February 2017
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 10
English National Cross Country Championships, 25th February
The final league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page. Ian has done a terrific job getting the results compiled and producing his entertaining summaries.
English National Cross Country Championships, at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Saturday 25th February
Race videos loaded !
A quick summary of Tonbridge AC at this years National Cross Country Championships, at Nottingham.
Senior Men 1st (4th Chris Olley, highest ever TAC). Our previous best was 11th. TAC record = 34 starters.
Senior Women 5th , previous best 25th. TAC record = 12 starters. Ashley Gibson 17th, highest ever TAC
Under 20 men 2nd
Under 20 women 8th
Under 17 men 1st (1st James Puxty )
Under 17 women 5th (2nd Phoebe Barker). TAC record = 10 starters.
Under 15 boys 3rd
Under 15 girls 5th. TAC record = 13 starters.
Under 13 boys 4th
Under 13 girls 14th
130 runners overall is a club record. 49 Female starters is also a club record.
Many thanks to everyone who raced and supported and who has played a part in getting us to this stage.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page and here -
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/category/nationals/results-nationals/
Senior Men 1st (4th Chris Olley, highest ever TAC). Our previous best was 11th. TAC record = 34 starters.
Senior Women 5th , previous best 25th. TAC record = 12 starters. Ashley Gibson 17th, highest ever TAC
Under 20 men 2nd
Under 20 women 8th
Under 17 men 1st (1st James Puxty )
Under 17 women 5th (2nd Phoebe Barker). TAC record = 10 starters.
Under 15 boys 3rd
Under 15 girls 5th. TAC record = 13 starters.
Under 13 boys 4th
Under 13 girls 14th
130 runners overall is a club record. 49 Female starters is also a club record.
Many thanks to everyone who raced and supported and who has played a part in getting us to this stage.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page and here -
www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/category/nationals/results-nationals/
English National Cross Country Champions
Charlie Joslin-Allen, Ben Cole, Chris Olley, Kieran Reilly, Corey De'Ath, Max Nicholls
Charlie Joslin-Allen, Ben Cole, Chris Olley, Kieran Reilly, Corey De'Ath, Max Nicholls
Some photos from the day , with many more at Mark Hookway's Facebook page
(they will also show at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk eventually)
(they will also show at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk eventually)
All ten Tonbridge AC squad photos from the evening (photos courtesy Gordon Emm)
Award winners
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 9
Kent Cross Country League, 11th February
The latest league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page. This is from the final paragraph from Ian's analysis and the full blog can be read on the Fantasy League page -
Some National predictions: We are going to have a 400ppm average, but it is not going to be the athlete I originally thought. It is very tight at the top of the A & B team competitions with 4 or 5 teams in the hunt in both categories. In the C team competition the Dirty Dozen looks odds on.
Ian Crawley
Some National predictions: We are going to have a 400ppm average, but it is not going to be the athlete I originally thought. It is very tight at the top of the A & B team competitions with 4 or 5 teams in the hunt in both categories. In the C team competition the Dirty Dozen looks odds on.
Ian Crawley
Ian Byett (Secretary English Cross Country Association) announced as TAC 'Guest of honour' at the National Awards dinner
I am pleased to announce that Ian Byett will be our guest of honour at the National Awards Dinner.
Below Ian has given a brief summary of his career in the sport...
Below Ian has given a brief summary of his career in the sport...
I started running back in 1964 as a teenager for North London Club Queens Park Harriers and ran in the National that year at Western Park, Leicester where I finished 438th in the Youths race.
I enjoyed my running during my period as a Youth and Junior but realised I wasnt going achieve great things!!!!!. I moved to Basingstoke in 1965 and have been a member there for 51 years now, kept running but at the age of 19 became Secretary of the Club when the then Secretary suddenly died.
During the 70’s I realised I was better organising athletics than competing and started taking Coaching badges and building the Club. Went to Loughborough University Summer Schools in the early 80s and gained Senior Coach status under Harry Wilson (Steve Ovett’s Coach).
In the late 80’s a party of ECCU officials came to Basingstoke, looking for a course to stage the National Cross Country Championships. That group included Alan Brent (Blackheath Harriers). It was decided that Down Grange was not big enough for the National, however the Southern took place at Down Grange, Basingstoke in 1989 where Jeremy Barton (Blackheath) won and the Tonbridge SM’s Team were 25th!!!.
As a result of that successful event I was invited to become Hon Sec of the Southern Cross Country Assoc where I served for a number of years. When the English Cross Country Union merged with the Women’s CC Association I was elected Hon Sec of the ECCA as it became in January 1995 and headed the Organising Team for the first Joint Men’s & Women’s National at Luton in 1995. I have continued being part of the organising team up to the present day.
I became Administration Officer for the GB Cross Country Team during the mid 90’s and led Teams to the World Cross in Cape Town, Turin, Dublin and Belfast as well as European Championships at home and in Europe. I have also announced at many National events and at Bedford for Inter Counties Track & Field and Crystal Palace for Area events.
