February 2016
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 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 ?
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, Sunday 21st February
TAC had a number near the sharp end of the half marathon today as follows -
4th Julian Rendall 72.19, 6th Dan Watt 73.41, 7th Greg Cole 73.49 (pb), 10th Andrew Mercer 75.13
Others - 122nd Joe Watts 89.47 (debut), 137th George Kelly 90.42 (debut), 255th Tony Crush 96.04, 280th Penny Pilbeam 97.24, 404th Duncan Ralph 1.40.59, 1138th Pat Hollands 2.01.02
Maria Heslop, who is now second claim TAC, won the womens race in 83.43
Top finishers results are on the Results 2016 page. Full results at -
http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/results/?sport=1&year=2016&event=571&race=4410&club=Tonbridge+AC
Julians record at the last 13 TW half marathons is now -
4th, 5th, 2nd, 5th, 5th, 4th, 7th, 4th, -, 2nd, 1st, -, 1st
Photos below courtesy of Steve Keywood
4th Julian Rendall 72.19, 6th Dan Watt 73.41, 7th Greg Cole 73.49 (pb), 10th Andrew Mercer 75.13
Others - 122nd Joe Watts 89.47 (debut), 137th George Kelly 90.42 (debut), 255th Tony Crush 96.04, 280th Penny Pilbeam 97.24, 404th Duncan Ralph 1.40.59, 1138th Pat Hollands 2.01.02
Maria Heslop, who is now second claim TAC, won the womens race in 83.43
Top finishers results are on the Results 2016 page. Full results at -
http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/results/?sport=1&year=2016&event=571&race=4410&club=Tonbridge+AC
Julians record at the last 13 TW half marathons is now -
4th, 5th, 2nd, 5th, 5th, 4th, 7th, 4th, -, 2nd, 1st, -, 1st
Photos below courtesy of Steve Keywood
Tonbridge AC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix update, 20th February - from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
The 8th round of Parkrun GP took place at Lullingstone today in testing conditions. Matt Harvey took the opportunity to add 17 points as his 4th score to move up to 3rd place. Beth Lednor (JW10) ran a PB to edge out Lucy PK in the run and on age grading, while Charlie Lindsay was 1st in the race and on age grading. The final two rounds are at Tonbridge on the 19th March and 2nd April.
The latest league table is on the Parkrun page.
The latest league table is on the Parkrun page.
Meanwhile other parkrun results included -
Tonbridge - 1st Ben Cole 17.08
Malling - 2nd Graeme Saker 18.29
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Tonbridge - 1st Ben Cole 17.08
Malling - 2nd Graeme Saker 18.29
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
British Universities Indoor Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday 20th February
Miles Weatherseed qualified through heat 7 of the 1500m, but could not get through to Sunday's final, from semi final three.
Videos are at - http://www.runjumpthrow.com/fixtures/9208-bucs-nationals-2016
Videos are at - http://www.runjumpthrow.com/fixtures/9208-bucs-nationals-2016
National Police Cross Country Championships, at Stockport, Wednesday 17th February
Harry Paton finished 7th in the National Police Championships, missing a GB team spot by just 14 seconds, for the World Police Championships. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
TAC Fantasy Cross Country League updated after Kent League, 13th February
Whilst his fellow administrators (James Taylor and Ian Crawley) have cleared off and left him to it, Michael Ellis has been beavering away on Valentines Day to bring you the latest Fantasy League Table, which is on the FL page now.
Other Saturday news, 13th February
Hyde Park University Road Relays, London - Chris Olley ran the fastest lap in 14.39, whilst Alex Howard also ran a fine leg in 14.59. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
National Under 20 Indoor Championships - Miles Weatherseed finished 3rd in the 1500 metres final in 3.58.59, just a second behind the winner..
Full results at - http://resultsengland.athletics-uk.org
Iowa State Classic, Indoor Invitational - Robbie Farnham-Rose finished 5th in the mens mile in 4.00.92, which was a personal best. I have tried in the past to verify the club's outright record, as even Andrew Graffin wasn't sure when he left Tonbridge to join Belgrave Harriers. So Robbie's time is most probably the fastest ever by a TAC athlete.
Full results at - http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2016-iowa-state-classic?DB_OEM_ID=10700
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA - Luca Russo followed up his 4.10 individual mile on Friday, by anchoring the Missouri team in the Distance Medley Relay (1200, 400, 800, 1600), where they finished 2nd in 9.57.31.
Husky Classic Invitational Meeting, Seattle, Washington - Ryan Driscoll placed fifth in section 3 of the mile in 4.08.12 and similar to Luca ran a 2.01 second half. This was Ryan's debut at the distance.
5km parkruns (various)
Nathan Marsh appears to be the fastest TAC runner at today's parkruns with a 15.58 at Woodhouse Moor. Tilly Hall was the first official female at Tonbridge with 22.12, although I heard Ashley Gibson ran and may have been the 'unknown' who was fourth home overall. Sam Crick was the first home in 16.56, but didn't have his barcode.
Leah Melvin was first female at Dartford in 20.26.
Finally a special mention to Matt Harvey, who ran 18.42 at Maidstone, which isn't far from his pb, despite having been unwell for a number of weeks.
Worthing Half Marathon, Sunday - A couple of the TAC over 60 age group runners completed the half marathon in very respectable times. John Haley was 1st M60 in 87.50 and Sally Musson 1st W55 in 94.39.
National Under 20 Indoor Championships - Miles Weatherseed finished 3rd in the 1500 metres final in 3.58.59, just a second behind the winner..
