February 2025
Podium 5k road race, Thursday 27th February
Women - 5th Verity Hopkins 16.08 pb
Men - 1st race 1 wave 2 James Crombie 14.59 pb, 7th Isaac Arnott 15.13 pb, Craig Halsey (m45) 16.55
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22044&EId=2&dt=0
Men - 1st race 1 wave 2 James Crombie 14.59 pb, 7th Isaac Arnott 15.13 pb, Craig Halsey (m45) 16.55
Full results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22044&EId=2&dt=0
James West and Jack Higgins selected for GB team for European Indoor Championships
James West (3000m) and Jack Higgins (800m) selected for GB team for European Indoor Championships, after performances at UK Champs at weekend - https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/gb-ni-team-selected-for-the-european-indoor-championships-2025/
UK Indoor Championships, at Birmingham, Saturday and Sunday 22nd/23rd February
Results link - https://ukaic2025.microplustimingservices.com/#/schedule-bydate
800m men Jordan Chambers, Jack Higgins, Ted Higgins, Ben Gardiner, Max Selby
Jack Higgins was the only member of the squad to make the six-man final and finished 2nd.
Max Selby ran a pb of 1.52.22 in his heat.
3000m men - James West finished a very close 2nd to George Mills, who had recently ran 7.27 to break the British record.
800m men Jordan Chambers, Jack Higgins, Ted Higgins, Ben Gardiner, Max Selby
Jack Higgins was the only member of the squad to make the six-man final and finished 2nd.
Max Selby ran a pb of 1.52.22 in his heat.
3000m men - James West finished a very close 2nd to George Mills, who had recently ran 7.27 to break the British record.
Above - Jack Higgins and James West at the UK Indoor Championships
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, Sunday 23rd February
Women - 2nd Helen Gaunt, Men 3rd Steve Strange
Results link - www.nice-work.org.uk/e/hendy-tunbridge-wells-half-marathon-9201/results/19860#anchor
Results link - www.nice-work.org.uk/e/hendy-tunbridge-wells-half-marathon-9201/results/19860#anchor
Scottish Cross Country Championships, at Falkirk, Saturday 22nd February
Jamie Goodge finished a superb 21st
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7298383040705724416/races/11
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7298383040705724416/races/11
English Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead, Saturday 22nd February
Videos loaded !
In summary -
Senior Men 5th (2nd James Kingston)
Senior Women 5th (15th Charlotte Alexander)
Under 20 Men 1st (11th Jake Brislane)
Under 20 Women 9th (49th Annabelle Hales)
Under 17 Men 6th (25th Toby Bawtree)
Under 17 Women 9th (32nd Florrie McIver-Hall)
Under 15 Boys 10th (82nd Tom Weston-Simmons)
Under 15 Girls 12th (76th Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys 4th (8th Guy Bowers)
Under 13 Girls 13th (8th Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2025 page
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3soe
Awards dinner photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3xXi
Awards presented in the evening -
Highest placed male - James Kingston (2nd senior)
Highest placed female - Aimee Watts (8th u13)
Best National debut male - Guy Bowers (8th u13)
Best National debut female - Florrie McIver-Hall (32nd u17)
Most improved male on previous national places - Richard Sargent (senior)
Most improved female on previous national places - Polly Moses (u20)
Best performance male (above predictions) - James Taylor (senior)
Best performance female (above predictions) - Neve Raymond (u17)
Team Manager’s Award - Dougie Arnold (u15)
Achievement Award - (Ollie White (senior)
10 year awards for Nationals in a row - Simon Fraser and James Kingston
A summary report in the file below -
Senior Men 5th (2nd James Kingston)
Senior Women 5th (15th Charlotte Alexander)
Under 20 Men 1st (11th Jake Brislane)
Under 20 Women 9th (49th Annabelle Hales)
Under 17 Men 6th (25th Toby Bawtree)
Under 17 Women 9th (32nd Florrie McIver-Hall)
Under 15 Boys 10th (82nd Tom Weston-Simmons)
Under 15 Girls 12th (76th Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys 4th (8th Guy Bowers)
Under 13 Girls 13th (8th Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2025 page
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3soe
Awards dinner photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3xXi
Awards presented in the evening -
Highest placed male - James Kingston (2nd senior)
Highest placed female - Aimee Watts (8th u13)
Best National debut male - Guy Bowers (8th u13)
Best National debut female - Florrie McIver-Hall (32nd u17)
Most improved male on previous national places - Richard Sargent (senior)
Most improved female on previous national places - Polly Moses (u20)
Best performance male (above predictions) - James Taylor (senior)
Best performance female (above predictions) - Neve Raymond (u17)
Team Manager’s Award - Dougie Arnold (u15)
Achievement Award - (Ollie White (senior)
10 year awards for Nationals in a row - Simon Fraser and James Kingston
A summary report in the file below -
| english_national_cross_country_championships.pdf |
Above - National Cross Champions, the TAC under 20 men's team
Tom Claridge, Harrison Fraser, Jake Brislane, Jamie Macdonald
Tom Claridge, Harrison Fraser, Jake Brislane, Jamie Macdonald