Back at club level, I proudly took Basingstoke into the British Athletics League in 2005 and then into National Division 1, before I retired in 2015 from that role.
Back in November 2016 I coached Basingstoke’s U17 Women’s Team to 3rd in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield.
I enjoyed my running during my period as a Youth and Junior but realised I wasnt going achieve great things!!!!!. I moved to Basingstoke in 1965 and have been a member there for 51 years now, kept running but at the age of 19 became Secretary of the Club when the then Secretary suddenly died.
During the 70’s I realised I was better organising athletics than competing and started taking Coaching badges and building the Club. Went to Loughborough University Summer Schools in the early 80s and gained Senior Coach status under Harry Wilson (Steve Ovett’s Coach).
In the late 80’s a party of ECCU officials came to Basingstoke, looking for a course to stage the National Cross Country Championships. That group included Alan Brent (Blackheath Harriers). It was decided that Down Grange was not big enough for the National, however the Southern took place at Down Grange, Basingstoke in 1989 where Jeremy Barton (Blackheath) won and the Tonbridge SM’s Team were 25th!!!.
As a result of that successful event I was invited to become Hon Sec of the Southern Cross Country Assoc where I served for a number of years. When the English Cross Country Union merged with the Women’s CC Association I was elected Hon Sec of the ECCA as it became in January 1995 and headed the Organising Team for the first Joint Men’s & Women’s National at Luton in 1995. I have continued being part of the organising team up to the present day.
I became Administration Officer for the GB Cross Country Team during the mid 90’s and led Teams to the World Cross in Cape Town, Turin, Dublin and Belfast as well as European Championships at home and in Europe. I have also announced at many National events and at Bedford for Inter Counties Track & Field and Crystal Palace for Area events.
Back at club level, I proudly took Basingstoke into the British Athletics League in 2005 and then into National Division 1, before I retired in 2015 from that role.
Back in November 2016 I coached Basingstoke’s U17 Women’s Team to 3rd in the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield.
Trackside podcast Episode 9 goes live !
Episode 9 of the Trackside podcast went live on Friday evening.
This episode covers -
Recent World records, the British Indoor Championships, the Muller Indoor Grand Prix, The 'Flying Scots', Nitro Athletics, Latest Russian doping news, Ron Hill, National Cross Country Champs preview and a few other updates.
Mark Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway attempt to entertain and inform listeners this week.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
This episode covers -
Recent World records, the British Indoor Championships, the Muller Indoor Grand Prix, The 'Flying Scots', Nitro Athletics, Latest Russian doping news, Ron Hill, National Cross Country Champs preview and a few other updates.
Mark Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway attempt to entertain and inform listeners this week.
The Trackside podcast can be downloaded free from iTunes or listened to directly at -
soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Tonbridge Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - Latest after 18th February
A combination of half term, club training in Knole and pre nationals weekend resulted in a low number involved in the Age graded GP. However a familiar name, Lily Slack (75.43) topped the rankings on the day to claim 11 points and move up to 4th place, after 3 scores. Cain Bradley collected 8 points with his fastest run since July 2016 (69.98%). Andrew Mercer still tops the table but with Huxley Crush (2nd) and Angus Tosh (3rd) both turning out regularly in an attempt to add points to their existing totals.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
British Universities and Colleges Indoor Championships, at Sheffield
Friday to Sunday, 17th to 19th February
Video of mens 3000m final loaded !
Dominic Brown (1500m) and Chris Olley (3000m) both qualified for the finals on Sunday.
Unfortunately, Dom had to withdraw, due to illness, having run 4.06.23 (heat) and 3.53.66 (semi final on Saturday).
Chris was involved in one of the best races of the championships, but just missed a championship victory by 0.2s.
He won his heat on Saturday in 8.38.09 and in the final ran 8.12.53 for second. The kilometre splits of 2.53, 2.44 and 2.35 show the type of race that it was, as Doug Musson, of Nottingham won. Chris' time was just an indoor pb improving his performance in his only previous indoor race, in Germany, at the end of January.
Chloe Bird ran 10.46.33 for 3000 metres in her heat on Saturday, which was an outright personal best by five seconds.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Unfortunately, Dom had to withdraw, due to illness, having run 4.06.23 (heat) and 3.53.66 (semi final on Saturday).
Chris was involved in one of the best races of the championships, but just missed a championship victory by 0.2s.
He won his heat on Saturday in 8.38.09 and in the final ran 8.12.53 for second. The kilometre splits of 2.53, 2.44 and 2.35 show the type of race that it was, as Doug Musson, of Nottingham won. Chris' time was just an indoor pb improving his performance in his only previous indoor race, in Germany, at the end of January.
Chloe Bird ran 10.46.33 for 3000 metres in her heat on Saturday, which was an outright personal best by five seconds.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Chris Olley missed a championship win over 3000m by 0.2s
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, Sunday 19th February
The TAC mens squad won the team competition at the Tunbridge Wells Half marathon.