Full results at - http://resultsengland.athletics-uk.org
Iowa State Classic, Indoor Invitational - Robbie Farnham-Rose finished 5th in the mens mile in 4.00.92, which was a personal best. I have tried in the past to verify the club's outright record, as even Andrew Graffin wasn't sure when he left Tonbridge to join Belgrave Harriers. So Robbie's time is most probably the fastest ever by a TAC athlete.
Full results at - http://results.deltatiming.com/tf/2016-iowa-state-classic?DB_OEM_ID=10700
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA - Luca Russo followed up his 4.10 individual mile on Friday, by anchoring the Missouri team in the Distance Medley Relay (1200, 400, 800, 1600), where they finished 2nd in 9.57.31.
Husky Classic Invitational Meeting, Seattle, Washington - Ryan Driscoll placed fifth in section 3 of the mile in 4.08.12 and similar to Luca ran a 2.01 second half. This was Ryan's debut at the distance.
5km parkruns (various)
Nathan Marsh appears to be the fastest TAC runner at today's parkruns with a 15.58 at Woodhouse Moor. Tilly Hall was the first official female at Tonbridge with 22.12, although I heard Ashley Gibson ran and may have been the 'unknown' who was fourth home overall. Sam Crick was the first home in 16.56, but didn't have his barcode.
Leah Melvin was first female at Dartford in 20.26.
Finally a special mention to Matt Harvey, who ran 18.42 at Maidstone, which isn't far from his pb, despite having been unwell for a number of weeks.
Worthing Half Marathon, Sunday - A couple of the TAC over 60 age group runners completed the half marathon in very respectable times. John Haley was 1st M60 in 87.50 and Sally Musson 1st W55 in 94.39.
Kent Cross Country League, at Footscray Meadows, Sidcup, Saturday 13th February
Race videos loaded !
Full results from this fixture plus the final league tables are on the Results 2016 page.
Tom Cox took his first ever Kent League Senior Mens win and helped the TAC team to win the 6 and 12 to score wins and league titles.
Our ladies completed a team with Melissa Berry leading the squad home.
Tom Cox took his first ever Kent League Senior Mens win and helped the TAC team to win the 6 and 12 to score wins and league titles.
Our ladies completed a team with Melissa Berry leading the squad home.
Tom Cox took his first Kent League senior race win
Friday in the USA, 12th February
Luca Russo ran in the Tyson classic at Arkansas, for Missouri University. He placed 4th in the 1 mile in 4.10.38, which was just 0.2 seconds from his recent personal best. Encouragingly his splits were 2.10 and 2.00, as the pace picked up, suggesting a quicker overall time is possible. He also runs in the Distance Medley Relay on Saturday.
Full results can be found here - http://www.flashresults.com/2015_Meets/Indoor/02-13_Tyson/
Kieran Reilly finished 7th over 3000 metres at the Grand Valley Invitational in 8.24.41, in his first track race for almost eleven months. Full results are at - http://www.gvsulakers.com/documents/2016/2/12//Big_Meet_Friday_results.htm?id=797
Full results can be found here - http://www.flashresults.com/2015_Meets/Indoor/02-13_Tyson/
Kieran Reilly finished 7th over 3000 metres at the Grand Valley Invitational in 8.24.41, in his first track race for almost eleven months. Full results are at - http://www.gvsulakers.com/documents/2016/2/12//Big_Meet_Friday_results.htm?id=797
Max Nicholls selected for GB team for World University Cross Country Championships
Max Nicholls has been selected for the six man GB team to travel to Italy on 12th March for the World University Cross Country Championships.
This can be considered as Max's first senior international, having gained England and GB vests at under 20 level. It follows his terrific 6th place in last weekend's British University Championships.
This can be considered as Max's first senior international, having gained England and GB vests at under 20 level. It follows his terrific 6th place in last weekend's British University Championships.
Midweek news
Michael Ellis broke his outright 1500 metres personal best with 4.14.61, when running for Sheffield Hallam University, on Wednesday afternoon.
TAC Junior 1 mile races, at The Schools at Somerhill, Sunday 7th February
Considering the weather there was a good turnout on Sunday for the latest in the monthly series of one mile races, as over fifty boys and girls took part.
These races are held each month and have been a good source for spotting new talent over the last decade or more.
Lily Meers, of Blackheath, led home four TAC members in the girls race, whilst George Horgan of TAC produced a very strong last 400 metres to move from third to first in the boys race. In all there were about 17 TAC members in action plus a few current trialists.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
These races are held each month and have been a good source for spotting new talent over the last decade or more.
Lily Meers, of Blackheath, led home four TAC members in the girls race, whilst George Horgan of TAC produced a very strong last 400 metres to move from third to first in the boys race. In all there were about 17 TAC members in action plus a few current trialists.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix 2015/16 - Latest News
Update from Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Top 3 places are now dominated by girls as Lucy Kingston (48 points from 4 runs) is now 3rd behind Sophie Slack (61 points from 3 runs ) and Lily Slack (55 points from 3 runs). Andrew Mercer took the maximum points on offer (17) to show that he is not going to be giving up his crown easily. Feb 20th at Lullingstone is the next qualifying Park Run, where there is a guaranteed 20 points for the runner with the best age graded score. This the week before the Nationals and provides a muddy hilly course.
Other weekend results 6th and 7th February
Luca Russo finished 5th in the Husker Invitational Indoor mile at Lincoln, Nebraska in 4.10.17. This was a massive pb and compares well to his 1500m outdoor pb as worth around 3.52 for 1500 metres.
