardiff Cross Challenge
James Kingston finished 5th in the under 20 men's race at the Cardiff UK Cross Challenge event, combined with visiting his twin sister at university. Full results are here - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2021/GBR/ccc21/event/
Lewis and Clark Cross Country Invitational, Oregon, USA
Fast times were recorded by George Duggan and James West as they both went under 24 minutes for the 8km course at Oregon. Full results are here - live.athletictiming.net/meets/11454/xc-events/379699/live
Surrey Cross Country League, at Richmond Park
Alex Howard (7th) and Max Nicholls (11th) competed for their second claim clubs at the Surrey League fixture.
Full results are here - www.surreyleague.org/slm/race/273/#indiv
Sunday
Great South Run, 10 miles, Portsmouth
Corey De'Ath finished 13th in 50.40, having been on target for sub 50 with 2 miles to go, before developing stitch. Adam Singleterry (u20) finished 74th in 59.12. Both were debut performances at the distance. Verity Hopkins made her 10 mile debut and ran 59.44 to finish an excellent 10th. Full results are here - www.greatrun.org/results/954/?race_category=3444
Cambridge Half Marathon
Lucy Thompson finished 10th female in 84.07, which was a personal best by 7.19, improving on her previous one last year.
Full results - cambridgehalfmarathon.com/previous-results/
Above - Lucy Thompson after the Cambridge Half Marathon
Kent Cross Country League, at Swanley Park, Saturday 16th October
Full official results are on the Results 2021 page. There is also a link here -
www.kcaa.org.uk/kent%20league%20results.htm?fbclid=IwAR0YZ9s6Q6qRz6ArNrlGnW-YFsiyYm1knnboMZGCBdXNomaniCXeKSwgYFc#22
13 TAC runners didn't return their race numbers and I have emailed all of them replacements will be £5 if they are lost.
Senior Men - 1st in 4 to score and 12 to score
The only TAC individual win came from Jamie Goodge who led a clean sweep of the first five places in the senior men's race.
Checking my records I can't see a case where TAC have had 123, let alone 12345. Matthew Taylor, who as an under 17, won the South of England Cross Country Championships, made his senior debut as a first year u20 and excelled in 4th.
Senior Women - 2nd in 3 to score, 1st in 6 to score
The women's race was extended to 8km for the first time, which interestingly was not universally popular ! Despite this the attendance was good and there were 17 TAC starters, which equalled the most ever for the first Kent League fixture, although three short of the overall record. Cambridge Harriers filled the podium with Harriet Woolley in 4th.
Under 17 and 20 men - 1st under 17s
Although the TAC under 20s present opted to run the senior race. Jamie MacDonald in 2nd led the TAC team home.
The squad is one that is already chopping and changing positions and with some strength in depth this bodes well for the championship races.
Under 17 and 20 women - 4th under 17s
Sophie Preston was 5th of the under 20s present, whilst Lily Stewart was 11th in the under 17s. Lydia Hawker made her debut for the club.
Under 15 Boys - 3rd
TAC have won the Kent under 15 boys championship 15 years in a row, but this season its Medway and Maidstone showing the way in the league. They had four runners ahead of 5th placed Ollie Head, who had an excellent race. Liam Boyce made his TAC cross country debut and finished 24th.
Under 15 Girls - 5th
Carmen Wright had a good run in 11th to lead TAC home.
Under 13 Boys - 3rd
The TAC team was a little way from being at full strength. James Petrie led the team home and most of that team were having their first cross country race for the club.
Under 13 Girls -3rd
Only four ran in the end, with two having their first experience of the cross country league.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmWX8iAH plus on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
www.kcaa.org.uk/kent%20league%20results.htm?fbclid=IwAR0YZ9s6Q6qRz6ArNrlGnW-YFsiyYm1knnboMZGCBdXNomaniCXeKSwgYFc#22
13 TAC runners didn't return their race numbers and I have emailed all of them replacements will be £5 if they are lost.
Senior Men - 1st in 4 to score and 12 to score
The only TAC individual win came from Jamie Goodge who led a clean sweep of the first five places in the senior men's race.
Checking my records I can't see a case where TAC have had 123, let alone 12345. Matthew Taylor, who as an under 17, won the South of England Cross Country Championships, made his senior debut as a first year u20 and excelled in 4th.
Senior Women - 2nd in 3 to score, 1st in 6 to score
The women's race was extended to 8km for the first time, which interestingly was not universally popular ! Despite this the attendance was good and there were 17 TAC starters, which equalled the most ever for the first Kent League fixture, although three short of the overall record. Cambridge Harriers filled the podium with Harriet Woolley in 4th.
Under 17 and 20 men - 1st under 17s
Although the TAC under 20s present opted to run the senior race. Jamie MacDonald in 2nd led the TAC team home.
The squad is one that is already chopping and changing positions and with some strength in depth this bodes well for the championship races.
Under 17 and 20 women - 4th under 17s
Sophie Preston was 5th of the under 20s present, whilst Lily Stewart was 11th in the under 17s. Lydia Hawker made her debut for the club.