Steve Fennell showed that his London Marathon preparations are going well as he placed third in 71.03. Other TAC towards the front were -
6th Julian Rendall 73.34, 8th Greg Cole 73.50, 29th Matt Dennis 81.26. 1st lady Maria Heslop (about to be first claim TAC) 82.29. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Some photos below, courtesy of Steve Keywood.
Steve Fennell showed that his London Marathon preparations are going well as he placed third in 71.03. Other TAC towards the front were -
6th Julian Rendall 73.34, 8th Greg Cole 73.50, 29th Matt Dennis 81.26. 1st lady Maria Heslop (about to be first claim TAC) 82.29. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Some photos below, courtesy of Steve Keywood.
Bushy Park 10k, Sunday 19th February
Corey De'Ath ran and comfortably won the Bushy Park 10k in 31.26, as he target the qualifying time for the British Universities 10,000 metres of 32.45. Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Tenterden 5 miles, Sunday 19th February
Declan Greaves ran 28.56 to finish fifth in this road race, although he wasn't 100%. Full results are at -
niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile, at Tonbridge School, Sunday 19th February
There were only 20 runners this month for the TAC Junior 1 mile races.
First home was the son of former TAC member Huw Evans, Henry.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
First home was the son of former TAC member Huw Evans, Henry.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Muller Indoor Grand Prix, at National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Saturday 18th February
James West gave it a real go to try and get the European Indoor Championship qualifying standard of 3.42 for 1500 metres. He had been to the USA during the week to visit a university and only returned Friday morning, so his 9th place in 3.43.33 was very respectable. Full results are at -
www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170218_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170218_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
Armagh International 5km road race, Northern Ireland, Thursday 16th February
There were four TAC runners in the elite men's 5km at Armagh, as George Duggan ran 14.22, Tom Holden 14.28, Miles Weatherseed 14.39 and Alex Howard 14.49.
Full results are available at - http://www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race_/2031/results
Full results are available at - http://www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race_/2031/results
Other weekend performances, Friday to Sunday, 10th to 12th February
These are a few of the other performances from the weekend, that I have caught up with -
Friday
Iowa State Classic, USA Mens 1 mile - 7th Robbie Farnham-Rose 4.10.40. Frustratingly for Robbie after winning his first three races of the indoor season he has picked up an injury, which they are trying to resolve.
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA Mens 1 mile - 6th Luca Russo 4.13.57.
Saturday
Husky Classic, Seattle, USA Mens 3000 metres - 18th in B race Ryan Driscoll 8.14.46
Sunday
Gwent Cross Country League - 10th Charlie Joslin-Allen. Full results not yet available.
Friday
Iowa State Classic, USA Mens 1 mile - 7th Robbie Farnham-Rose 4.10.40. Frustratingly for Robbie after winning his first three races of the indoor season he has picked up an injury, which they are trying to resolve.
Tyson Invitational, Arkansas, USA Mens 1 mile - 6th Luca Russo 4.13.57.
Saturday
Husky Classic, Seattle, USA Mens 3000 metres - 18th in B race Ryan Driscoll 8.14.46
Sunday
Gwent Cross Country League - 10th Charlie Joslin-Allen. Full results not yet available.
TAC win South of England Male Aggregate Score Trophy
TAC have been awarded this trophy for the overall best male score at the South of England Cross Country Championships ie u13,u15,u17,u20 and senior scores added up.
I must admit that I was a bit confused as its says '2016' ! It turns out it was for last year and we await the 2017 result ! I believe TAC will have come out on top again.
I must admit that I was a bit confused as its says '2016' ! It turns out it was for last year and we await the 2017 result ! I believe TAC will have come out on top again.
British Indoor Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th February
James West made his first ever senior National Championship final and then finished third to take the bronze medal, behind Elliot Giles and Tom Lancashire. Elliot Giles won in 3.45.59 and James ran 3.47.36. This was after an opening 400 metres of 67 seconds and 800 metres in 2.06.
Dom Brown went out in the heats on Saturday, having been involved in a very bumpy race.
Full results can be found here - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170211_sheffield/timetable/index/index.html
Dom Brown went out in the heats on Saturday, having been involved in a very bumpy race.
Full results can be found here - http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20170211_sheffield/timetable/index/index.html
Kent Cross Country League, at Footscray Meadows, Saturday 11th February
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Ashley Gibson won the women's race and Ben Cole was 2nd in the men's.
The men won both the 4 and 12 to score team events on the day, but it was only enough to clinch the Duodec (12 to score) league. We slipped up in our home match back in October, finishing third and this was enough to give Medway and Maidstone the title.
The women finished third in the three to score league and second in the 6 to score.
Ashley Gibson won the women's race and Ben Cole was 2nd in the men's.
The men won both the 4 and 12 to score team events on the day, but it was only enough to clinch the Duodec (12 to score) league. We slipped up in our home match back in October, finishing third and this was enough to give Medway and Maidstone the title.