Dan Bradley ran 32.58 at the high class Chichester 10k on Sunday morning. Eva Kolivoskova-Martin ran 55.14 although quite advanced with her pregnancy !
Saturday 5km parkruns - all the TAC results are at - http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Tonbridge - 1st female Sophie Slack 21.47, 2nd overall Andrew Mercer 17.06
Malling - 2nd Graeme Saker 18.46
Dan Bradley ran 32.58 at the high class Chichester 10k on Sunday morning. Eva Kolivoskova-Martin ran 55.14 although quite advanced with her pregnancy !
Saturday 5km parkruns - all the TAC results are at - http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Tonbridge - 1st female Sophie Slack 21.47, 2nd overall Andrew Mercer 17.06
Malling - 2nd Graeme Saker 18.46
British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) Cross Country Championships, Saturday 6th February
at Gloucester - Videos loaded !
Max Nicholls was the first TAC male home in 6th and Nicole Taylor the first female in 13th.
Tonbridge had 5 girls and 8 boys in the top 100 of each of the two main races, which was excellent considering there were 583 and 335 finishers respectively.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page
Tonbridge had 5 girls and 8 boys in the top 100 of each of the two main races, which was excellent considering there were 583 and 335 finishers respectively.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page
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Another good weekend of cross country for Max and Nicole
South East Schools Inter Counties Cross Country, at Bexhill, Saturday 6th February
Videos loaded !
Full results are on the Results 2016 page
There were 27 TAC runners in action, as they tried to secure Kent selection for the English Schools Championships
There were 27 TAC runners in action, as they tried to secure Kent selection for the English Schools Championships
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting plus Vivobarefoot Dream Mile and 3000 metres
at Lee Valley, Wednesday 3rd February
Videos loaded !
Miles Weatherseed was the only TAC runner at the British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Lee Valley. Miles was in the Mens D race and ran 1.55.9, although he just tied up at the end. Hopefully, there will be more to come from Miles as the indoor season progresses.
Videos of almost all the races at a high class meeting are now available.
Videos of almost all the races at a high class meeting are now available.
King Henry V111 School, Coventry, Cross Country Relays, Wednesday 3rd February
A number of TAC distance runners were in action at these prestigious schools cross country relays.
Sevenoaks School finished 2nd in the girls race, with Phoebe Barker and Clara Tyler (not Alice as results show) in the team.
Then Judd School with six TAC members won an exciting boys race, with Toby Ralph taking the lead on the final leg.
Results will be posted on the Results 2016 page shortly.
Sevenoaks School finished 2nd in the girls race, with Phoebe Barker and Clara Tyler (not Alice as results show) in the team.
Then Judd School with six TAC members won an exciting boys race, with Toby Ralph taking the lead on the final leg.
Results will be posted on the Results 2016 page shortly.
TAC Fantasy Cross Country League - update after South of England Cross Country Championship
30th January
The latest Fantasy League table is now on the league page.
Also there are Ian Crawley's blog and athlete averages, which are interesting. Ian will either be basking in the glory of his team rising to the top of the league or shunning the publicity, as claims of 'insider trading' ring around, with an administrator leading the way. Anyone been checking all the calculations ? !
Still he should make the most of it having lost out at the Southerns in a sprint finish to Duncan Ralph, his nemesis.
Also there are Ian Crawley's blog and athlete averages, which are interesting. Ian will either be basking in the glory of his team rising to the top of the league or shunning the publicity, as claims of 'insider trading' ring around, with an administrator leading the way. Anyone been checking all the calculations ? !
Still he should make the most of it having lost out at the Southerns in a sprint finish to Duncan Ralph, his nemesis.
Other weekend news 30th/31st January
Ryan Driscoll has run 8.10.44 for 3000m in Seattle on Saturday, racing indoors for the University of San Francisco. This is the third TAC athlete to go sub 8.15 this indoor season; Robbie Farnham-Rose and James West being the other two.
Saturday 5km parkruns
Tonbridge - 1st female Megan Brickell 20.58 (pb)
Bexley - 2nd Jordan Saul 19.07 (started late !)
Banstead Woods - 2nd female Melissa Berry 22.10
Maidstone - 5th Harry Brown 18.10
Malling - 2nd Matt Harvey 19.11
Saturday 5km parkruns
Tonbridge - 1st female Megan Brickell 20.58 (pb)
Bexley - 2nd Jordan Saul 19.07 (started late !)
Banstead Woods - 2nd female Melissa Berry 22.10
Maidstone - 5th Harry Brown 18.10
Malling - 2nd Matt Harvey 19.11
South of England Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill Fields, Saturday 30th January
Race videos loaded !
Provisional results are on the Results 2016.
5 team medals, including a win for the under 13 boys. Its the first year since 2011 that TAC have won 5 team medals.(never achieved 6)
2 individual medals - 1st Max Nicholls (u20s), 2nd Katie Goodge (u13s)
In summary -
Senior men - 19 starters is a TAC record by 8. The team finished 4th, beating the highest ever position for TAC from two years ago. The team placed 3rd in the 12 to score result. Ben Cole was first home in 20th.
Senior women - Team 21st and first time ever that TAC have completed a team !. Both Ashley Gibson (8th) and Nicole Taylor (15th) were inside the highest ever TAC individual position ever recorded in the race.
Under 20 men - 2nd team, losing by just 3 points to Aldershot, 25 to 28. Max Nicholls was the first TAC winner of the event since Spencer Newport in 1986 and Andrew Hollens in 1985. Chris Olley 4th and George Duggan 8th.
Under 20 women - 3rd team and third year in a row TAC have won medals. Chloe Bird was first home in 21st.