Above - Some of the TAC debuts and other who had good runs at Parliament Hill
Top - Guy Bowers, Florrie McIver-Hall, Neve Raymond
Row 2 - Luca Szumilewicz, Tom Weston-Simmons, Aimee Watts
Row 3 - Toby Bawtree, Sam Smialowski & Oscar Graffin, Kit Larkin
Row 4 - Sam Sheare, Bailey Webster, Aryan Nair
Row 5 - Zak Pluckrose, Purdey Hutchings, Annabelle Hales
Row 6 - Alice Wood, Charlotte Alexander, Katie Goodge
Row 7 - Jake Brislane, Harrison Fraser, James Kingston
Bottom - Cole Gibbens, Alex Howard, Jamie Bryant
Top - Guy Bowers, Florrie McIver-Hall, Neve Raymond
Row 2 - Luca Szumilewicz, Tom Weston-Simmons, Aimee Watts
Row 3 - Toby Bawtree, Sam Smialowski & Oscar Graffin, Kit Larkin
Row 4 - Sam Sheare, Bailey Webster, Aryan Nair
Row 5 - Zak Pluckrose, Purdey Hutchings, Annabelle Hales
Row 6 - Alice Wood, Charlotte Alexander, Katie Goodge
Row 7 - Jake Brislane, Harrison Fraser, James Kingston
Bottom - Cole Gibbens, Alex Howard, Jamie Bryant
Many thanks to Gary Goodge for capturing the photos below at the Awards Dinner
Above - TAC National Award winners, with Allen Graffin
Top - James Kingston & Simon Fraser, Dougie Arnold, Ollie White
Row 2 - Guy Bowers, Florrie McIver-Hall, James Taylor
Row 3 - Neve Raymond, James Kingston, Aimee Watts
Bottom - Richard Sargent, Polly Moses, Isaac Arnott
Top - James Kingston & Simon Fraser, Dougie Arnold, Ollie White
Row 2 - Guy Bowers, Florrie McIver-Hall, James Taylor
Row 3 - Neve Raymond, James Kingston, Aimee Watts
Bottom - Richard Sargent, Polly Moses, Isaac Arnott
Above - TAC squads at the National Awards Dinner
Lee Valley Indoor Open Meeting, 19th February
Videos loaded !
800m Lily Slack (u20) 2.18.03 seasons best
1500m Ethan Rocks (u20) 4.06.31
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC34ZL
1500m Ethan Rocks (u20) 4.06.31
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC34ZL
Above - Lily Slack and Ethan Rocks at Lee Valley
Other weekend news, 15th/16th February
Saturday
Run Through Battersea 10km road race, London
Cole Gibbens placed 11th in a pb of 29.45, his first ever sub 30 clocking.
Verity Hopkins was 3rd in the women's race in 33.36.
Results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5330&EId=3&dt=0
Bannister Winter Classic Indoors Meeting, Gothenburg, Sweden
Jordan Chambers won the men's 800 metres A race with a new indoor personal best of 1.51.66.
Results - https://www.easyrecord.se/result?eKxkHH
Run Through Battersea 10km road race, London
Cole Gibbens placed 11th in a pb of 29.45, his first ever sub 30 clocking.
Verity Hopkins was 3rd in the women's race in 33.36.
Results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5330&EId=3&dt=0
Bannister Winter Classic Indoors Meeting, Gothenburg, Sweden
Jordan Chambers won the men's 800 metres A race with a new indoor personal best of 1.51.66.
Results - https://www.easyrecord.se/result?eKxkHH
Keely Klassic at Birmingham, Saturday 15th February
Jack Higgins finished 3rd in the men's 800 metres in 1.46.69. This was just 0.29s outside the European Indoor Champs qualifying time of 1.46.40. It is a TAC indoor record and puts him 21st on the UK all-time list.
Results - https://keelyklassic2025.microplustimingservices.com/#/schedule-bydate
Results - https://keelyklassic2025.microplustimingservices.com/#/schedule-bydate
British Universities and Colleges Indoor Championships, at Sheffield
Friday to Sunday 14th to 16th February
Results link - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/schedule?id=26165
Day 1, Friday
Ben Gardiner won his 800m heat in 1.55.07 to qualify for Saturday's semi finals
Jamie Macdonald ran 4.03.58 in his 1500m heat, just outside his outright pb.
Day 2, Saturday
Ben Gardiner won his 800m semi-final in 1.49.45
Jake Brislane ran a superb 8.33.73 in his 3000m heat, although he didnt qualify for the final.
Day 3, Sunday
Ben Gardiner won the final in a very close contest in 1.50.03. It is worth watching the video which I have posted a copy of.
Day 1, Friday
Ben Gardiner won his 800m heat in 1.55.07 to qualify for Saturday's semi finals
Jamie Macdonald ran 4.03.58 in his 1500m heat, just outside his outright pb.
Day 2, Saturday
Ben Gardiner won his 800m semi-final in 1.49.45
Jake Brislane ran a superb 8.33.73 in his 3000m heat, although he didnt qualify for the final.
Day 3, Sunday
Ben Gardiner won the final in a very close contest in 1.50.03. It is worth watching the video which I have posted a copy of.
Boston University David Hemery Valentines Meeting, Friday 14th February
TAC indoor 5000m record for James West - video here
James West ran 13.18.82 for 5000m in Boston, which is the fastest by a UK athlete this year and breaks his own TAC indoor record. In the same race as Grant Fisher who set a world record of 12.44.09.
Results - http://live.lancertiming.com/meets/321/events/56/Final
Results - http://live.lancertiming.com/meets/321/events/56/Final
Armagh 5k road race, Northern Ireland, Thursday 13th February
Alex Howard finished 53rd in 14.19.
Results - https://www.myrunresults.com/events/armagh_international_road_race_5k_2025/5617/results
Results - https://www.myrunresults.com/events/armagh_international_road_race_5k_2025/5617/results
Ayo Falola Dream Mile and British Milers Club Meeting, 12th April
Videos loaded !