The women finished third in the three to score league and second in the 6 to score.
TAC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix - update after 4th February
A relatively quiet day due to clash with Schools and BUCS allowed a max of 13 points that was taken by William McCarthy. Amber Crush ran another PB and is up to equal 4th. Angus Tosh improved on his previous total from 4 scores.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 8
South of England Cross Country Championships, 28th January
The latest league tables and Ian Crawley's analysis is now available on the Fantasy League page.
British Universities and Colleges Cross Country Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday 4th February
Videos loaded !
The BUCS Cross Country Championships always offer a unique atmosphere and this year was no exception. There are tow mens races and the womens, with the supporters getting quite excited ! TAC had about 21 competing and full results are on the Results 2017 page.
George Duggan's 8th place in the mens A race was superb and it was also good to see Kieran Reilly starting to get back to his best with 6th in the B race.
George Duggan's 8th place in the mens A race was superb and it was also good to see Kieran Reilly starting to get back to his best with 6th in the B race.
South East Schools Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch, Saturday 4th February
Videos by Mark Pitcairn-Knowles (Senior and Inter only) now loaded !
Plenty of TAC runners were in action for Kent at the schools inter counties, although a number missed the event having raced so frequently recently. Bede Pitcairn-Knowles was the highest placed of the Tonbridge contingent with 6th in the senior boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
King Henry V111 School, Coventry, Relays, Wednesday 1st February 2017
A few of the local schools travelled to Coventry for the annual relays, with quite a few TAC in action.
Girls race - 1st Sevenoaks, 5th Walthamstow Hall (Phoebe Barker fastest leg)
Boys race - 3rd Judd, 14th Sevenoaks
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Girls race - 1st Sevenoaks, 5th Walthamstow Hall (Phoebe Barker fastest leg)
Boys race - 3rd Judd, 14th Sevenoaks
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Greg Cole racing 100 kilometres in August and raising money for Help the Heroes
Message from Greg Cole -
A while ago I entered my first ultramarathon - the 100km South Coast Challenge, starting in Eastbourne and ending in Arundel. It takes place on 26th August, so a while off but thought I might start fundraising. I'm raising for Help for Heroes. I wondered if anyone would help me to raise some funds. The link is -
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Greg-Cole1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20161022_49140
A while ago I entered my first ultramarathon - the 100km South Coast Challenge, starting in Eastbourne and ending in Arundel. It takes place on 26th August, so a while off but thought I might start fundraising. I'm raising for Help for Heroes. I wondered if anyone would help me to raise some funds. The link is -
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Greg-Cole1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20161022_49140
Greg Cole racing last Saturday and will be racing 100 kilometres in August.
Other weekend results, 28th/29th January
Apart from the South of England Championships, there are the following -
Friday
Robbie Farnham-Rose won the mens 1 mile at Bob Pollock Invitational, at Clemson in 4.04.63
Video loaded !
Full Results are at -
http://www.adkinstrak.com/meets/2017/Clemson_Bob_Pollack_Invite/?&SPSID=657798&SPID=103706&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500
Luca Russo ran the mile leg in the Distance Medley Relay, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Saturday
Vienna, Austria, mens 1500 metres - 2nd James West 3.42.81, Dom Brown did not finished (shoved off the track), 800m 25 minutes later 800m Dom Brown 1.55.67
Full results - http://live.seltec-sports.at/2017/ViennaIndoor/r101000001.htm
Ryan Driscoll won his section of the mens' 1 mile at University of Washington, Seattle in 4.10.99
Luca Russo was 4th in the mens mile in 4.07.97, a pb, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Full result at - Luca Russo ran the mile leg in the Distance Medley Relay, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Henry Pearce finished 9th in a 3000m in IOWA running 8.37.76. Full results are at -
http://wayzatatiming.com/track/2017/BlackGoldPremier/Results.htm
Sunday
Chris Olley made his debut at an indoor event when he won the 3000m at Sindelfingen, Germany in 8.12.76 (kilometre splits 2.50, 2.45, 2.37).
Kieran Eland (u20) ran 800m in 2.02.43 at Lee Valley.
Friday
Robbie Farnham-Rose won the mens 1 mile at Bob Pollock Invitational, at Clemson in 4.04.63
Video loaded !
Full Results are at -
http://www.adkinstrak.com/meets/2017/Clemson_Bob_Pollack_Invite/?&SPSID=657798&SPID=103706&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=28500
Luca Russo ran the mile leg in the Distance Medley Relay, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Saturday
Vienna, Austria, mens 1500 metres - 2nd James West 3.42.81, Dom Brown did not finished (shoved off the track), 800m 25 minutes later 800m Dom Brown 1.55.67
Full results - http://live.seltec-sports.at/2017/ViennaIndoor/r101000001.htm
Ryan Driscoll won his section of the mens' 1 mile at University of Washington, Seattle in 4.10.99
Luca Russo was 4th in the mens mile in 4.07.97, a pb, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Full result at - Luca Russo ran the mile leg in the Distance Medley Relay, at the Razorback Invite, Arkansas
Henry Pearce finished 9th in a 3000m in IOWA running 8.37.76. Full results are at -
http://wayzatatiming.com/track/2017/BlackGoldPremier/Results.htm
Sunday
Chris Olley made his debut at an indoor event when he won the 3000m at Sindelfingen, Germany in 8.12.76 (kilometre splits 2.50, 2.45, 2.37).