Under 17 men - 2nd team, losing to Cambridge and Colleridge by 5 points. James Puxty 4th, Alasdair Kinloch 5th. TAC u17 men teams have won medals 10 years in a row now !
Under 17 women - 6th team. Phoebe Barker 10th
Under 15 boys - 3rd team. James Stoney 15th
Under 15 girls - 13th team. Clara Tyler 27th
Under 13 boys - 1st team. Matthew Taylor 6th, Fraser Gordon 8th. 13 starters is an equal TAC record.
Under 13 girls - 6th team. Katie Goodge 2nd and equal highest ever TAC position.
5 team medals, including a win for the under 13 boys. Its the first year since 2011 that TAC have won 5 team medals.(never achieved 6)
2 individual medals - 1st Max Nicholls (u20s), 2nd Katie Goodge (u13s)
In summary -
Senior men - 19 starters is a TAC record by 8. The team finished 4th, beating the highest ever position for TAC from two years ago. The team placed 3rd in the 12 to score result. Ben Cole was first home in 20th.
Senior women - Team 21st and first time ever that TAC have completed a team !. Both Ashley Gibson (8th) and Nicole Taylor (15th) were inside the highest ever TAC individual position ever recorded in the race.
Under 20 men - 2nd team, losing by just 3 points to Aldershot, 25 to 28. Max Nicholls was the first TAC winner of the event since Spencer Newport in 1986 and Andrew Hollens in 1985. Chris Olley 4th and George Duggan 8th.
Under 20 women - 3rd team and third year in a row TAC have won medals. Chloe Bird was first home in 21st.
Under 17 men - 2nd team, losing to Cambridge and Colleridge by 5 points. James Puxty 4th, Alasdair Kinloch 5th. TAC u17 men teams have won medals 10 years in a row now !
Under 17 women - 6th team. Phoebe Barker 10th
Under 15 boys - 3rd team. James Stoney 15th
Under 15 girls - 13th team. Clara Tyler 27th
Under 13 boys - 1st team. Matthew Taylor 6th, Fraser Gordon 8th. 13 starters is an equal TAC record.
Under 13 girls - 6th team. Katie Goodge 2nd and equal highest ever TAC position.
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Max Nicholls - 1st under 20 men and Katie Goodge - 2nd under 13 girls
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Under 13 Boys - 1st
James Crawley, Matthew Taylor, Henry Taylor (stood in for Fin Croll at presentation), Fraser Gordon
James Crawley, Matthew Taylor, Henry Taylor (stood in for Fin Croll at presentation), Fraser Gordon
Under 20 men - 2nd
Max Nicholls, Chris Olley, Corey De'Ath, George Duggan
Max Nicholls, Chris Olley, Corey De'Ath, George Duggan
Under 17 men - 2nd
James Puxty, Jamie Goodge, Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, Alasdair Kinloch
James Puxty, Jamie Goodge, Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, Alasdair Kinloch
Under 20 women - 3rd
Kiri Marsh, Chloe Bird, Sophie Foreman, Hannah Czarnowski
Kiri Marsh, Chloe Bird, Sophie Foreman, Hannah Czarnowski
Under 15 Boys - 3rd
James Kingston, Dan Schofield, James Stoney, Cameron Roberts
James Kingston, Dan Schofield, James Stoney, Cameron Roberts
South of England Cross Country Championships - Throwback in time, 10 years to 2006
With digital photography being around for more than a decade its relatively easy to go back in time with TAC and see how we did in the past.
Ten years ago, in 2006, we travelled on a bus with no heating to a very cold West Country for the Southern Championships. We had 36 runners (no seniors) and came away with two team and two individual medals. The under 13 boys were 2nd and the under 15 boys won, with Kurt Wolfe (2nd) and Seb Harding (3rd) being on the podium.
There are not many from 2006 still running 10 years later, although Pandora Banbury (u13 then) is back training, plus Catherine Symons, Andy Combs, Michael Mason and Sam Bradley still appear at the club. However, the only runner due to run at Parliament Hill this weekend, who was at Exmouth ten years ago is Dan Bradley, who back then finished 44th in an under 20 race, won by Andy Vernon of Aldershot (see below).
Ten years ago, in 2006, we travelled on a bus with no heating to a very cold West Country for the Southern Championships. We had 36 runners (no seniors) and came away with two team and two individual medals. The under 13 boys were 2nd and the under 15 boys won, with Kurt Wolfe (2nd) and Seb Harding (3rd) being on the podium.
There are not many from 2006 still running 10 years later, although Pandora Banbury (u13 then) is back training, plus Catherine Symons, Andy Combs, Michael Mason and Sam Bradley still appear at the club. However, the only runner due to run at Parliament Hill this weekend, who was at Exmouth ten years ago is Dan Bradley, who back then finished 44th in an under 20 race, won by Andy Vernon of Aldershot (see below).
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Other Saturday Results, 23rd January
Indoor results -
Alabama - Robbie Farnham-Rose 1 mile 4.07.65 (7th)
Kentucky - Luca Russo 800m 1.54.95 (3rd)
Cardiff - Miles Weatherseed 1500m 4.01.40 (9th)
Surrey Schools Cross Country
Senior Girls - Melissa Berry 16th
Parkruns -
Bushy Park - 1st Chris Olley 15.10 (2nd fastest ever TAC parkrun)
Tonbridge - 1st Andrew Mercer 16.47 (I see ex TAC distance runner Kelly Holmes was 1st female in 21.25)
Aberystwyth - 1st Ben Cole 16.24
On Sunday Alex Howard missed the British Cross Country Challenge, having gone down with an illness.