Under 15 Boys - 3rd
TAC have won the Kent under 15 boys championship 15 years in a row, but this season its Medway and Maidstone showing the way in the league. They had four runners ahead of 5th placed Ollie Head, who had an excellent race. Liam Boyce made his TAC cross country debut and finished 24th.
Under 15 Girls - 5th
Carmen Wright had a good run in 11th to lead TAC home.
Under 13 Boys - 3rd
The TAC team was a little way from being at full strength. James Petrie led the team home and most of that team were having their first cross country race for the club.
Under 13 Girls -3rd
Only four ran in the end, with two having their first experience of the cross country league.
Photos here - flic.kr/s/aHsmWX8iAH plus on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above - TAC men had 6 in the first 7 and 5 in the top 5, lead home by Jamie Goodge (far right)
Above - some who on their best form at the Kent League
Top - James Petrie, Carmen Wright, Ollie Head & Harrison Fraser
Middle - Thomas Claridge, Jamie MacDonald, Claire Day
Bottom - Sasha Humphries, Jamie Goodge, Matthew Taylor
Top - James Petrie, Carmen Wright, Ollie Head & Harrison Fraser
Middle - Thomas Claridge, Jamie MacDonald, Claire Day
Bottom - Sasha Humphries, Jamie Goodge, Matthew Taylor
Above - some relatively newcomers to TAC cross country
Top - Camden Ganson, Ewan Prendergast, George Stevens
Middle - Tom George, Liam Boyce, Lydia Hawker
Bottom - Sean Climo, Mark Grange, Ben Pearce
Top - Camden Ganson, Ewan Prendergast, George Stevens
Middle - Tom George, Liam Boyce, Lydia Hawker
Bottom - Sean Climo, Mark Grange, Ben Pearce
Kent Teams Selection Policy Winter 2021/2
This selection policy has been published this week -
www.kcaa.org.uk/county%20teams.htm?fbclid=IwAR2QJziCYkuF-JL1Ar_94sY21yStJDmRp-VHsIrBFUGFTVSoKD3jhp-5FQA
www.kcaa.org.uk/county%20teams.htm?fbclid=IwAR2QJziCYkuF-JL1Ar_94sY21yStJDmRp-VHsIrBFUGFTVSoKD3jhp-5FQA
English Schools Cross Country Cup, at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge, Tuesday 12th October
There were plenty of TAC members competing in the schools races.
Full results are on the Results 2021 page, with TAC highlighted.
Full results are on the Results 2021 page, with TAC highlighted.
Above - Judd School boys packed at the front of the Senior Boys race at Somerhill. All are TAC members
(photo courtesy of Simon Fraser)
(photo courtesy of Simon Fraser)
Nicole Taylor selected for England team for Leeds 10k road race
Nicole Taylor (see National Road Relays report below) has been selected to represent an England team at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10km road race on Sunday 24th October. Details are here -
www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/leeds-abbey-dash-10k-team-selected/
www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/leeds-abbey-dash-10k-team-selected/
Primary School and Prep School Cross Country Races, at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge
Monday 11th October
The schools races on Monday featured some TAC members so I have posted the results on the Results 2021 page.
Other races, Saturday and Sunday 9th/10th October
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Schools Cross Country at Charterhouse
Adam Singleterry won the cross country event at Charterhouse on Saturday with Ben Pearce finishing 3rd. Results are on the Results 2021 page. Budapest Marathon Joe Watts ran 3.14.51 and Adam Durbaba 3.15.38. It was a debut marathon for Adam. Photo right of Joe Watts in Budapest. Royal Parks Half Marathon Neil McClements showed that he has recovered from his Brighton Marathon win by finishing 3rd in 72.33 James Beeston (M50) showed he has recovered from injury, running his first half marathon for 8 years in 87.16. Full results - results.sporthive.com/events/6852605292726660864/races/479073 |
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Tonbridge Half Marathon, Sunday 10th October
Dan Bradley won the event a a very good time of 71.04, which was 21 seconds inside the course record. Michael Ellis finished second in 74.08. There were a few others from the club in action (simply put Tonbridge in the results search).
Sophie Preston was 3rd female in 93.25, making her debut at the distance.
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6852903273719852544/races/1
Sophie Preston was 3rd female in 93.25, making her debut at the distance.
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6852903273719852544/races/1
Above - Dan Bradley and Michael Ellis finished 1st and 2nd at the Tonbridge Half Marathon
National Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield, Saturday 16th October
Videos loaded !
Full results are here - www.race-results.co.uk/results/2021/nat64rel21r.php
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHsmWTznr5 or Mark Hookway's Facebook
This is the first of three National Championships (for all ages) of the season, to be followed by the cross country relays at Mansfield and the National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill. There were eight events, culminating in the two senior races, at the end of the day.
Senior Men - 5th
The men returned to a top 5 placing with six very strong runs. The stunning performance from James Kingston on the first leg set them up nicely. James' time was 2 seconds quicker than the TAC record set on this course by Chris Olley in 2017. I think he was also just about the fastest under 20 of the race. Overall times were fast, with Aldershot winning and breaking the course record and TAC running 1.44.58, which is the club's fastest time ever, despite four top 4 finishes previously in our history.
