April 2016

British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships, at Bedford, Sunday 2nd May - Day 3
​​Videos loaded !

Full results and summary are on the Results 2016 page.
Bronze medals for James West (1500m) and Nicole Taylor (2000m steeplechase)

UK Youth Development League (u17/20), Sunday 1st May

TAC were 5th of the 6 teams. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Photos courtesy Sam Crick and friends

British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships, at Bedford, Sunday 1st May - Day 2
​Videos loaded !

Once again it was generally a successful day for TAC distance runners -
Womens 800m - Sian Driscoll missed qualifying for the final but ran a seasons best of 2.19.78
Mens 800m semi finals - Sean Molloy qualified for Monday's final
Men's 1500 metres semi finals - 4 TAC runners have qualified for Monday's final : James West, Dom Brown, George Duggan and Chris Olley, whilst Miles Weatherseed went out at this stage.
Men's 10,000 metres - Henry Pearce was 4th on his track debut at the distance.
​Full results are on the Results 2016 page.

Other Saturday news

On Saturday Toby Ralph scored an impressive double win at a school match at Tonbridge School, winning the 800m in a pb of 1.56.4 and 1500m in 4.22, before then contributing a 51.5 400m relay leg.

USA news, Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May

Luca Russo finished a close second over 1500m at the Memphis Invitational in 3.52.90
Full results are at - ​http://www.cfpitiming.com/liveresults/2016_Outdoor/Memphis_2016/results_9.html#round_1

After a delay to the meeting for lightning strikes, Robbie Farnham-Rose finished third in section 2 of the mens 800 metres at the LSU Invitational Meeting, at Louisiana. Robbie ran 1.49.69, which was just 0.07s outside his personal best, set in 2012.
Full results are at - http://results.deltatiming.com/lsu/tf/2016-lsu-invitational/160430F006

On Sunday, unfortunately, Ryan Driscoll failed to finish his 3000 metres steeplechase at the Payton Jordan Invitational. He is fine, recovered and will race again in two or three weeks time.

British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships, at Bedford, Saturday 30th April - Day 1
Videos loaded !

Day one of the three day championships have proved successful for Tonbridge AC distance runners.
Womens 800m - Sian Driscoll qualified with a fastest losers spot for Sunday's semi finals
Men's 800m - Sean Molloy front ran and won his heat to qualify for Sunday's semi finals
Men's 1500m - All five from TAC qualified from the heats to Sunday's semi finals: James West, George Duggan, Dom Brown, Chris Olley and Miles Weatherseed.
Both Chloe Bird (5000m) and Ben Murphy (800m) were eliminated in their heats.
Men's 3000m steeplechase - Alex Howard qualified for Monday's final and Michael Ellis was elimininated, although he ran a big personal best.
Men's 5000m - both Corey De'Ath and Max Nicholls qualified for Monday's final, Max as a fastest loser.

Full results are on the Results 2016 page
Continuing updates of results from the championships will be at - ​http://www.bucs.org.uk/page.asp?section=17472&sectionTitle=Outdoor+Championships

Southern Counties Veterans League at Eltham, Friday 29th April

The TAC men placed second and ladies third in their first ever match. Results are on the Results 2016 page.

The weekend ahead Friday 29th April to Monday 2nd May

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 It's a busy Bank Holiday weekend coming up, although the UK weather appears to be continuing as a very mixed and not that warm. These are some of the highlights that I am aware of -
Southern Counties Veterans League, at Eltham, Friday. This is TAC's first appearance in the league.
British Universities and Colleges Championships, at Bedford, Friday to Monday
TAC have, by my calculations, fifteen or more distance runners competing.
​There is a live internet stream at - http://www.runjumpthrow.com/fixtures/8917-bucs-championships
UK Youth Development League (u17/20), now at Eton (see above), on Sunday
Pete Mason, the team manager, is still looking to fill gaps in his team sheet, so if you are available please let him know.
Hildenborough Road Races, on Monday
These start at 2.30pm at Hildenborough Recreation Ground. The 2.5 mile run is for 12 years old and under. See above for the link to details and entries.
Reminder - TAC Evening Open Meeting on Tuesday and entries can be made online at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk
USA
Luca Russo - 1500m (section 1) at Memphis Invitational. Saturday 12.30pm local / 6.30pm UK time.
Robbie Farnham-Rose - 800m at LSU Invitational, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Saturday 1.40pm local/7.40pm UK
Ryan Driscoll - 3000m steeplechase (section 4) at Payton Jordan Invitational, California, on Sunday. Live at www.flotrack.org Pro (subscription service). Race time 11.00am local / 7pm UK time.
Kieran Reilly is in the Eastern Michigan team at the Drake Relays, Iowa and scheduled to race the 4x800m (Friday 8.19pm local/2.19am Sat UK) and Distance Medley Relay (Saturday 12.30pm local/6.30pm UKl). Stop press - didn't race due to calf injury.