Kieran Eland (u20) ran 800m in 2.02.43 at Lee Valley.
Some video on YouTube of James West and Dom Brown in Austria (shame that the whole race wasn't recorded)
Luca Russo in the Distance Medley Relay, at Arkansas on Friday. He was back the next day to run 4.07 for the mile.
The indoor track at Sindelfingen, Germany, where Chris Olley won a 3000 metres on Sunday
South of England Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill, North London, Saturday 28th January
Videos loaded !
Full results from all of the races are on the Results 2017 page. In summary -
Senior Men - 4th team of 69 (= highest ever TAC) (14th Max Nicholls)
Senior Women - 17th team of 63 (Highest ever TAC). (8th Nicole Taylor = highest ever TAC)
Under 20 Men - 3rd team (12th Tim Faes)
Under 20 Women - no complete team (18th Alice Ralph)
Under 17 Men - 1st team (5th James Puxty, 7th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 9th Dan Seagrove)
Under 17 Women - no complete team
Under 15 Boys - 1st team (6th James Kingston)
Under 15 Girls - 5th team (27th Katie Goodge)
Under 13 Boys - 4th team (6th Matthew Taylor)
Under 13 Girls - 14th team (6th Maddie Wise)
Senior Men - 4th team of 69 (= highest ever TAC) (14th Max Nicholls)
Senior Women - 17th team of 63 (Highest ever TAC). (8th Nicole Taylor = highest ever TAC)
Under 20 Men - 3rd team (12th Tim Faes)
Under 20 Women - no complete team (18th Alice Ralph)
Under 17 Men - 1st team (5th James Puxty, 7th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 9th Dan Seagrove)
Under 17 Women - no complete team
Under 15 Boys - 1st team (6th James Kingston)
Under 15 Girls - 5th team (27th Katie Goodge)
Under 13 Boys - 4th team (6th Matthew Taylor)
Under 13 Girls - 14th team (6th Maddie Wise)
South of England Champions, Under 17 Men - Dan Blades, Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, James Puxty, Dan Seagrove
South of England Champions, Under 15 Boys - Toby Emm, Fraser Gordon, Adam Van der Plas, James Kingston
A few of the excellent performances on Saturday
(more on my Facebook page and will also be at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk Scrapbook)
(more on my Facebook page and will also be at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk Scrapbook)
10 years ago - South of England Champs, Holkham Hall, Norfolk
As the major championships come around I often like to take a look back 10 years ago to see who is still around.
Back in 2007 the South of England Champs were held in Norfolk, which required an overnight stay and were actually held at a venue further north than the Midlands Championships that same weekend.
TAC had an excellent day with wins in the u13 and u15 boys, 2nd in the u13 girls and 3rd in the u15 girls and u17 men. Michael Mason was 2nd in the under 15s. Back then we had 51 runners and hope to more than double that on Saturday.
Amongst the photos below are the four runners who could be returning to compete, ten years later, on Saturday.
Back in 2007 the South of England Champs were held in Norfolk, which required an overnight stay and were actually held at a venue further north than the Midlands Championships that same weekend.
TAC had an excellent day with wins in the u13 and u15 boys, 2nd in the u13 girls and 3rd in the u15 girls and u17 men. Michael Mason was 2nd in the under 15s. Back then we had 51 runners and hope to more than double that on Saturday.
Amongst the photos below are the four runners who could be returning to compete, ten years later, on Saturday.
Other weekend news, Saturday and Sunday 21st/22nd January
Saturday
Robbie Farnham-Rose, racing for Alabama, won his second race from two starts in the USA Indoor season. Robbie cruised to a win over 1 mile, at Birmingham Alabama in 4.05.06. Full results are at -
https://www.directathletics.com/results/track/46822_m.html#2945746
Video now loaded !
Sunday
British Cross Challenge, at Cardiff
Lucy Reid finished 22nd in the senior womens race, whilst Donald Carter was at his best with a superb third in the men's event.
Canterbury 10 mile road race
Declan Greaves ran a pb of 57.43
Robbie Farnham-Rose, racing for Alabama, won his second race from two starts in the USA Indoor season. Robbie cruised to a win over 1 mile, at Birmingham Alabama in 4.05.06. Full results are at -
https://www.directathletics.com/results/track/46822_m.html#2945746
Video now loaded !
Sunday
British Cross Challenge, at Cardiff
Lucy Reid finished 22nd in the senior womens race, whilst Donald Carter was at his best with a superb third in the men's event.