Ted Higgins had a breakthrough performance to run 4.01.81 in the Elite Mile for 4th place. This is worth around 3.44 for 1500m, at which is pb stands at 3.58 ! Kieran Reilly ran 4.08.59 in the same race. Ted's time puts him 9th on the TAC all-time list (see below).
Max Selby was outside his 800m pb in the BMC B race with 1.53.45.
Full results - https://athletics-uk.org/liveresults/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC2hj3
Max Selby was outside his 800m pb in the BMC B race with 1.53.45.
Full results - https://athletics-uk.org/liveresults/
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC2hj3
Above - TAC all time men's 1 mile rankings
Above - Ted Higgins on his way to a 4.01 mile
Above - Max Selby (left) and Kieran Reilly (right) at Lee Valley
Interview with James Kingston on 'Taking the Tape' podcast
James Kingston talKed to a couple of young distance runners recently about his experience in the sport.
It is on Spotify here - open.spotify.com/episode/0DGEMWfC9vtGOoIaOoW8Aa?si=Rx1V1RjIRDW5cDwEhk7GgA
It is on Spotify here - open.spotify.com/episode/0DGEMWfC9vtGOoIaOoW8Aa?si=Rx1V1RjIRDW5cDwEhk7GgA
Other weekend results, 8th/9th February
Saturday
Midland Cross Country League, Alderney Stadium
Katie Goodge had one of her best performances to place 5th.
Full results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=3130&EId=8
Sunday
Farnborough Half Marathon
8th Steve Strange 70.31, 13th Dan Bradley 71.56, 21st Mason Willis 73.54, Julian Rendall 75.16
Results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22032&EId=2&dt=0&adv=1
Midland Cross Country League, Alderney Stadium
Katie Goodge had one of her best performances to place 5th.
Full results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=3130&EId=8
Sunday
Farnborough Half Marathon
8th Steve Strange 70.31, 13th Dan Bradley 71.56, 21st Mason Willis 73.54, Julian Rendall 75.16
Results - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22032&EId=2&dt=0&adv=1
UK Cross Challenge and Home Countries International, Temple Newsman, Leeds, Saturday 8th February
James Kingston finished 2nd to Logan Rees of Scotland in the men's race.
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7293300999177895936
Full results - https://results.sporthive.com/events/7293300999177895936
Above - James Kingston finishing second at Leeds, representing England
Kent Cross Country League, at Norman Park Bromley, Saturday 8th February
Videos loaded !
TAC secured the men's league titles in both the 4 and 12 to score contests, although lost this final 12 to score contest to Medway and Maidstone. The women were 3rd in both the 3 and 6 to score contests on the day and finished 2nd in both the overall league tables.
Lizzie Owen won the league title for over 45 women and Tony Fullbrook was 3rd in the over 60 men's category.
Results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC1LmZ
Lizzie Owen won the league title for over 45 women and Tony Fullbrook was 3rd in the over 60 men's category.
Results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC1LmZ
Above action from the Kent League, with a few who had particularly good runs
Top - Lizzie Owen, Elise Rendall, Debbie Scott
Bottom - Lewis Mills & James Crombie, Calum Laing, Ollie White
Top - Lizzie Owen, Elise Rendall, Debbie Scott
Bottom - Lewis Mills & James Crombie, Calum Laing, Ollie White
Other Sunday results, 2nd February
Chichester 10k
1st Female Charlotte Alexander 34.04
29th Dan Bradley 32.37, 43rd Nathan Chapman 33.12
Results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/2025/chichester10k/g-live.html?f=chichester10k25.clax
Murcia Marathon
7th Ben Shearer (2nd claim TAC) 2.33.20
Oxfordshire Cross Country League
Men's race - 2nd Ben Cole (running for 2nd claim club)
Results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=3139&EId=7
1st Female Charlotte Alexander 34.04
29th Dan Bradley 32.37, 43rd Nathan Chapman 33.12
Results - https://justiming.co.uk/liveresults/2025/chichester10k/g-live.html?f=chichester10k25.clax
Murcia Marathon
7th Ben Shearer (2nd claim TAC) 2.33.20
Oxfordshire Cross Country League
Men's race - 2nd Ben Cole (running for 2nd claim club)
Results - https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=3139&EId=7
New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Boston, USA, Sunday 2nd February
James West finished fifth in the men's 3000 metres breaking his own TAC record with 7.37.13, which will place him fifth on the UK all time list. His old TAC indoor record was 7.42.89 and his best outdoors was 7.39.87.
Full result - https://results.nbindoorgrandprix.com/2025/
Full result - https://results.nbindoorgrandprix.com/2025/
South of England Indoor Championships, at Lee Valley, Sunday 2nd February
The only TAC 800m runners in action ended up in the same heat, with only the winner gaining automatic qualification for the final. Max Selby and Jordan Chambers then ended up in the same heat, with Max winning in 1.52.25 (pb indoor or out) and Jordan second in 1.54.14 (season's best). This gave Max the qualifying time for the British Indoor Championships, although hhe missed the final with a tight hamstring.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC16dS
Full results - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/schedule?id=25932
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjC16dS
Full results - https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/schedule?id=25932
Above - Max Selby ran a British Indoor Champs Qualifying time over 800m at Lee Valley
IFAM International indoor Meeting, Gent, Belgium, Saturday 1st February
Results - https://www.maspoeshop.be/kalender/ifam/ifam-indoor-gent/ifam-indoor-news
800m main program race 1 - 2nd Jack Higgins 1.48.86
800m main program race 4 - 1st Ben Gardiner 1.49.75
800m pre program race 1 - 1st Ted Higgins 1.51.06
800m main program race 1 - 2nd Jack Higgins 1.48.86
800m main program race 4 - 1st Ben Gardiner 1.49.75
800m pre program race 1 - 1st Ted Higgins 1.51.06
British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) Cross Country Championships, at Cardiff, Saturday 1st February
Results are on the Results 2025 page.