Eva Kolivoskova-Martin - baby Alexandra arrives !

Those of you who know Eva, will be pleased to hear that she gave birth to baby Alexandra, weighing in at 6lbs 10oz. Congratulations to Eva and husband Nick.

The weather is testing us all !

These were the conditions about 45 minutes apart on Tuesday at TAC !

Fantasy Athletics League 2016

Many thanks to those entered our first TAC Fantasy Athletics League. Slightly disappointing entry numbers but enough for good prize money and to raise a little for the club. It is not too late to enter, and pick up points for the remaining SAL fixtures. Entry details at www.tacdistancerunners.com , find the ‘Fantasy League’ tab on the left side. If you have not yet paid for your entry, please do so as soon as possible. Remember to boost your score by turning out at Fixture 2 in Walton on 21 May!  

James Taylor (JT)
See results on the Fantasy League page.

This week's 'Big Hitters' - the top personal bests and debuts in the last week
​Season so far to 24th April

Just as last year I will try and highlight the weekly 'Big Hitters' ,who are the athletes that have improved their personal bests by the most significant amounts. So far this season we have had a few open meetings, the Southern Athletics League and the UK Youth Development League for under 13s and 15s. So here are a few, who have shown some big steps forward -
400 metres
Becky O'Hara (u20) 57.68 (0.6s improvement)
800 metres
Lizzie Wooff (u13) 2.45.8 (11.8s improvement)
1200 metres
Maddie Wise (u13) 4.04.9 (10.5s improvement)
1500 metres
Henry Taylor (u13) 5.05.7 (22.0s improvement)
Katie Goodge (u15) 4.55.9 (18.4s improvement)
Other
2000m steeplechase - Bede Pitcairn-Knowles (u17) 6.46.98 (28.0s improvement)
3000 metres - Alex Howard (senior) 8.37.00 (10.2s improvement)
Marathon - Dan Watt 2.39.21  (2.26 improvement)

Oxford University Trials, Sunday 24th April

Miles Weatherseed won the Oxford University 1500 metre trials, defeating some good quality athletes in 4.00.21

Tonbridge AC Parkrun Grand Prix - Summer 2016

The TAC Summer parkrun Grand Prix commences on 30th April. Full details are in the file below and also on the Parkrun page.

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London Marathon and mini marathons, Sunday 24th April

TAC had a number of representatives in the London Marathon, plus Phoebe Barker and Alasdair Kinloch in the under 17 mini marathons.

In the main marathon Ben Cole set off at a pace ahead of the club record of 2.24, but faded to 2.28.52. Leah Melvin was the club's first female finisher, in her debut with 3.33.12.

Summary results are on the Results 2016 page. Note there are errors in the provisional/official minimi marathon results.
​Photos below courtesy Richard Owen

Photos below courtesy of George Kelly
​Left Dan Watt and Right Greg Cole

UK Youth Development League (u13/15), at Reading, Saturday 23rd April
Videos loaded of 1200m and 1500m races !

Although the team finished 6th of the six clubs, there were some very encouraging performances in the middle distance races, including some big personal bests.

Fin Croll was one of only three A-string winners that the club had all day, as he won the under 13, 800 metres in 2.23.9. However, take a look at the results summary and you will see some big personal bests from the likes of Lizzie Wooff, Matthew Taylor, Henry Taylor, Katie Goodge, James Kingston and Adam Van der Plas.
​
Full results already available at - ​http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=159375
​They are also on the Results 2016 page. Photos of some of the 800m runners, courtesy of Gary Goodge.

Saturday in USA, 23rd April

Luca Russo opened his outdoor season with Missouri University with a 3.55.07 for 1500m at Arkansas. Full results at -
http://arkansas-john-mcdonnell-invitational.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=2508&year=2016&do=info

​Kieran Reilly ran 1.56.85 (sb) for 800m at Columbus, Ohio

Friday night in USA, 22nd April

I must admit I had been a bit concerned, when I went to bed in the UK on Friday night, as Robbie was feeling unwell and Ryan had suffered shin soreness, so it was testament to their attitudes that they both came up with 1500m personal bests !