Canterbury 10 mile road race
Declan Greaves ran a pb of 57.43
Donald Carter and Lucy Reid, who both raced in Cardiff (photos courtesy Richard Owen)
Kent Schools Cross Country Championships, at Dover, Saturday 21st January
Race videos loaded !
A very cold but sunny day greeted everyone at Dover and there were plenty of TAC in action across all eight races.
There were three TAC individual wins - Ally Kinloch (senior), Phoebe Barker (senior) and Fraser Gordon (Junior)
There were some interesting stats aswell -
Senior Boys - TAC 8 of top 10 (80%) and 13 of all 32 finishers (41%)
Senior Girls - TAC 9 of all 32 finishers (36%)
Inter Boys - TAC 6 of top 11 (55%) and 18 of all 69 finishers (26%)
Inter Girls - TAC 9 of top 17 (53%) and 18 of all 69 finishers (23%)
Junior Boys - TAC 9 of top 20 (45%) and 13 of all 104 finishers (13%)
Junior Girls - TAC 8 of top 18 (44%) and 16 of all 103 finishers (16%)
Year 7 Boys - TAC 6 of top 20 (30%) and 16 of all 109 finishers (15%)
Year 7 Girls - TAC 5 of top 21 (24%) and 5 of all 99 finishers (5%)
In total I counted 104 TAC runners starting.
I think that Sevenoaks and Judd School both showed how it is popular to make cross country a major school sport.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
The photos below are of the TAC winners and some of those who caught the eye with their performances. There are plenty more photos on Facebook.
There were three TAC individual wins - Ally Kinloch (senior), Phoebe Barker (senior) and Fraser Gordon (Junior)
There were some interesting stats aswell -
Senior Boys - TAC 8 of top 10 (80%) and 13 of all 32 finishers (41%)
Senior Girls - TAC 9 of all 32 finishers (36%)
Inter Boys - TAC 6 of top 11 (55%) and 18 of all 69 finishers (26%)
Inter Girls - TAC 9 of top 17 (53%) and 18 of all 69 finishers (23%)
Junior Boys - TAC 9 of top 20 (45%) and 13 of all 104 finishers (13%)
Junior Girls - TAC 8 of top 18 (44%) and 16 of all 103 finishers (16%)
Year 7 Boys - TAC 6 of top 20 (30%) and 16 of all 109 finishers (15%)
Year 7 Girls - TAC 5 of top 21 (24%) and 5 of all 99 finishers (5%)
In total I counted 104 TAC runners starting.
I think that Sevenoaks and Judd School both showed how it is popular to make cross country a major school sport.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
The photos below are of the TAC winners and some of those who caught the eye with their performances. There are plenty more photos on Facebook.
East Anglian Cross Country League, at Downham Market, Wednesday 18th January
Jack Keywood won the midweek East Anglian Cross Country League fixture, at Downham Market. Jack is based at the University of East Anglia.
James West and Dominic Brown selected for England
James West and Dom Brown have both been selected for the England squad that travels to Vienna, Austria, to race on 28th January. Both will race over 1500 metres indoors and will be gaining their first England senior vests. The selections follow their wins at the British Milers Club meeting, at Sheffield, earlier in the month.
James West and Dom Brown - selected for the England team over 1500 metres
Recognise anyone in these photos ?!
Here are a couple of photos that a few might be interested in, especially the current under 13 group (there's a clue). Can you spot anyone you know ? Answers - Helen Cohen (top photo coming out of the stream) and Julie Goodge (number 1).
Trackside podcast Episode 7 live !
The latest Trackside podcast went live late on Sunday 15th January. There were just three of us in action (Alex Hookway, Pete Brenchley and Mark Hookway) as unfortunately Lewis Church's car broke down. Lewis was intended as our guest this week to add his views, one being on the retirement of Ashton Eaton (Olympic Decathlon & World Record Holder) and his wife Brianne (Olympic bronze in the Heptathlon). Luckily we had done some research !
Other subjects covered were the Edinburgh Cross Country International, Laura Muir's GB indoor 5000m record, UK coaching, British Athletics Clean Sport Charter, Keninsa Bekele's next marathon, the London Marathon elite men's line up, plus latest performances. The Trackside Podcast episodes are available via -
itunes Search for Trackside and download and/or listen to the episodes.
Facebook Links and updates - https://www.facebook.com/tracksidepod/
Twitter Topical tweets, related to our discussions - @tracksidepod
Soundcloud Simply listen here - https://soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Other subjects covered were the Edinburgh Cross Country International, Laura Muir's GB indoor 5000m record, UK coaching, British Athletics Clean Sport Charter, Keninsa Bekele's next marathon, the London Marathon elite men's line up, plus latest performances. The Trackside Podcast episodes are available via -
itunes Search for Trackside and download and/or listen to the episodes.
Facebook Links and updates - https://www.facebook.com/tracksidepod/
Twitter Topical tweets, related to our discussions - @tracksidepod
Soundcloud Simply listen here - https://soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile races, at Tonbridge School, Sunday 15th January
There were 24 runners in the latest mile race at Tonbridge School, despite the very wet conditions.