TAC summary is on the Results 2025 page. Highlights -
Men's A race - Matthew Taylor around 34th (error in results), 38th Jamie Macdonald, 49th Tom Claridge
Women's B race - 32nd Katie Goodge, 99th Annabelle Hales
Men's B race - 60th Alex Beeston
TAC summary is on the Results 2025 page. Highlights -
Men's A race - Matthew Taylor around 34th (error in results), 38th Jamie Macdonald, 49th Tom Claridge
Women's B race - 32nd Katie Goodge, 99th Annabelle Hales
Men's B race - 60th Alex Beeston
South East Inter Counties Schools, at Newbury Showground, Berkshire, Saturday 1st February
TAC placings
Senior Boys - 8th Harrison Fraser, 17th Tom Beghein, 25th Mark Bridger, 29th Jake Greenwood, 34th Sam Smialowski, 36th Toby James, 55th George Bishop
Senior Girls - 35th Emily Boyd, 66th Eliza Muysken
Inter Boys - 5th Will Bachelor, 12th Ben Catchpole, 20th Oscar Graffin, 28th James Petrie, 48th Nico Swainson, 50th Charlie Warren, 70th Oscar Cowling, 72nd Harry Lawrence
Inter Girls - 35th Jemima Wellesley, 68th Imogen Else
Junior Boys - 10th Joel Graffin, 20th Luca Szumilewicz, 33rd Jamie Rogers, 44th Ellis Hill, 58th Kit Larkin, 77th Victor Watling
Junior Girls - no TAC
Full results - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1cV-koISw66RehS79sxwHHD39Y9bv5wspbw1T72Hgj4o/htmlview#
Senior Boys - 8th Harrison Fraser, 17th Tom Beghein, 25th Mark Bridger, 29th Jake Greenwood, 34th Sam Smialowski, 36th Toby James, 55th George Bishop
Senior Girls - 35th Emily Boyd, 66th Eliza Muysken
Inter Boys - 5th Will Bachelor, 12th Ben Catchpole, 20th Oscar Graffin, 28th James Petrie, 48th Nico Swainson, 50th Charlie Warren, 70th Oscar Cowling, 72nd Harry Lawrence
Inter Girls - 35th Jemima Wellesley, 68th Imogen Else
Junior Boys - 10th Joel Graffin, 20th Luca Szumilewicz, 33rd Jamie Rogers, 44th Ellis Hill, 58th Kit Larkin, 77th Victor Watling
Junior Girls - no TAC
Full results - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1cV-koISw66RehS79sxwHHD39Y9bv5wspbw1T72Hgj4o/htmlview#
Above - TAC senior boys at Newbury
Toby James, Sam Smialowski, Tom Beghein, Mark Bridger, Harrison Fraser, George Bishop
Toby James, Sam Smialowski, Tom Beghein, Mark Bridger, Harrison Fraser, George Bishop
King Henry V111 Coventry Relays, Wednesday 29th January
These relays have quite a history, going back to 1972. This year Judd School finished 2nd in the boys' race and Skinners placed 8th. Weald were 6th in the girls' race, with Judd 21st. Full results -
https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=925&EId=1&dt=0
https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=925&EId=1&dt=0
Canterbury 10 miles road race, Sunday 26th January
Cole Gibbens won the race in 51.10 and there were several from TAC competing.
Full results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=454&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Full results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=454&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
South of England Cross Country Championships, at Beckenham Place Park, Saturday 25th January
Videos loaded !
Summary TAC results on the Results 2025 page.
Senior Men 5th (2nd James Kingston, 7th Alex Howard)
Senior Women 28th (140th Tina Oldershaw)
Under 20 Men 3rd (18th Tom Claridge)
Under 20 Women no team. (34th Polly Moses)
Under 17 Men 4th (19th Toby Bawtree)
Under 17 Women no team (49th Emily Boyd)
Under 15 Boys 8th (45th Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls 10th (42nd Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys 10th (54th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls no team (8th Aimee Watts)
Full results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBZi3F
Senior Men 5th (2nd James Kingston, 7th Alex Howard)
Senior Women 28th (140th Tina Oldershaw)
Under 20 Men 3rd (18th Tom Claridge)
Under 20 Women no team. (34th Polly Moses)
Under 17 Men 4th (19th Toby Bawtree)
Under 17 Women no team (49th Emily Boyd)
Under 15 Boys 8th (45th Charlie Warren)
Under 15 Girls 10th (42nd Isabel Gowing)
Under 13 Boys 10th (54th Zach Ward)
Under 13 Girls no team (8th Aimee Watts)
Full results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBZi3F
Above - the only TAC team to win medals at the Southern Champs
Under 20 men - Tom Claridge, Harrison Fraser, Mark Bridger, Tom Beghein
Under 20 men - Tom Claridge, Harrison Fraser, Mark Bridger, Tom Beghein
Above - TAC top 10s at Southern Champs
Aimee Watts, James Kingston, Alex Howard
Aimee Watts, James Kingston, Alex Howard
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 18th/19th January
Saturday
Surrey Schools Cross Country Championships, at Reigate
Senior Boys - 13th Joseph Hunt, 14th Jacob Hunt
Full results - http://www.ssaa.org.uk/
Sunday
Bay to Bay 30km road race, South Africa
1st Lucy Reid 1.49.13
Full results - https://live.ultimate.dk/mobile/front/?eventid=6764
Media coverage - https://spnafricanews.com/clash-of-the-titans-provides-road-running-highlight-at-bay-to-bay-30km/
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting, Sheffield
Kieran Reilly ran 8.10.56 in the 3000 metres B race, which was a pb after 11 years !