Alabama - Robbie Farnham-Rose 1 mile 4.07.65 (7th)
Kentucky - Luca Russo 800m 1.54.95 (3rd)
Cardiff - Miles Weatherseed 1500m 4.01.40 (9th)
Surrey Schools Cross Country
Senior Girls - Melissa Berry 16th
Parkruns -
Bushy Park - 1st Chris Olley 15.10 (2nd fastest ever TAC parkrun)
Tonbridge - 1st Andrew Mercer 16.47 (I see ex TAC distance runner Kelly Holmes was 1st female in 21.25)
Aberystwyth - 1st Ben Cole 16.24
On Sunday Alex Howard missed the British Cross Country Challenge, having gone down with an illness.
Kent Schools Cross Country Championships, at Hythe, Saturday 23rd January
Videos now loaded !
Full results, are on the Results 2016 page.
My stat of the week is that TAC supplied 45% of the top 10 positions across the eight age groups ! (36 of 80)
The schools age groups are a year different from the club events in the Winter, which means some different runners are pitched against each other. Places for the Kent teams, at the English Schools Championships, were at stake, with the top four in the Junior, Inter and Senior races gaining automatic selection. Thirteen TAC runners managed this.
Year 7 Girls - TAC had four of the top ten, as 101 finished. Maddie Wise placed second.
Year 7 Boys - Fin Croll had an excellent win and TAC had seven of the top twenty.
Junior Girls - Katie Goodge was an impressive winner, despite being 'bottom' of the age group, whilst TAC had four in the top ten.
Junior Boys - We will claim the winner Finn Harvey as TAC, since he is a second claim member, being a pupil at Tonbridge School, which made eight in the top twenty.
Inter Girls - Phoebe Barker bounced back from a tough Knole Run the week before to finish third, as the Inters were generally stronger than the seniors, who ran with them.
Inter Boys - TAC were quite dominant, filling the first four places, headed by James Puxty. James Stoney had a blinder in second (bottom of the age group), whilst Dan Schofield also stood out in seventh.
Senior Girls - With only eleven in the race, it was the smallest field and TAC had five of them ! It was good to see Alice Ralph run well, after a season blighted with illness.
Senior Boys - There was a surprise at the front as Ally Kinloch had a blip in his season's form to place third, with Jamie Goodge in second. All eight TAC were in the top thirteen.
My stat of the week is that TAC supplied 45% of the top 10 positions across the eight age groups ! (36 of 80)
The schools age groups are a year different from the club events in the Winter, which means some different runners are pitched against each other. Places for the Kent teams, at the English Schools Championships, were at stake, with the top four in the Junior, Inter and Senior races gaining automatic selection. Thirteen TAC runners managed this.
Year 7 Girls - TAC had four of the top ten, as 101 finished. Maddie Wise placed second.
Year 7 Boys - Fin Croll had an excellent win and TAC had seven of the top twenty.
Junior Girls - Katie Goodge was an impressive winner, despite being 'bottom' of the age group, whilst TAC had four in the top ten.
Junior Boys - We will claim the winner Finn Harvey as TAC, since he is a second claim member, being a pupil at Tonbridge School, which made eight in the top twenty.
Inter Girls - Phoebe Barker bounced back from a tough Knole Run the week before to finish third, as the Inters were generally stronger than the seniors, who ran with them.
Inter Boys - TAC were quite dominant, filling the first four places, headed by James Puxty. James Stoney had a blinder in second (bottom of the age group), whilst Dan Schofield also stood out in seventh.
Senior Girls - With only eleven in the race, it was the smallest field and TAC had five of them ! It was good to see Alice Ralph run well, after a season blighted with illness.
Senior Boys - There was a surprise at the front as Ally Kinloch had a blip in his season's form to place third, with Jamie Goodge in second. All eight TAC were in the top thirteen.
Fin Croll - 1st year 7
Katie Goodge - 1st Junior
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Finn Harvey - 1st Junior
James Puxty - 1st Inter
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Tonbridge AC parkrun Winter Grand Prix update
The latest league table is on the Parkrun page. From Mark Pitcairn-Knowles -
Matt Harvey was rewarded with 20 points as he was the only TAC runner to run at Orpington last Saturday, this catapults him up to 5th place overall. He ran 19.46 and came 3rd overall, which considering the muddy sections and undulating nature is very impressive. Next qualifying run is Feb 6th at Tonbridge.
Sophy Slack still tops the league table.
Matt Harvey was rewarded with 20 points as he was the only TAC runner to run at Orpington last Saturday, this catapults him up to 5th place overall. He ran 19.46 and came 3rd overall, which considering the muddy sections and undulating nature is very impressive. Next qualifying run is Feb 6th at Tonbridge.
Sophy Slack still tops the league table.
Sussex Schools Cross Country Championships, at Brighton, Wednesday 20th January
I think that Scarlet Coates may have been the only TAC runner in action at the Sussex Schools Championships, on Wednesday. Scarlet finished an excellent 25th from nearly 200 finishers in the Junior Girls race. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Scarlet Coates - 25th in Sussex Schools Champs on Wednesday, at Brighton
Kathleen Faes wins Sevenoaks Chronicle 'Young Sports Star of the Year' Award
Kathleen Faes won the Sevenoaks Chronicle Young Sports Star Award for 2015, on Monday night and was presented with her award by Glenn Garrett, the sports editor.