Emily Geake and Yasmin Jameson, from TAC were second and third in the girls race, whilst TAC had the first three home from the boys' through Sebastien Thompson, William McCarthy and Ananjan Ganguli.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Emily Geake and Yasmin Jameson, from TAC were second and third in the girls race, whilst TAC had the first three home from the boys' through Sebastien Thompson, William McCarthy and Ananjan Ganguli.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
TAC Winter parkrun Grand Prix update, after 14th January
The fifth race of the Age Graded GP took place in the snow and ice. I was a bit suspicious to see that despite the tricky conditions 9 out of 15 TAC runners ran PB’s and further investigation reveals the course was 200m short today, so no PB bonus points have been awarded. Andrew Mercer has moved to the top of the leader board, although he was 2nd to Sophie Slack on Age Grade today. These two have dominated the AG cup for the last 4 times it has been awarded. Huxley Crush is second after recording his 4th score.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
The full league table is available on the Parkrun page.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
The full league table is available on the Parkrun page.
Other Saturday results, 14th January
Birmingham Cross Country League, at Coventry, Senior Men - 6th Tom Holden, 7th George Duggan (2nd & 3rd in Loughborough Trial). Kieran Reilly was in the 20s and Sam Avis 197th.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Surrey Cross Country League, at Mitcham
Max Nicholls finished 7th, representing Kent AC. Full results are at - https://surreyleague.org/slm/race/143/#indiv
Commodore Invitational Meeting, Nashville, USA
Race video now loaded !
Robbie Farnham-Rose lowered his 3000 metres personal best to 8.03.68, with Luca Russo 9th, with a 10 second pb of 8.17.69. Robbie was racing for Alabama University and Luca for Missouri. These two raced each other for the first time at the National Cross Country Championships, in February 2006.
Robbie ran negative splits, clocking 3.58 for the second half, including a 58s last 400 metres.
Full result at - http://www.cfpitiming.com/liveresults/2017_Indoor/Vandy_Commodore_2017/results_44.html#round_1_heat_1
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Surrey Cross Country League, at Mitcham
Max Nicholls finished 7th, representing Kent AC. Full results are at - https://surreyleague.org/slm/race/143/#indiv
Commodore Invitational Meeting, Nashville, USA
Race video now loaded !
Robbie Farnham-Rose lowered his 3000 metres personal best to 8.03.68, with Luca Russo 9th, with a 10 second pb of 8.17.69. Robbie was racing for Alabama University and Luca for Missouri. These two raced each other for the first time at the National Cross Country Championships, in February 2006.
Robbie ran negative splits, clocking 3.58 for the second half, including a 58s last 400 metres.
Full result at - http://www.cfpitiming.com/liveresults/2017_Indoor/Vandy_Commodore_2017/results_44.html#round_1_heat_1
Luca Russo (third from right) sliced 10 seconds from his 3000m personal best
Sevenoaks School Knole Runs, Saturday 14th January
Videos loaded !
The Sevenoaks Knole Runs went ahead and seemed as successful as ever, although the park was covered in snow. Both races are for all school ages over about 3 miles for girls and 6 miles for the boys.
Phoebe Barker had a big win in the girls race, whilst Maddie Wise, despite bing in only year 8 finished 5th.
James Puxty was the first TAC home in 4th, with James Kingston surprising many in 12th, as a year 10.
A few photos below and more on Facebook.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page with TAC highlighted.
Phoebe Barker had a big win in the girls race, whilst Maddie Wise, despite bing in only year 8 finished 5th.
James Puxty was the first TAC home in 4th, with James Kingston surprising many in 12th, as a year 10.
A few photos below and more on Facebook.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page with TAC highlighted.
Training, Thursday 12th January
On Thursday we experienced what were definitely the worst conditions of the Winter so far for TAC training. The snow came down and the wind blew but around 30 runners across the age groups turned out and trained on the fields. It was interesting to see who was there and obviously the more local found it easier to come along.
The worst aspect of such nights is driving in those conditions so please don't take risks. However, there is rarely an occasion where its not possible to wrap up and run. I can recall once running ten laps around the block in thick snow, just so I stayed close to home.
The worst aspect of such nights is driving in those conditions so please don't take risks. However, there is rarely an occasion where its not possible to wrap up and run. I can recall once running ten laps around the block in thick snow, just so I stayed close to home.
TAC Distance Runners, under 13 Training, Tuesday 10th January
The under 13 training squad got together to bid farewell to Abbi Edwards, who had been visiting from New Zealand over Christmas and the New Year. Here is the squad photo for her last night of training at Tonbridge.
Photo courtesy of Jerry McCarthy.
Photo courtesy of Jerry McCarthy.
English National Cross Country Championships, Saturday 25th February
The TAC entries for the National have been submitted and in total we had 151 who have plans to race !
I am finalising all other details, so if you havent responded with all the information needed, please do so.