The time moves him from 21st to 14th on the TAC all time list.
Full results - https://live.athletic.net/meets/42998/events/individual/1558877
Surrey Schools Cross Country Championships, at Reigate
Senior Boys - 13th Joseph Hunt, 14th Jacob Hunt
Full results - http://www.ssaa.org.uk/
Sunday
Bay to Bay 30km road race, South Africa
1st Lucy Reid 1.49.13
Full results - https://live.ultimate.dk/mobile/front/?eventid=6764
Media coverage - https://spnafricanews.com/clash-of-the-titans-provides-road-running-highlight-at-bay-to-bay-30km/
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting, Sheffield
Kieran Reilly ran 8.10.56 in the 3000 metres B race, which was a pb after 11 years !
The time moves him from 21st to 14th on the TAC all time list.
Full results - https://live.athletic.net/meets/42998/events/individual/1558877
London Indoor Games, at Lee Valley, Sunday 19th January
Videos loaded !
A mixed bag as is often the case from the TAC contingent.
The TAC men filled the first 3 places in race 1 of the 800 metres as Jack Higgins pushed the pace to help his brother Ted achieve the British Indoor Championships Qualifying time of 1.52.50. Ted ended up in 3rd, with a big outright pb of 1.49.41. It was Ben Gardiner who finished the strongest to win in 1.48.53, to Jack's 1.48.72. This meant TAC have three of the fastest four times in the UK this year. Ted moves from 25th to 11th on the TAC all time list, Ben's time is the second fastest indoor time in TAC history.
Max Selby ran 1.53.07 to win race 2, having to lead every step of the way.
Full results - https://athletics-uk.org/liveresults/HTML_LIVE2/LIG_U20Sen_Day2.html
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYCyU
The TAC men filled the first 3 places in race 1 of the 800 metres as Jack Higgins pushed the pace to help his brother Ted achieve the British Indoor Championships Qualifying time of 1.52.50. Ted ended up in 3rd, with a big outright pb of 1.49.41. It was Ben Gardiner who finished the strongest to win in 1.48.53, to Jack's 1.48.72. This meant TAC have three of the fastest four times in the UK this year. Ted moves from 25th to 11th on the TAC all time list, Ben's time is the second fastest indoor time in TAC history.
Max Selby ran 1.53.07 to win race 2, having to lead every step of the way.
Full results - https://athletics-uk.org/liveresults/HTML_LIVE2/LIG_U20Sen_Day2.html
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYCyU
Above - Ben Gardiner wins Men's 800 metres race 1 at the London Indoor Games
Above - Max Selby wins Men's 800 metres race 2 at the London Indoor Games
Kent Schools Cross Country Championships, at Dartford, Saturday 18th January
Videos loaded !
The only TAC podium places came from the Junior Girls with 2nd Purdey Hutchins and 3rd Aimee Watts.
The top 4 in the Senior Inter and Junior races gain automatic Kent selection for the English Schools Championships.
Other than the two above there were 4th place performances from Isabel Gowing (Inter), Ewan Prendergast (Inter) and Polly Moses (Senior). Jess Hill also finished 4th in the year 7 race.
Results are on the Results 2025 page,
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYwAf
The top 4 in the Senior Inter and Junior races gain automatic Kent selection for the English Schools Championships.
Other than the two above there were 4th place performances from Isabel Gowing (Inter), Ewan Prendergast (Inter) and Polly Moses (Senior). Jess Hill also finished 4th in the year 7 race.
Results are on the Results 2025 page,
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYwAf
Above all finished top 4 in their Kent Schools Championship Racs
Top - Jess Hill, Isabel Gowing
Middle - Polly Moses, Ewan Prendergast
Bottom - Purdey Hutchings, Aimee Watts
Top - Jess Hill, Isabel Gowing
Middle - Polly Moses, Ewan Prendergast
Bottom - Purdey Hutchings, Aimee Watts
Other weekend results, Saturday and Sunday 11th/12th January
Saturday
Surrey League, West Horsley Place
Senior Men - 4th Alex Howard
Results - https://surreyleague.org/sl/race/397/#indiv
Hampshire League, at Reading
Senior Men - 20th James Crombie, 25th George Marshall
Results appear here - https://www.bmhac.co.uk/hccl-results/?doing_wp_cron=1736667322.9699420928955078125000
Birmingham League, Warley
Senior Men - 9th Matt Taylor
Results - https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2025-01-11-M1.pdf
Sunday
Westward League, Westward Ho
Senior Men - 5th Jamie Macdonald
Results will appear here - https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league
Surrey League, West Horsley Place
Senior Men - 4th Alex Howard
Results - https://surreyleague.org/sl/race/397/#indiv
Hampshire League, at Reading
Senior Men - 20th James Crombie, 25th George Marshall
Results appear here - https://www.bmhac.co.uk/hccl-results/?doing_wp_cron=1736667322.9699420928955078125000
Birmingham League, Warley
Senior Men - 9th Matt Taylor
Results - https://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2024-25/2025-01-11-M1.pdf
Sunday
Westward League, Westward Ho
Senior Men - 5th Jamie Macdonald
Results will appear here - https://www.city-runs.co.uk/westward-league
Sevenoaks School Knole Runs, Saturday 11th January
Videos loaded !