Other weekend news, 16th/17th January
Nathan Marsh, running for Leeds University, finished 9th in the varsity match against Leeds Beckett University. Nathan was the third Leeds Uni man home and has been selected for their A-team to compete in the BUCS championships in early February.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Sophie Foreman (Warwick Uni) and Saffron Salih (Birmingham Uni) competed in the Midlands League and finished 32nd and 50th, respectively. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Sophie Foreman (Warwick Uni) and Saffron Salih (Birmingham Uni) competed in the Midlands League and finished 32nd and 50th, respectively. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Commodore Indoor Invitational, Nashville, Tennessee , Saturday 16th January
Robbie Farnham-Rose has run 8.08.77 for 3000m in USA, which is the fastest by a TAC athlete for at least 15 years. The first half was covered in 4.06, so hopefully there is more to come from Robbie as the year progresses.
Full result at - http://www.cfpitiming.com/liveresults/2016_Indoor/Vandy_Commodore_2016/results_44.html
Full result at - http://www.cfpitiming.com/liveresults/2016_Indoor/Vandy_Commodore_2016/results_44.html
Robbie Farnham-Rose - 3000 metres pb in USA
Birmingham Cross Country League, Saturday 16th January
George Duggan (9th) and James West (11th) both had good runs to be the third and fifth scorers for Loughborough University, in a high class race. It was a Loughborough trial for the British Universities Championships, so both will be hoping for selection in the six man team. Full results are on the Results 2016 page
James West and George Duggan competing in the Birmingham League
Sevenoaks School Knole Run, Saturday 16th January
Race videos loaded !
Tonbridge AC runners had success in both the girls and boys races.
Girls - 3rd Alice Tyler, 4th Clara Tyler - I Sevenoaks won
Boys - 1st James Puxty, 2nd Stuart Brown - Judd were 2nd, just 1 point behind Shrewsbury
Full results are now on the Results 2015 page
Girls - 3rd Alice Tyler, 4th Clara Tyler - I Sevenoaks won
Boys - 1st James Puxty, 2nd Stuart Brown - Judd were 2nd, just 1 point behind Shrewsbury
Full results are now on the Results 2015 page
Alice and Clara Tyler (centre) were always high up
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James Puxty (left) and Stuart Brown (right) finished 1-2
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Saturday 5km parkruns, 16th January
Tonbridge - 1st Julian Rendall 16.58, 1st female Tilly Hall 21.30
Bromley - 1st Dan Bradley 16.05
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.39
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Bromley - 1st Dan Bradley 16.05
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.39
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
The weekend ahead, 16th/17th January
This weekend has plenty of TAC distance runners in action, but for their schools and universities -
Saturday, The Sevenoaks School Knole Run
The girls race is due to start at 2.30pm and the boys 10 minutes later.
This prestigious race has been held annually for more than 40 years (see photo below !)
Saturday, Birmingham Cross Country League, at Coventry
George Duggan and James West are due to race, in an event being used as a trial for the Loughborough University BUCS team. Note the Midland Womens League is at Gloucester and could also feature TAC members.
Saturday, Commodore Indoor Invitational, Nashville, Tennesse
Robbie Farnham-Rose is due to open his indoor season in the USA, racing 3000m for Alabama. The race is at 10.35pm UK time.
Saturday, The Sevenoaks School Knole Run
The girls race is due to start at 2.30pm and the boys 10 minutes later.
This prestigious race has been held annually for more than 40 years (see photo below !)
Saturday, Birmingham Cross Country League, at Coventry
George Duggan and James West are due to race, in an event being used as a trial for the Loughborough University BUCS team. Note the Midland Womens League is at Gloucester and could also feature TAC members.
Saturday, Commodore Indoor Invitational, Nashville, Tennesse
Robbie Farnham-Rose is due to open his indoor season in the USA, racing 3000m for Alabama. The race is at 10.35pm UK time.
The Knole Run takes place on Saturday. Unfortunately some of us can recall many of those over the last 40 years or so !
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James Taylor 'JT' (left) finished 5th in the 2009 Knole Run and now helping team manage as a teacher
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Midweek races, Wednesday and Thursday 13th/14th January
There have been a couple of midweek results from TAC Distance Runner -
Wednesday - Jack Keywood finished a fine 2nd in the East Anglian Cross Country League, at Norwich.
Thursday - Harry Paton was 13th in the RAF v Police v Fire Service v Civil Service cross country race.
Wednesday - Jack Keywood finished a fine 2nd in the East Anglian Cross Country League, at Norwich.
Thursday - Harry Paton was 13th in the RAF v Police v Fire Service v Civil Service cross country race.
TAC Fantasy Cross Country League - update after Kent Cross Country Championships
The updated Fantasy League table is on the FL page, with quite a few changes in positions.
Now added are the update 'Athlete Averages' table, alongside Ian Crawley's Latest Blog.
Now added are the update 'Athlete Averages' table, alongside Ian Crawley's Latest Blog.
Other weekend news, 9th and 10th January
TAC had mixed fortunes at the British Milers Club Indoor Meeting, at Sheffield on Sunday. James West finished 5th in the mens 3000m A race in a new personal best of 8.14.49. This took nine seconds from his outright pb set at Watford at the end of the Summer. However, there was bad news for Miles Weatherseed (1500m) and Dom Brown (3000m) as neither finished their races, one with a stomach issue and the other with a hamstring problem.
On Saturday, Luca Russo, ran 800m in 1.55.96 to finish 4th at Champagne, Illinois. Luca was back in the USA after the Christmas break and racing for the University of Missouri.
On Saturday a below par Henry Pearce finished 30th at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International, racing for the GB mens team.
On Saturday, Luca Russo, ran 800m in 1.55.96 to finish 4th at Champagne, Illinois. Luca was back in the USA after the Christmas break and racing for the University of Missouri.