Robbie Farnham-Rose was 3rd in the Auburn War Eagle Invitational over 1500m in 3.44.39. Full results at -
http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2016-war-eagle-invitational/160422F110

Ryan Driscoll was 5th in his race at the Stanford Twilight Meeting, in California. Ryan's race can be caught on video at www.flotrack.org , but on the Pro subscription service. Full results at -http://www.rtspt.com/events/stanford/twilight16/160422F009.htm

Kieran Reilly ran 3.59.97 for 1500m at Columbus, Ohio

Watford Open Meeting, Wednesday 20th April
Videos loaded !

TAC had eleven runners in action at a chilly Watford on Wednesday night, with most having their first race of the season. Six gained personal bests, whilst there were a couple of race wins included.

Sean Molloy opened his season with a 50.11 for 400m, the quickest by a TAC athlete so far in 2016.

In the 800m there were wins for Simon Coppard and Kieran Eland (joining TAC this week), who are u17 and u20, respectively. Simon, Ben Murphy and Sam Avis all ran pbs.

In the 3000m races three of the four TAC runners ran pbs (Corey De'Ath, Alex Howard, Sam Crick), whilst James West was just a fraction off his with 8.14.77. However, splits of 4.13 and 1500m and 4.01, for the second half, were still very encouraging, as he placed a close up third in a high quality race.
​
Summary results are on the Results 2016 page and full results will appear at -http://www.watfordharriers.org.uk/indexnc.htm

Sophie Slack receives TAC Parkrun Grand Prix trophy

Sophie Slack (left) received her TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix trophy on Monday, presented by schools international, Kathleen Faes (right)

Sunday 10km Road Races, 17th April

Reports coming in of some 10k races today -
Michael Ellis ran a pb of 34.35 at Rother Valley
Nathan Marsh was 7th at Lincoln in 32.09 (the day after running a long leg in the National Road Relay team).
Full results are at - http://chiptiming.co.uk/results/?sport=1&year=2016&event=2587&race=4430
Cameron Knapp was 10th in the Goudhurst 10k in 40.12, where Maria Heslop (2nd claim TAC) was first female and second overall in 37.38. Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk

National 12 Stage Mens Road Relay Championship, at Sutton Coldfield, Saturday 16th April
Extensive video highlights now loaded !

The TAC men's team put in another superb performance, at a National Relay Championship, to finish fifth and equal the club's best ever position, achieved last year. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.

Ben Cole is proving a valuable asset, as time and time again he runs a solid relay leg to put our teams in contention. He handed over in 9th from the 67 that started. Tom Cox transfered his late season cross country form to the road to move the team to 6th. Nathan Marsh, making his debut in such a race, ran all out, but slipped to 13th, although still in close contention. Dom Brown, on leg four, put the team back to 7th and Chris Olley moved up another two places. Miles Weatherseed, only brought into the team a couple of days earlier, did his bit to keep the team in the top six at halfway.

Alex Howard ran a very solid 7th leg, again having his first experience of such a distance, at this level. We were in 7th, at this stage, before Donald Carter ran our fastest short leg to move to 6th. Max Nicholls on leg nine was pretty much equal 6th with Bedford, but was pipped on the line. Then Dan Bradley consolidated 6th place, looking like he is retuning to form. Henry Pearce ran a tremendous penultimate leg to move into 4th, with the fifth fastest long leg of the day. Finally, Tim Corby had an excellent run on the anchor leg, only being overtaken by Matt Jackson, of Liverpool, who ran the fastest short leg of the race.

So we ended up with a very solid 5th, that was equal to last year's best ever. However, this was a more solid overall performance, in many ways. whereas last year we just slipped by a couple of teams right at the end.

Having had time to reflect on the result, I feel it was a terrific effort by the team to gain 5th, ahead of many of the UK's top distance running clubs. We had to take a few risks and with a relatively young team many are still getting stronger and more experienced of racing at this level, in such a championship. To have three of our long leg runners in the fastest 20 (Henry, Ben and Chris) is a sign of how far we have come as a club, as to do that you have to be a very strong distance runner.
We have four club members away on USA scholarships and another three away training with their universities, who may have made the team, so the future is bright. Hopefully, one day Tonbridge can take a win in what is probably the UK's premier test of a club's capability.

Southern Athletics League, at Milton Keynes, Saturday 16th April
Videos of 1500m and steeplechase races now loaded !