Senior Women - 12th
The team was depleted, from what was initially expected and I do think at full strength they would have contended for the win. A big thanks to Katie Goodge and Immy Amos for standing in. We swapped Nicole Taylor to first leg to give her a big test and she obliged by running what maybe her best ever race, despite a long and successful career so far. She ran the fastest leg of the day at 13.56 and beat GB international Abbie Donnelly. The time very nearly made the fastest all time top 16 list.
Under 17 men - 9th
This was a very solid performance and it is noticeable that this squad are more than just about the A team. They seem to enjoy themselves and are supportive of each other. Hopefully, a few can take the experience forward, ensure some consistent training and move up a level through the Winter. Many thanks also go to David Barclay for making his debut and doing a spot of camcorder filming for us during the senior races.
Under 17 women - 21st
Similar to the men, the under 17 girls are very supportive of each other, with more in the squad who weren't racing, playing a part. It looks like we could have a couple of teams competing at the cross country relays at Mansfield, which would be good. There are definitely a few in the squad who just need a bit of luck with illness or injuries and can then make some really good progress.
Under 15 boys - 29th
Harrison Fraser and Ollie Head are the two more experienced members of the team and both had good runs, whilst Toby Barton deserves huge credit for stepping up to ensure that we had a complete team representing TAC.
Under 15 girls - 36th (B team)
Disaster struck at the start as Carmen Wright fell and hurt her knee. As she ended up being treated by First Aid the race for the team was effectively over. The officials did allow Lily Slack and Penny Horne to run, but it was a frustrating experience for them all.
Under 13 boys - 6th
This team were perhaps the surprise package of the day. William Bachelor stepped in at very late notice and was then handed the task of anchoring a team competing at the very sharp end of the race. It's probably described as a 'character building' experience and despite his nerves he handled the task really well to keep the team high up. Hopefully, this will encourage all the under 13s that they can be competitive this season.
Under 13 girls - no team
It was unfortunate that due to illness we couldn't field the team that had initially signed up, so this was the only race without a Tonbridge team competing.
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHsmWTznr5 or Mark Hookway's Facebook
This is the first of three National Championships (for all ages) of the season, to be followed by the cross country relays at Mansfield and the National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill. There were eight events, culminating in the two senior races, at the end of the day.
Senior Men - 5th
The men returned to a top 5 placing with six very strong runs. The stunning performance from James Kingston on the first leg set them up nicely. James' time was 2 seconds quicker than the TAC record set on this course by Chris Olley in 2017. I think he was also just about the fastest under 20 of the race. Overall times were fast, with Aldershot winning and breaking the course record and TAC running 1.44.58, which is the club's fastest time ever, despite four top 4 finishes previously in our history.
Senior Women - 12th
The team was depleted, from what was initially expected and I do think at full strength they would have contended for the win. A big thanks to Katie Goodge and Immy Amos for standing in. We swapped Nicole Taylor to first leg to give her a big test and she obliged by running what maybe her best ever race, despite a long and successful career so far. She ran the fastest leg of the day at 13.56 and beat GB international Abbie Donnelly. The time very nearly made the fastest all time top 16 list.
Under 17 men - 9th
This was a very solid performance and it is noticeable that this squad are more than just about the A team. They seem to enjoy themselves and are supportive of each other. Hopefully, a few can take the experience forward, ensure some consistent training and move up a level through the Winter. Many thanks also go to David Barclay for making his debut and doing a spot of camcorder filming for us during the senior races.
Under 17 women - 21st
Similar to the men, the under 17 girls are very supportive of each other, with more in the squad who weren't racing, playing a part. It looks like we could have a couple of teams competing at the cross country relays at Mansfield, which would be good. There are definitely a few in the squad who just need a bit of luck with illness or injuries and can then make some really good progress.
Under 15 boys - 29th
Harrison Fraser and Ollie Head are the two more experienced members of the team and both had good runs, whilst Toby Barton deserves huge credit for stepping up to ensure that we had a complete team representing TAC.
Under 15 girls - 36th (B team)
Disaster struck at the start as Carmen Wright fell and hurt her knee. As she ended up being treated by First Aid the race for the team was effectively over. The officials did allow Lily Slack and Penny Horne to run, but it was a frustrating experience for them all.
Under 13 boys - 6th
This team were perhaps the surprise package of the day. William Bachelor stepped in at very late notice and was then handed the task of anchoring a team competing at the very sharp end of the race. It's probably described as a 'character building' experience and despite his nerves he handled the task really well to keep the team high up. Hopefully, this will encourage all the under 13s that they can be competitive this season.
Under 13 girls - no team
It was unfortunate that due to illness we couldn't field the team that had initially signed up, so this was the only race without a Tonbridge team competing.
Above photos
Top - Nicole Taylor and James Kingston had stunning performances
Middle - Under 17 men and women
Bottom - Charlie Warren enters the home straight for the u13 boys team and under 13 boys team
Top - Nicole Taylor and James Kingston had stunning performances
Middle - Under 17 men and women
Bottom - Charlie Warren enters the home straight for the u13 boys team and under 13 boys team