On Saturday a below par Henry Pearce finished 30th at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International, racing for the GB mens team.
Kent Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch, Saturday 9th January
Videos loaded !
As seems to be traditional now the wind, rain and mud greeted all the competitors and supporters at the Kent Championships. I can assure you that not only does it making competing tough, but getting photos and videos is a nightmare !
Full results and the summary are on the Results 2016 page.
Senior Men - 1st (6 to score), 1st (12 to score), 2nd Max Nicholls, 4th Ben Cole
The men reversed our defeat to Kent AC at the South of Thames Championship, before Christmas, with some impressive packing. Max Nicholls led the team home in 2nd (Allen Graffin won in 2000 and Huw Evans was 2nd in 2003)
Senior Women - 1st (3 to score), 1st (6 to score), 1st Ashley Gibson, 4th Lucy Reid
Chloe Bird was maybe the heroine as she only declared her calf ok to race, the evening before and her 12th place gave the team victory, our first since 2012. Ashley's victory was only the second for TAC in the race history, as Deirdre McDermot won a couple of years ago.
Under 20 Men - 1st team, 2nd Stuart Brown, 3rd Euan Nicholls.
The team win made it 9 years in a row that TAC have won this event.
Under 20 Women - incomplete team, 4th Kiri Marsh
A couple of illnesses in the week dashed the chance to have a complete team.
Under 17 Men - 1st team, 1st Alasdair Kinloch, 3rd Jamie Goodge
The team win made it 10 years in a row that TAC have won this event. Ally's win was the first since Corey De'Ath in 2013.
Under 17 Women - 2nd team, 6th Phoebe Barker
The last time TAC won the team event was in 2012.
Under 15 Boys - 1st team, 3rd James Stoney
The team win made it 11 years in a row that TAC have won this event. Incredibly it is the first time since 2005 that TAC has not had the individual winner.
Under 15 Girls - 1st team, 1st Kathleen Faes.
It was TACs first team win for 6 years.
Under 13 Boys - 1st team, 4th Matthew Taylor
The last time TACs team didnt finish first or second was 2002.
Under 13 Girls - 2nd team, 1st Katie Goodge.
Katie is the third TAC winner this century after Alice Wood and Kathleen Faes.
Records broken ! A few TAC participation records for the county championships were broken today -
Overall 109 a record by 15 (33 initially declared but illness, injury and a no show reduced this)
Overall men 71 a record and overall women 38 a record
Senior Women - 9 a record, Senior Men - 27 a record
Three records equalled - u13 boys 14, u17 men 14, u15 girls 11
Full results and the summary are on the Results 2016 page.
Senior Men - 1st (6 to score), 1st (12 to score), 2nd Max Nicholls, 4th Ben Cole
The men reversed our defeat to Kent AC at the South of Thames Championship, before Christmas, with some impressive packing. Max Nicholls led the team home in 2nd (Allen Graffin won in 2000 and Huw Evans was 2nd in 2003)
Senior Women - 1st (3 to score), 1st (6 to score), 1st Ashley Gibson, 4th Lucy Reid
Chloe Bird was maybe the heroine as she only declared her calf ok to race, the evening before and her 12th place gave the team victory, our first since 2012. Ashley's victory was only the second for TAC in the race history, as Deirdre McDermot won a couple of years ago.
Under 20 Men - 1st team, 2nd Stuart Brown, 3rd Euan Nicholls.
The team win made it 9 years in a row that TAC have won this event.
Under 20 Women - incomplete team, 4th Kiri Marsh
A couple of illnesses in the week dashed the chance to have a complete team.
Under 17 Men - 1st team, 1st Alasdair Kinloch, 3rd Jamie Goodge
The team win made it 10 years in a row that TAC have won this event. Ally's win was the first since Corey De'Ath in 2013.
Under 17 Women - 2nd team, 6th Phoebe Barker
The last time TAC won the team event was in 2012.
Under 15 Boys - 1st team, 3rd James Stoney
The team win made it 11 years in a row that TAC have won this event. Incredibly it is the first time since 2005 that TAC has not had the individual winner.
Under 15 Girls - 1st team, 1st Kathleen Faes.
It was TACs first team win for 6 years.
Under 13 Boys - 1st team, 4th Matthew Taylor
The last time TACs team didnt finish first or second was 2002.
Under 13 Girls - 2nd team, 1st Katie Goodge.
Katie is the third TAC winner this century after Alice Wood and Kathleen Faes.
Records broken ! A few TAC participation records for the county championships were broken today -
Overall 109 a record by 15 (33 initially declared but illness, injury and a no show reduced this)
Overall men 71 a record and overall women 38 a record
Senior Women - 9 a record, Senior Men - 27 a record
Three records equalled - u13 boys 14, u17 men 14, u15 girls 11
The TAC Individual Kent Champions
Katie Goodge - u13 girls
Ashley Gibson - senior women
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Kathleen Faes - u15 girls
Alasdair Kinloch - 17 men
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Some of the photos from the Kent Champions - a few on form and in high places
All photos will be at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk under the Scrapbook
The weekend ahead, Saturday and Sunday 9th/10th January
We have a busy weekend coming up, with hopefully a record number of TAC competitors starting at the Kent Championships, at Brands Hatch. The club also has entries at both the Sussex and Surrey Champs (Sunday).
On Saturday Henry Pearce races for the GB mens team, alongside Mo Farah, at the Great Edinbugh Cross Country Meeting. This is being shown live on BBC1 from 1pm.