As usual there were plenty of TAC members racing for their school.
Judd School scored 49 points in the senior boys race to win by a single point from Harrow.
For the first time there was a separate under 15 boys race, whilst the girls ran as one race with the under 15s were alongside the seniors. Harry Lawrence won the under 15 boys race.
Full results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=443&EId=1&dt=0
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBXMzG
Judd School scored 49 points in the senior boys race to win by a single point from Harrow.
For the first time there was a separate under 15 boys race, whilst the girls ran as one race with the under 15s were alongside the seniors. Harry Lawrence won the under 15 boys race.
Full results here - http://results.netiming.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=20008&RId=443&EId=1&dt=0
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBXMzG
Other weekend action, Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th January
Saturday
Sussex Cross Championships, at Bexhill
Verity Hopkins won the senior women's race.
Scottish Indoor 3000m Championships, Glasgow
Kieran Reilly ran 8.15.9, less than a second outside his pb
Shropshire Cross Championships, at Oswestry
Senior Men - 6th Mark Pepper. Full results https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6160bb1217088202c5786606/t/677973570375b91cfd760298/1736012631594/Male+results.pdf
Surrey Cross Championships, at Croydon
Senior Men - 16th Ben Pearce. Results -
https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20246&RId=15159&EId=13
Sunday
Penshurst 5 mile Multi Terrain Race
2nd James Taylor and 1st under 18 female was Emily Butcher
Results - https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/3oW
Sussex Cross Championships, at Bexhill
Verity Hopkins won the senior women's race.
Scottish Indoor 3000m Championships, Glasgow
Kieran Reilly ran 8.15.9, less than a second outside his pb
Shropshire Cross Championships, at Oswestry
Senior Men - 6th Mark Pepper. Full results https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6160bb1217088202c5786606/t/677973570375b91cfd760298/1736012631594/Male+results.pdf
Surrey Cross Championships, at Croydon
Senior Men - 16th Ben Pearce. Results -
https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20246&RId=15159&EId=13
Sunday
Penshurst 5 mile Multi Terrain Race
2nd James Taylor and 1st under 18 female was Emily Butcher
Results - https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/3oW
Above
Left - Verity Hopkins winning the Sussex Championships
Right - TAC Club Chairman, James Taylor 'enjoying' the conditions at the Penshurst 5 miles
Left - Verity Hopkins winning the Sussex Championships
Right - TAC Club Chairman, James Taylor 'enjoying' the conditions at the Penshurst 5 miles
Kent Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch, Saturday 4th January
Videos loaded !
In summary -
Senior Men - 1st in 6 and 12 to score (1st James Kingston, 3rd Alex Howard and 6 in top 7). Now 9 championship wins in a row.
Senior Women - 6th in 3 and 6 to score. (20th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men - 2nd (4th Jamie Macdonald)
Under 20 Women - 3rd (13th Jess Poland)
Under 17 Men - 1st (2nd Toby Bawtree). Now 18 championship wins in a row.
Under 17 Women - no team (8th Emily Boyd)
Under 15 Boys - 2nd (8th Oscar Cowling)
Under 15 Girls - 3rd (4th Aoife Foley)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd (4th Ellis Hill)
Under 13 Girls - 2nd (4th Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBX5Hq
More photos here from Tom Richards - https://adobe.ly/3DIs0Vz
Senior Men - 1st in 6 and 12 to score (1st James Kingston, 3rd Alex Howard and 6 in top 7). Now 9 championship wins in a row.
Senior Women - 6th in 3 and 6 to score. (20th Lizzie Owen)
Under 20 Men - 2nd (4th Jamie Macdonald)
Under 20 Women - 3rd (13th Jess Poland)
Under 17 Men - 1st (2nd Toby Bawtree). Now 18 championship wins in a row.
Under 17 Women - no team (8th Emily Boyd)
Under 15 Boys - 2nd (8th Oscar Cowling)
Under 15 Girls - 3rd (4th Aoife Foley)
Under 13 Boys - 2nd (4th Ellis Hill)
Under 13 Girls - 2nd (4th Aimee Watts)
Results are on the Results 2025 page.
Photos - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBX5Hq
More photos here from Tom Richards - https://adobe.ly/3DIs0Vz
Above - TAC senior men won the 6 and 12 to score Kent Championships
Above - TAC individual medal winners at the Kent Championships
James Kingston, Toby Bawtree and Alex Howard
James Kingston, Toby Bawtree and Alex Howard
Above - The winning under 17 men's team
Above - TAC teams at the Kent Championships
Top - Senior Women, Under 15 Boys
Bottom - Under 15 Girls, Under 13 Girls
Top - Senior Women, Under 15 Boys
Bottom - Under 15 Girls, Under 13 Girls
Above - some of those from TAC who had excellent races at the Kent Championships
Row 1 - Ellis Hill, Sam Shearer, Amelia Beeston
Row 2 - Harrison Fraser, Connor Prendergast, Oscar Cowling
Row 3 - Harry Lawrence, Lewis Mills, Matthew Taylor
Row 4 - Will Beeston, Toby Emm, Ollie White
Row 1 - Ellis Hill, Sam Shearer, Amelia Beeston
Row 2 - Harrison Fraser, Connor Prendergast, Oscar Cowling
Row 3 - Harry Lawrence, Lewis Mills, Matthew Taylor
Row 4 - Will Beeston, Toby Emm, Ollie White
San Silvestre d'Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain, Tuesday 31st December
Alex Howard won a 7km road race, on New Year's Eve in 21.27
Results - https://www.elitechip.net/system/public/download/8835a5b295412ce354dd643b4e1ecdc6.pdf
Results - https://www.elitechip.net/system/public/download/8835a5b295412ce354dd643b4e1ecdc6.pdf
Mizuno Podium 5k and 1 mile, at Battersea Park, Tuesday 31st December
Videos loaded !