TAC opened the Southern Athletics League season with a 3rd place finish.
Full provisional results are on the Results 2016 page.
Amongst the performances were personal bests for Becky O'Hara (400m), Emilia Hope (1500m), Sam Crick (2000m s/c), Bede Pitcairn-Knowles (2000m s/c)

Brighton mini road mile, Saturday 16th April

Beth Lednor won the girls years 9 and 10, mile race at Brighton in 6.01. There were 251 finishers just in her age group race !
Full results are at - ​http://www.brightonminimile.co.uk/results

Mount Sac Relays meeting, Friday 15th April
​Ryan Driscoll closes in on TAC club record at 3000 metres steeplechase

Ryan Driscoll finished third in section 2 of the 3000m steeplechase at the Mount Sac Relays meeting, near Los Angeles, USA. Ryan, running for San Francisco University, clocked a two second personal best of 8.56.77 which is the third fastest ever TAC time and not far away from Stuart Kirk's 8.33.0 record set in 1984.
Full results are at - http://www.mtsacrelays.com/2016/results/041516results.htm​

Beach Pacific Coast Invitational, Long Beach, USA, Thursday 14th and Friday 15th April

Kieran Reilly ran 800m in 1.58.68 and finished third. Full results are at - 
​http://emueagles.com.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/2016/4/15/Pacific_Coast_Invite_Results.pdf?id=4401
Kieran also finished 5th in the 1500m in a seasons best of 3.51.95
Full results at - http://emueagles.com.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/2016/4/17/Beach_Invite_Day_2_Results.pdf?id=4406​

Sunday results, 10th April

Hartfield 10k
Joe Watts ran 45.25 in this tough 10k and believes he was close to the top 10. Official results are awaited.
Results should be posted at - http://www.hartfieldonline.com/Core/Hartfield-Parish-Council/Pages/Fun_Run_2.aspx​
Ashford Half Marathon
Cameron Knapp finished 7th in the Ashford Half Marathon in 90.42 and aims to be racing the Goudhurst 10k this coming Sunday.
Medway and Maidstone Open Meeting
400m - Sam Avis (u20) made his debut over 400m in 58.49
800m - George Kelly (sm) won his 800m in 2.23.64 and Tilly Hall ran 2.29.27.

Saturday results, 9th April

A few results will posted here, if I get news -
Saturday Open Meetings
Sian Driscoll (u20) has won an 800m in 2.20.0 at the Carnegie Games, at Leeds.
Jamie Brown (u20) ran 90s for 600m at the Herne Hill Harriers Open Meet.
USA
Robbie Farnham-Rose ran the quickest TAC 800m of the year so far with a 1.51.13 effort. He was 4th in section 2, at the Battle of the Bayou meeting, at Baton Rouge, Loisiana. Robbie ran a low 49s split for the Alabama 4x400m relay B team.
Full results - http://results.deltatiming.com/lsu/tf/2016-battle-on-the-bayou#/2016-04-09
Parkruns
Tonbridge - 1st female Phoebe Barker 18.11 pb, 2nd overall Dan Bradley 16.45
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st Jamie Goodge 18.07, 1st female Katie Goodge 21.02
Lullingstone - 1st Charlie Lindsay 19.18
​Bedgebury - 1st Bede Pitcairn-Knowles 18.34
Full results are at - ​http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/ 

Old video clips

I have edited a few old video clips from 2005 and 2006, which are now loaded on the relevant page, under History. Some of you may recognise a few faces even though 10 years younger !

TAC Fantasy Athletics League 2016
Hurry as entries close 14th April !

James Taylor (JT) has announced details for the first ever TAC Fantasy Athletics League following on from the successful cross country version last Winter. Full details are in the file below, but be quick as the closing date is 14th April.
The league is based on Southern Athletics League results for the coming season.
​The cross country competition not only proved popular for a bit of fun, but created interest in runners across the age groups, whilst also raising more than £300 for club funds.

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Wednesday Night Open Meetings, 6th April

There were a number of open meetings going on in the South East on Wednesday night, at places like Ashford, Watford and Highgate. There were TAC distance runners in action at the first two. Here are some of the results -
Ashford
Ollie Croll won a 600m in 1.55.81. (Ollie is 11 years old in May)
Fin Croll 800m 2.27.40
Kieran Eland (joining TAC, u20) 100m 11.89, 400m 51.36
Note - Henry Marshall (u20) ran 400m in 50.56, just outside his pb
Watford
Simon Coppard (u17) won his 800m in 2.03.57. Full results are at - http://www.watfordharriers.org.uk/indexnc.htm​
Crawley, Sunday
A late result coming in is Jamie Brown ran 800m in 2.06.0, just 0.7s away from his pb

Easter Newsletter - April 2016

Following on from the newsletter that I produced at the end of 2015, I thought that I would produce another. Hopefully, it will help in terms of some information about the coming Summer track season, aswell as including a quick review of last Winter. Hope that you all enjoy it.

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European Masters Indoor Championships, Sunday 3rd April

European Indoor Masters Champs
Ben Reynolds has done it again!   Winning the European M50 indoor 3000m championships in Italy.   The race looks to have been close. Results link below.
http://www.fidalservizi.it/risultati/2016/Ancona_2016/Gara066.htm

Ben Reynolds wins European over 50s Indoor 3000 metres

Half Marathons, Sunday 3rd April.