On Saturday, in the USA, Luca Russo will be the first of the four TAC distance runners, based there, to start their indoor season. Luca races for Missouri University, at the Border Battle meet, over 800m, which starts at 8.58pm UK time (2.58pm local time). This is in a three way meeting, with Illinois and Iowa, at Champagne, Illinois. Live results will go up at - http://sidearmstats.com/illinois/track/
On Sunday three TAC distance runners are due to compete in the British Milers Club indoor meeting at Sheffield. Miles Weatherseed is in the 1500m A-race at 2.44pm and James West, plus Dominic Brown in the 3000m A-race at 3.26pm. The races start at 1.30pm, with the last event at 3.38pm. Video coverage has been promised by Vinco Sport at http://www.runjumpthrow.com .(not live) A full timetable with start lists is at -http://www.britishmilersclub.com/content/bmcitemdisplay.aspx?itemid=1161
On Saturday Henry Pearce races for the GB mens team, alongside Mo Farah, at the Great Edinbugh Cross Country Meeting. This is being shown live on BBC1 from 1pm.
On Saturday, in the USA, Luca Russo will be the first of the four TAC distance runners, based there, to start their indoor season. Luca races for Missouri University, at the Border Battle meet, over 800m, which starts at 8.58pm UK time (2.58pm local time). This is in a three way meeting, with Illinois and Iowa, at Champagne, Illinois. Live results will go up at - http://sidearmstats.com/illinois/track/
On Sunday three TAC distance runners are due to compete in the British Milers Club indoor meeting at Sheffield. Miles Weatherseed is in the 1500m A-race at 2.44pm and James West, plus Dominic Brown in the 3000m A-race at 3.26pm. The races start at 1.30pm, with the last event at 3.38pm. Video coverage has been promised by Vinco Sport at http://www.runjumpthrow.com .(not live) A full timetable with start lists is at -http://www.britishmilersclub.com/content/bmcitemdisplay.aspx?itemid=1161
Henry Pearce called up for Great Britain Senior Men's team - Great Edinburgh Cross Country International
Henry Pearce has been called into the GB senior men's squad for the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International this coming Saturday, 9th January.
This will be the first senior international vest from a member of the current TAC squad and Henry will line up alongside Mo Farah in the televised event. The programme starts at 1pm on BBC1.
This will be the first senior international vest from a member of the current TAC squad and Henry will line up alongside Mo Farah in the televised event. The programme starts at 1pm on BBC1.
Tonbridge AC Junior (under 12) 1 mile races, at Tonbridge School, Sunday 3rd January
With the weather conditions as bad as anything that we have seen, so far this Winter, we moved the monthly 1 mile races onto the track. It might have meant that there were no fallers, but with parents generally huddled under a roof there were more opportunities to give up ! I am pleased to say that there were some toughies out there and the first home were Ollie Hill and Beth Lednor, both from TAC.
TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - Saturday 2nd January
Mostly different runners today, Cain Bradley has moved to equal 3rd and along with Aimee Holdstock, John Ridge and Indiana Winter has completed 4 scoring runs so far. Andrew Mercer and Daniel Bradley (1st and 2nd in age grading TAC) who are both previous winners of the GP registered their first scores for the winter.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
See the Parkrun page for the latest league table, headed by Sophy Slack.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
See the Parkrun page for the latest league table, headed by Sophy Slack.
TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - Friday 1st January
Park Run update before tomorrows next GP round - see the Parkrun page for the latest league table, headed by Sophy Slack.
“ Good day for the older TAC runners, with Ben Reynolds making an appearance to take top spot in the run and on age grading, from Julian Rendall. Joe Watts ran a PB in very muddy / slippery conditions to gain a 5 point bonus score. Cain Bradley in 4th place GP closed on the leading 3.” - Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
“ Good day for the older TAC runners, with Ben Reynolds making an appearance to take top spot in the run and on age grading, from Julian Rendall. Joe Watts ran a PB in very muddy / slippery conditions to gain a 5 point bonus score. Cain Bradley in 4th place GP closed on the leading 3.” - Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Happy New Year Everyone and best wishes for 2016 !
Can it be any better than 2015 ?
As we move into 2016 I wish everyone a happy New Year and let's hope that TAC Distance Runners can move on again, over the next 12 months. In my mind, 2015 was probably the best year so far for the Tonbridge AC distance runners and as a reminder here are ten of my highlights. Apologies for number 10, but he is my own son and I rarely give him a mention !
There were many more that I could have added to the list and am happy to take requests via email, text or twitter message. If there are enough votes I will do another ten.
There were many more that I could have added to the list and am happy to take requests via email, text or twitter message. If there are enough votes I will do another ten.
TAC Fantasy League - Ian Crawley's latest blog, post Boxing Day handicap
Ian's latest blog, updating us all on the movers and shakers in the Fantasy League, after the Boxing Day handicap, is now loaded on the Fantasy League page.
End of year newsletter
As we are nearing the end of 2015 and also about halfway through the cross country season, I have put together a newsletter.
The prime aim is to highlight some thoughts, in terms of the development of young distance runners, but also publish some information that might be useful, especially to relatively new club members.
At the end I have attached a couple of articles that were published in Athletics Weekly in recent weeks.
The file is too large to email to everyone, but I hope that quite a few of you take the chance to have a read over the next few weeks.
The prime aim is to highlight some thoughts, in terms of the development of young distance runners, but also publish some information that might be useful, especially to relatively new club members.
At the end I have attached a couple of articles that were published in Athletics Weekly in recent weeks.
The file is too large to email to everyone, but I hope that quite a few of you take the chance to have a read over the next few weeks.
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