There were some good TAC results
Jack Higgins won the Gender Challenge Mile with a £500 'winner takes all' first prize. His brother Ted was 3rd as they ran road pbs of 4.06.35 and 4.10.60.
Max Selby (14.32.8) and Cole Gibbens (14.37.3) both ran pbs in the Elite Men's race.
Open race 2 - Jamie Macdonald (15.32) ran a pb and George Marshall ran 15.48.
Results link - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22015
Photos here and on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBWHbe
Jack Higgins won the Gender Challenge Mile with a £500 'winner takes all' first prize. His brother Ted was 3rd as they ran road pbs of 4.06.35 and 4.10.60.
Max Selby (14.32.8) and Cole Gibbens (14.37.3) both ran pbs in the Elite Men's race.
Open race 2 - Jamie Macdonald (15.32) ran a pb and George Marshall ran 15.48.
Results link - https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22015
Photos here and on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBWHbe
Above - Jack Higgins with the winner's cheque for the mile
Above
Top - Jamie MacDonald, Jack Higgins, Jordan Chambers, Ted Higgins
Bottom - Jack Higgins, Cole Gibbens & Max Selby
Top - Jamie MacDonald, Jack Higgins, Jordan Chambers, Ted Higgins
Bottom - Jack Higgins, Cole Gibbens & Max Selby
Ribble Valley 10k road race, Citheroe, Lancashire, Sunday 29th December
James West had a good win at the prestigious Ribble Valley 10k, with a pb of 28.43 in chilly and windy conditions.
Full results - https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5307
Full results - https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5307
Above - James West (left) with Hannah Nuttall (right) who won the women's race
(photo courtesy of James Rhodes)
(photo courtesy of James Rhodes)
Ambles Revenge Multi Terrain Race, near Sheffield, Sunday 29th December
Training all age groups, Hills at Knole Park, Saturday 28th December
We had around 50 from across the age groups attend a very misty and chilly Knole Park session.
Witham 5 miles road race, Essex, Thursday 26th December
2nd Steve Strange 25.31, 5th Dan Bradley 26.54
Results - https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-GB/results/z79uqxfee4ayneuu/results
Results - https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-GB/results/z79uqxfee4ayneuu/results
Tonbridge AC 'Christmas Pudding Race' - The Boxing Day Handicap, Thursday 26th December
at Vizards Sports Fields, Lower Hayesden Lane, Tonbridge - Video loaded !
Gregor Macdonald was declared the winner, following Scott Shurmer crossing the line first. Unfortunately, Scott cut a little off the course on his first lap.
Fastest actual laps were recorded by James Kingston and Maria Heslop.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBWgiU
Fastest actual laps were recorded by James Kingston and Maria Heslop.
Photos here and on Mark Hookway's Facebook page - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBWgiU
| tac_christmas_pudding_race_5km_26122024_results.xlsx |
Above - The 2024 winner Gregor Macdonald receives the trophy from 2023 champion Katie Goodge
Above - At the front Scott Shurmer, Georgia Hill, Benji White
Above fastest laps
James Kingston, Ted Higgins, Jamie Goodge
Maria Heslop, Polly Pitcairn-Knowles, Aoife Foley
James Kingston, Ted Higgins, Jamie Goodge
Maria Heslop, Polly Pitcairn-Knowles, Aoife Foley
Christmas Day parkruns, Wednesday 25th December
TAC records at local parkruns are rarely set, but the men's at Bromley went with Lewis Mills running 15.07.
Results - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley/results/latestresults/
There were quite a few TAC in action and first home at various events around the country.
Although parkrun themselves have taken down many records, Alex Howard introduced me to a website, compiled by a friend in the sport. Some maybe interested in this website - https://statsmeifyoucan.github.io/local_legends/
Results - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bromley/results/latestresults/
There were quite a few TAC in action and first home at various events around the country.
Although parkrun themselves have taken down many records, Alex Howard introduced me to a website, compiled by a friend in the sport. Some maybe interested in this website - https://statsmeifyoucan.github.io/local_legends/
South of Thames Cross Country Championship, at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge
Saturday 21st December - Video loaded, plus some drone footage !
Many thanks to all of you who helped TAC host this championship, which we last did in 2015
Once again John Sanders did a superb job, planning and setting up the course, over 12km (1 small and 3 larger laps)
Everyone who helped turned up on time, did a great job and worked as a team, making sure other clubs were made to feel welcome. We had a pretty strong squad of runners out and had six of the first eight home.
Cole Gibbens won his second cross country race, both of the Winter and his life, whilst Stuart Brown finished 2nd whilst he is back on holiday from Mexico and 'fresh' from finishing a marathon less than 2 weeks ago !
The men won the 6 and 12 to score trophies and the B team six were actually 3rd team overall.
Tina Oldershaw was the first over 50 woman home.
Full results are here and on the Results 2024 page with a summary - https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=B53B77C277004ADD%21548456&authkey=!ANxagcQcR2pdt3k
Photos here and on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBVQVu
Once again John Sanders did a superb job, planning and setting up the course, over 12km (1 small and 3 larger laps)
Everyone who helped turned up on time, did a great job and worked as a team, making sure other clubs were made to feel welcome. We had a pretty strong squad of runners out and had six of the first eight home.