Reading Half Marathon
Dan Watt 72.00, Julian Rendall 72.48, Dan Bradley 74.23, Greg Cole 77.27
Full results are at - http://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/results16/VitalityReadingHalfMarathon_v1.pdf
​They are also on the Results 2016 page.
Paddock Wood Half Marathon
32nd Simon Fraser 78.23, 60th (3rd lady) Nicole Taylor 82.24, Anthony Crush 91.48, Daniel Crush 92.05, Duncan Ralph 1.38.49, Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 1.41.01, Jerry McCarthy 1.48.15, Pat Hollands 1.59.45. Maria Heslop (2nd claim TAC) was 2nd lady in 80.55
Full results are at - ​http://www.paddockwoodhalfmarathon.co.uk
​Photos courtesy of Richard Owen

Tonbridge Parkrun Winter Grand Prix - Final results and today's parkruns, Saturday 2nd April
By Mark Pitcairn-Knowles

Congratulations to the winner of the Winter Age Graded Park Run grand prix Sophie Slack JW10, who ran a 80.81% today to ensure she could not be beaten by her sister, Lily JW10 80.40%.   Very impressive scores, only beaten on the day by Andrew Mercer with 82.81%.  Sophie and Lily have dominated this winter's GP, with only Matt Harvey (not running today) potentially able to have beaten them.  We will locate the trophy andpresent to you asap.  (Dan Bradley or Andrew Mercer can you return the trophy please). A total of 71 TAC members registered scores during the 10 weeks of the GP events.
Full TAC Winter Grand Prix Results are on the Parkrun page
Event results -
Tonbridge - 1st Alex Howard 16.33, 1st Female Clara Tyler 20.39. We had a host of runners there, ranging from Andrew Mercer competing his 100th parkrun to Ollie Hill doing his first.
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st Jamie Goodge 17.36, 1st Female Katie Goodge 20.38
Malling - 1st Female Emily Hale 22.30
Full results are at - ​http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/

Sophie and Lily Slack who have dominated the TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix to finish 1-2

British Masters 10km Championship, at The Olympic Park, London, Saturday 2nd April

Graeme Saker and Mark Pitcairn-Knowles took part in the 10km race, on Saturday morning.Graeme ran 36.12 for 6th over 50, whilst Mark was 10th in 39.48. Andy Howey (2nd claim TAC) was 5th in 35.53. Full results are on the Results 2016 page
Full results should appear here - ​http://www.theraceorganiser.com/results.html

Andy Howey, Graeme Saker, Mark Pitcairn-Knowles

Stanford Invitational, USA, Friday 1st April

Robbie Farnham-Rose made his outdoor season debut in the section 1 race of the mens 1500m at Stanford on Friday evening.
Robbie ran 3.48.22 to finish 9th. Full results are at - ​http://www.gostanford.com/pdf9/4701107.pdf

Also in the USA on Saturday Kieran Reilly ran a disappointing 2.02.04 for 800m at Cincinnati, in windy conditions.

Tonbridge AC Easter Monday Open Meeting, 28th March - CANCELLED DUE TO HIGH WINDS

Nathan Marsh performs well at Isle of Man Easter Festival of Running, 25th to 27th March

Nathan Marsh formed part of a Leeds University contingent who competed in the Isle of Man Easter Festival.
Friday 25th March, 10km road race - 12th in 32.37
Saturday 26th March, Peel Hill Race - 9th in 22.43
​Sunday 27th March, Douglas 5km road race - 16.34, 2nd leg for winning team

Sam Bradley in action in the USA

Sam Bradley showed that he is still competing, aswell as being involved in university coaching in the USA. He ran a 15.14 road 5km a couple of weeks ago and then finished second in a track 5000m this weekend in 15.00.25.

Cardiff Half Marathon, Saturday 26th March

Nicole Taylor ran 85.24 at Cardiff. Nicole went through the first 10 miles on a very good pace, but soon after had to take a 'pit stop' at someones house, so was consequently slowed considerably.

Saturday 5km parkruns, Saturday 26th March

Amongst TAC performances today were -
Bedgebury Pinetum - Mark Coates was 1st overall in 20.03
Tonbridge - 1st Andrew Mercer 17.05
Sittingbourne - 1st Graeme Saker 18.27
Tunbridge Wells - 1st female Lizzie Miller 20.50
Full results are at - ​http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/

Kieran Reilly runs 5000m personal best at Rayleigh Relays Meet, North Carolina, Friday 25th March

Kieran Reilly ran a pb of 14.44.94 for 5000 metres on Friday, at the Raleigh Relays, North Carolina. Kieran was on for a sub 14.30 clocking until the last three laps. Full results at -
​http://flashresults.com/2016_Meets/Outdoor/03-25_RaleighRelays/027-1-03.htm

London Marathon - from Julian Rendall

My sister and I will be running the 2016 London Marathon and raising money for the Evelina London Children's Hospital to show our appreciation for the care and support that they provided to my son, William, last summer when he underwent open heart surgery.

A number of our friends have also benefited from the fantastic service that they provide. We would really appreciate your support if you are able to sponsor us at -
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=therunningrendalls&faId=657299&isTeam=tru
 All the best
 Julian

Stop Press - Nathan Marsh runs a pb 3000m

Nathan Marsh made a rare track appearance at the Spenborough and District Winter warm up meeting on Sunday and ran a pb for 3000 metres of 8.48.5. Nathan is at Leeds University and it was a pb by 37 seconds.

South of England 6 (women) and 12 (men) stage road relay championships
at Cyclopark, Gravesend, Sunday 20th March
Mens race video loaded !

The South of England Road Relays were staged at Gravesend for the first time and held at the relatively new Cyclopark complex.

The men had two teams out and finished 5th and 21st, with the latter being the first B team to finish. The top 25 qualify for the National Road Relays on 16th April. The women's team were a creditable 19th, with Ashley Gibson running the third fastest of the 'Long' stages.

The men were always in the top ten, but it wasn't until Stuart Brown on stage 10 that they moved into the top five. By the end we were closing on most of the teams ahead, but in the end were 3.11 behind the winners and 1.36 away from the medals. The 5th place did not quite match the club's best previous performance of 4th last year. 

Photos of the men (above) and women (below), with apologies to Harry Paton and Toby Ralph, who I didn't manage to get a good photo of.

Home Countries International Cross Country, at Falkirk, Scotland, Saturday 19th March

 TAC had a tremendous day the Home International.

Chris Olley led an England 1,2,3,4 in the under 20 men's race as he outsprinted Gus Cockle who won last weekend's UK Inter Counties Championship.

In the schools international race for Inter Girls Kathleen Faes took second place, just ahead of a fast closing Phoebe Barker.

​James Puxty placed 11th in the Inter Boys race.

​Full results are on the Results 2016 page. All photos courtesy of Richard Owen.

Photos of Chris, Kathleen, Phoebe and James competing for England

Schools Year 7 and 8 Inter County Cross Country Match, at Popham, Hampshire, Saturday 19th March

TAC had plenty of young runners appearing in Kent vests. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
​Some of our leading results included - Year 7 girls 5th Maddie Wise, Year 7 boys 4th Finn Croll, Year 8 boys 2nd Fraser Gordon.

Kent Indoor Championships, at Lee Valley, Saturday 19th March
Videos now loaded !

TAC had two wins in the 800 metres championships as Hannah Czarnowski (2.25.49) won the under 20 women's title and Alex Hookway (2.02.87) the senior men's event. Ewan Wood (2.20.19) set a personal best in winning the silver medal in the under 15 boys 800m.

​Sam Avis had his first ever experience of racing indoors and finished 4th in the under 20 men's race in 2.11.01.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.

Above - Alex and Hannah with their gold medals
Below - Hannah wins, plus other photos of Alex, Ewan and Sam

Saturday 5km parkruns and TAC Winter Grand Prix

James Kingston and Clara Tyler were first home at Tonbridge.
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/​
​Mark Pitcairn-Knowles reports the latest position in the Grand Prix -
​Very little change as low numbers of TAC runners today gave 11 points to James Kingston as the top age grader.   Maurice Marchant was the only person to move up from 10th to 7th place.  Despite a good run Matt Harvey was unable to improve on his 4 previous scores, so remains in 3rd place.   His title chances depend on the numbers of TAC runners taking part on the 2nd April and of course whether Sophie and Lily Slack run add a 4th score

London mini marathons - South East Team Selections

The following have been selected for the South East Region teams to compete in the London Mini Marathons, on Sunday 24th April. These are held over the final 3 miles of the marathon course and start earlier in the morning.
Under 13 girls - Katie Goodge
Under 15 girls - Kathleen Faes
Under 17 women - Phoebe Barker
Under 13 boys - Fraser Gordon
Under 15 boys - Reserve - James Stoney
Under 17 men - Alasdair Kinloch, James Puxty + Reserve Jamie Goodge