Cole Gibbens won his second cross country race, both of the Winter and his life, whilst Stuart Brown finished 2nd whilst he is back on holiday from Mexico and 'fresh' from finishing a marathon less than 2 weeks ago !
The men won the 6 and 12 to score trophies and the B team six were actually 3rd team overall.
Tina Oldershaw was the first over 50 woman home.
Full results are here and on the Results 2024 page with a summary - https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=B53B77C277004ADD%21548456&authkey=!ANxagcQcR2pdt3k
Photos here and on Facebook - flic.kr/s/aHBqjBVQVu
Above - the TAC men finished 1st and 3rd from 20 teams at the South of Thames Championship
Above - Cole Gibbens and Stuart Brown battle for the win at the South of Thames Championship
Above - Rebecca Morton, Grazia Manzotti and Tina Oldershaw, at the South of Thames Championship
Friday Night Under The Lights Christmas 5 miles, Battersea Park, London, 20th December
There were three from TAC in action - Steve Strange 25.37, Nick Beer 26.45 (debut), Elliot Green 28.26 (debut)
Full results - results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22008&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Full results - results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=22008&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Tonbridge AC all-time marathon rankings - updated
Cain Bradley has updated the all time marathon rankings for the club here.
| tac_marathon_all_time_-_v9_at_december_2024.docx |
Other Sunday news, 15th December
Telford 10k road race
Alex Howard ran 29.52 and finished 52nd in wave 1. Kieran Reilly ran 30.08 (pb) and Elliot Green 35.27 (pb)
Results - https://results.eventchiptiming.com/results.aspx?CId=16202&RId=5256&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Cardiff Met University Christmas Cracker
Isaac Arnott ran 3000m in 8.54.32 in race 2.
Full results - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/cmetxmas/event/T10/
Pisa Marathon, Italy
Dan Longhurst (m40) ran a new pb of 2.41.43
Results - https://www.endu.net/en/events/maratonadipisa/results
Alex Howard ran 29.52 and finished 52nd in wave 1. Kieran Reilly ran 30.08 (pb) and Elliot Green 35.27 (pb)
Results - https://results.eventchiptiming.com/results.aspx?CId=16202&RId=5256&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
Cardiff Met University Christmas Cracker
Isaac Arnott ran 3000m in 8.54.32 in race 2.
Full results - data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/cmetxmas/event/T10/
Pisa Marathon, Italy
Dan Longhurst (m40) ran a new pb of 2.41.43
Results - https://www.endu.net/en/events/maratonadipisa/results
Malaga, Spain Marathon, Sunday 15th December
Lucy Reid sets new TAC women's marathon record !
Lucy Reid finished 4th in the women's race and broke the two week old TAC women's marathon record, that had been set by Verity Hopkins. Lucy ran 2.26.35, which ranks her 4th in the UK for 2024 and 14th on the all time list. It is a terrific lesson in battling back from setbacks as Lucy had planned to make her marathon debut before this, but setbacks with injuries and illness had thwarted the attempt. In fact, just two weeks ago she was du to race in Valencia, but picked up a stomach bug a few days beforehand. These were Lucy's own words -
London 2019 was a proper attempt (got sciatica issues about 2 weeks out)
Manchester 2022 to try to qualify for Euros (got a stress response a few weeks out)
Then had planned to do London 2024 (although it was never 100%) but sprained my ankle well ahead so never got close
Then Valencia.
That's a true lesson to us all in still believing and being resilient !
Craig Halsey (M45) also ran 2.53.55.
London 2019 was a proper attempt (got sciatica issues about 2 weeks out)
Manchester 2022 to try to qualify for Euros (got a stress response a few weeks out)
Then had planned to do London 2024 (although it was never 100%) but sprained my ankle well ahead so never got close
Then Valencia.
That's a true lesson to us all in still believing and being resilient !
Craig Halsey (M45) also ran 2.53.55.
Above - Lucy Reid and Craig Halsey at the Malaga Marathon, plus Dan Longhurst at Pisa, Italy
Other results, Sunday 8th December
Gloucester Tri Counties Cross Country League, at Bath
Senior Men - 11th Ben Pearce, 52nd Charlie Ellison
Senior Women - 30th Ella Ayden, 47th Amelia Beeston
Results are on the Results 2024 page.
Veracruz Marathon, Mexico
3rd Stuart Brown 2.33.49 (debut). Official results -
https://asdeporte.com/evento/marato-n-veracruz--boca-del-ri-o-2024-k5u/resultados
Senior Men - 11th Ben Pearce, 52nd Charlie Ellison
Senior Women - 30th Ella Ayden, 47th Amelia Beeston
Results are on the Results 2024 page.
Veracruz Marathon, Mexico
3rd Stuart Brown 2.33.49 (debut). Official results -
https://asdeporte.com/evento/marato-n-veracruz--boca-del-ri-o-2024-k5u/resultados
Above - Right, Stuart Brown in Mexico
European Cross Country Championships - James Kingston, Sunday 8th December
James Kingston placed 16th in the under 23 men's team, with the GB team winning gold medals.
Full results - https://live.european-athletics.com/EXC2024/lrs/results/ATH/ATHMCROSS---U23-------FNL-000100--/
Full results - https://live.european-athletics.com/EXC2024/lrs/results/ATH/ATHMCROSS---U23-------FNL-000100--/
Above - James Kingston (far left) with the Great Britain under 23 men's team in Turkey