Sunday Road Races, 13th March

TAC distance runners have been in fine form this morning in a number of road races -
Trafford 10k
This race near Manchester attracts a top class field and Chris Olley had a superb run to finish 18th in 29.42. This took more than two minutes from Chris' pb from to years ago. Its also a club under 20 men's record and is the fastest for that age in the UK this year (would have been number two in 2015). Its also the third fastest ever under 20 mens time.
Henry Pearce also ran a very solid 30.41, which was actually his debut at the distance.
Full results are at - http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/MediaGallery/results/Results%20-%20Trafford%2010K.pdf
Lydd 20 miles
Julian Rendall used the race as another 'training' run for the London Marathon, but still ended up with an impressive 1.53.59 clocking, just 2 seconds behind the winner. Simon Fraser ran 2.12.10, as he also continues his marathon build up.
Sidcup 10 miles
'Fresh' from a superb 69th on Saturday at the UK Inter counties, Dan Watt won this road race in 55.15. This was nine seconds inside Dan's two year old pb.
Colchester Half Marathon
Duncan Ralph is another to smash his personal best this morning with a time of 96.45 at Colchester. Duncan's previous best was 99.18
Dartford Half Marathon
Leah Melvin's time was 93.39. Full results are at
http://www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=850001
Salisbury 10 mile
Cameron Knapp continued his return to fitness with a 65.51 clocking over 10 miles.
Full results are at - http://salisbury10.salisbury-arc.org/salisbury-10-results/

Chris Olley at the Trafford 10k with a 29.42 clocking

National Prep Schools Cross Country Championships, at Malvern, Sunday 13th March

A number of young TAC distance runners competed for their schools at the Prep Schools Championships. The highest individual placing was from James Crawley, who was second in the under 13 race.
​Full results are on the Results 2016 page.

Knole Park 10k, Sunday 13th March

TAC second claim member Maria Heslop was first lady home, with Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 6th. Full results areat -
​http://www.chiptimingresults.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=61&RId=194

British Masters Cross Country Championships, at Bath, Sunday 13th March

Mark Pitcairn-Knowles gathered together a veterans squad to represent TAC at the British Masters Championships.
Full results are awaited, although Ben Reynolds, who is a second claim member of TAC, was the m50 and overall winner.
Results are at - ​http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=165061&pagenum=1#8KXC

The boys seemed to enjoy their trip - Left photo Mark Pitcairn-Knowles, Andy Wood, Charles Whitmore, Phil Coleman

UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Cofton Park, Birmingham, Saturday 12th March
Race videos now loaded !

TAC had plenty of representation at Cofton Park and came away with some very good individual performances. We had 27 representing Kent in total.

These were headed by a fine win from Kathleen Faes, who led the under 15 girls race, lost the lead, but kept her composure to go on and win.

Ally Kinloch was sixth in the under 17 mens race, whilst also impressive were Ben Cole (18th) and George Duggan (27th) in the senior mens race.

Ben's 18th was the highest ever position achieved by a TAC athlete in the senior men's race.

​Full results are on the Results 2016 page.

Kathleen Faes on her way to a win

World University Cross Country Championships, at Cassino, Italy, Saturday 12th March

Max Nicholls finished 47th and third Brit.
Full results are at - http://www.wuccrosscountry2016.com/risultati/Gara001.htm

Schools Cross Country, Saturday 12th March

Judd School had teams at both the Ranelagh Cup and the South London Harriers event, on Saturday.
I have posted results for both on the Results 2016 page.
​There were wins for Toby Ralph, Jess Magorrian and Dan Blades.

Midweek news, Wednesday 9th March

Sean Molloy ran an encouraging 400m relay leg in 49.5 at the St Marys Vs Brunel Varsity match, in poor weather conditions.

At the Teddy Hall Oxford University Relays both Alex Howard and Miles Weatherseed were in action. Alex ran 17.51 and Miles 19.09 (Alex was equal second fastest lap). The course is around 5.8km.
Results are at - http://racetimingsolutions.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=520 (note that Alex was 3rd leg for the team that finished second, although his name isn't shown)

Other weekend news, 5th/6th March

Sunday
​Essex 20 mile road race - Julian Rendall was 9th in 1-55.06 and Greg Cole 10th in 1-56.50 (pb)
Full results are on the Results 2016 page
Oxford Mail Cross Country League - Ben Cole won the league race competing for Swindon, his second claim club.
Full results are at - http://oxonxc.org.uk/files/results/2015_5.txt
TAC Junior 1 mile race
The final junior 1 mile race was held at Tonbridge School today. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Saturday
Ed Prickett University Relays, Nottingham - George Duggan was 6th fastest. Full results on the Results 2016 page
Parkruns - Tonbridge 1st Jamie Bryant 16.38, Sittingbourne 1st Jordan Saul 18.59
Full results at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
See Maidstone, Malling, Beeston, Basingstoke, Exeter for more TAC

Julian Rendall and Greg Cole in the Essex 20 mile road race

English Schools Cross Country Championships, Saturday 5th March
Videos loaded !

TAC had 24 of the 48 strong Kent team, plus Fin Harvey, who is a second claim member.
From this number three have managed to qualify to run for the England Schools Inter age group team, to run in Scotland, in the home countries international, in two weeks time.

In the Inter girls race Kathleen Faes showed that she has worked really hard, with mainly cross training, over the last few weeks, to bounce back from injury with a splendid second place. Kathleen was just three seconds behind the winner and just another two seconds back was Phoebe Barker in fourth.

In the Inter Boys race James Puxty was always close to the front and finished fifth to gain his second England Schools vest.

Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
A report is available at - http://www.englandathletics.org/england-athletics-news/athletes-impress-at-new-balance-english-schools-aa-cross-country-championships

Tonbridge AC's England Schools Internationals - Phoebe Barker, Kathleen Faes and James Puxty

Bracken and Woodmansee Cup, at The Schools at Somerhill, Friday 4th March

TAC had the first seven home with the top three Matthew Taylor, Fin Croll and Korede Fasina in the u13 boys and in the girls the first three, led home by Maddie Wise, followed by Rebekah O'Brien and Megan Moore. All subject to official confirmation.

Full results on the Results 2016 page.

Tonbridge AC Fantasy Cross Country League completes it's first season

Many thanks to Ian Crawley, James Taylor and Michael Ellis for their efforts this year in administering and promoting the first TAC Fantasy League. Full results are on the Fantasy League page, plus Ian's best athlete averages and blog.

Ian Crawley, James Taylor and Michael Ellis 'enjoying' their National runs

Other weekend news 26th to 28th February

In the USA, both Robbie Farnham-Rose (Alabama) and Luca Russo (Missouri) had disappointing individual races at the South East Conference Indoor Championships, at Arkansas. Both were drawn in the same semi final of the mile and were eliminated with times of 4.07.82 (7th) and 4.11.64 (8th), respectively. However, they both bounced back on Saturday with anchor legs in the Distance Medley Relay final. They were on the final 1600m leg where Robbie ran 4.00 and Luca 4.05 to bring their teams home in 2nd and 3rd.

Robbie and Luca at Arkansas for the South East Conference Indoor Championships

On Sunday, John Harley reports that he ran 3.08 for the Tokyo Marathon. This means John has now completed London, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo.

English National Cross Country Championships, at Castle Donington, Saturday 27th February
Videos now loaded !

I am sure that once we have edited the photos and videos there will be plenty more information available to tell the story from the weekend. Although it wasn't the best overall TAC performance at the championships, there were plenty of positives to come out of the results. In summary -
Under 13 girls - 10th of 48 teams. 24th Katie Goodge (448 finishers)
Under 13 boys - 2nd of 43 teams. 21st Matthew Taylor (420 finishers)
Under 15 girls - 10th of 32 teams. 54th Clara Tyler (353 finishers)
Under 15 boys - 6th of 35 teams. 26th James Stoney (366 finishers)
Under 17 women - 5th pf 22 teams. 6th Phoebe Barker (234 finishers). Phoebe equals highest TAC this century.
Under 17 men - 1st National Champions of 22 teams. 11th Alasdair Kinloch (243 finishers). 9 years in a row with a team medal
Under 20 women - 6th of 12 complete teams. 48th Chloe Bird (129 finishers)
Under 20 men - 2nd of 7 complete teams. 3rd Chris Olley, 5th Max Nicholls, 9th George Duggan (152 finishers). 5 years in a row the team has been 1st or 2nd. Chris first TAC individual medal since 1998.
Senior women - 39th of 84 teams. 42nd Nicole Taylor (739 finishers). Nicole second best ever TAC individual place.
Senior men - 11th of 123 teams, equal best ever. 61st Tom Cox (1730 finishers). Tom second best ever TAC individual place.
Attendance records
Overall 121 runners beats the 111 from 2014
Senior men 30 beats 2015's 20
Under 17 women 9 beats the 8 from 2009
​Under 20 men 16 equals that from 2015
​Full results are on the Results 2016 page

Under 17 men - National Champions

Under 20 men - 2nd

Under 13 boys - 2nd

Chris Olley - 3rd under 20 men

A selection of photos from National Race Day....

A selection of photos from the 10th Tonbridge AC National Awards Evening...

Tonbridge AC Fantasy League update

Ian Crawley's latest blog and analysis are now on the Fantasy league page. With just the National to go who will be the final league winners ?