I am finalising all other details, so if you havent responded with all the information needed, please do so.
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 7, Kent Cross Country Championships, 7th January
Despite not making it to Saturday's Kent Champs himself (car brole down) Ian Crawley has done a fine job updating all the Fantasy League stats and summarising for us. See the Fantasy League page for his full update and league tables.
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Sheffield, Sunday 8th January
Videos loaded !
Dom Brown won the mens 1500 metres A race with an indoor personal best of 3.49.59.
James West won the 3000 metres A race in 7.58.94. Tom Holden was close to his outright personal best with 8.13.74
James West won the 3000 metres A race in 7.58.94. Tom Holden was close to his outright personal best with 8.13.74
Dom Brown and James West win in Sheffield
(photos from British Milers Club)
(photos from British Milers Club)
Kent Cross Country Championships at Brands Hatch, Saturday 7th January
Videos loaded !
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
In summary -
Senior Men 1st (6 to score), 1st (12 to score) 2nd George Duggan, 3rd Ben Cole, 4th Alex Howard
Senior Women 2nd (3 to score, 4th (6 to score), 1st Lucy Reid
Under 20 Men 1st, 2nd Alasdair Kinloch, 3rd Miles Weatherseed
Under 20 Women 1st, 3rd Kiri Marsh
Under 17 Men 1st, 1st James Puxty, 2nd Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 3rd Dan Seagrove, 4th Dan Blades
Under 17 Women 5th
Under 15 Boys 1st, 4th James Kingston
Under 15 Girls 1st, 3rd Katie Goodge
Under 13 Boys 1st, 1st Matthew Taylor, 2nd Fin Croll, 3rd Olukorede Fasina, 4th Henry Taylor
Under 13 Girls 2nd, 1st Maddie Wise
In summary -
Senior Men 1st (6 to score), 1st (12 to score) 2nd George Duggan, 3rd Ben Cole, 4th Alex Howard
Senior Women 2nd (3 to score, 4th (6 to score), 1st Lucy Reid
Under 20 Men 1st, 2nd Alasdair Kinloch, 3rd Miles Weatherseed
Under 20 Women 1st, 3rd Kiri Marsh
Under 17 Men 1st, 1st James Puxty, 2nd Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 3rd Dan Seagrove, 4th Dan Blades
Under 17 Women 5th
Under 15 Boys 1st, 4th James Kingston
Under 15 Girls 1st, 3rd Katie Goodge
Under 13 Boys 1st, 1st Matthew Taylor, 2nd Fin Croll, 3rd Olukorede Fasina, 4th Henry Taylor
Under 13 Girls 2nd, 1st Maddie Wise
Team photos below (a few runners missing, as taken soon after races)
TAC individual winners - Lucy Reid (seniors), James Puxty (u17), Maddie Wise (u13), Matthew Taylor (u13)
Other Saturday results, 7th January
Sussex Cross Country Championships
Senior women - 1st Nicole Taylor
Under 17 men - 1st Jesse Magorrian
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Great Edinburgh Cross Country International
Senior 4 x 1km 1st Great Britain - James West 3rd leg
Under 20 women - 10th Phoebe Barker
Senior women - 1st Nicole Taylor
Under 17 men - 1st Jesse Magorrian
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Great Edinburgh Cross Country International
Senior 4 x 1km 1st Great Britain - James West 3rd leg
Under 20 women - 10th Phoebe Barker
A few photos from Edinburgh (courtesy Richard Owen)
Trackside podcast Episode 6 live !
Episode 6 of the Trackside podcast has gone live and featured Alex Hookway, James Taylor, Pete Brenchley and Mark Hookway. Search Trackside podcast on itunes for a free downlaod or just to listen - https://soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
Training plans January to March 2017
The latest Training Plans for all the distance running groups are now on the Training Planned page.
2016 TAC Distance Runners Highlights Show
Happy New Year Everyone !
To see in the New Year I have compiled a highlights video for 2016. You can view it under Race Videos 2016/17
To see in the New Year I have compiled a highlights video for 2016. You can view it under Race Videos 2016/17
TAC Winter parkrun Grand Prix update, after 1st January
New Year’s day Parkrun at Tonbridge gave the opportunity for Angus Tosh to be the first to complete his 4th scoring race. As a result he is the latest GP leader, setting a target score of 42 in the process, for others and himself to try to improve on. The top scoring age grade was actually Ben Reynolds M50 who is second Claim TAC, however he is registered with Thames Hare and Hounds for the Park Run. Harry Brown and Jo Watts both ran PB’s
The latest league table is on the Parkrun page.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
The latest league table is on the Parkrun page.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Penshurst New Years Day 5 miles, Sunday 1st January
James Taylor finished second and James Kingston third in the Penshurst New Years Day 5 mile race.
Full results are at - http://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1rd/#entrants
Full results are at - http://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1rd/#entrants
Lamberhurst 10k road race, New Years Day, Sunday 1st January
Full results awaited, but John Ridge has kindly supplied this report -
Thought you might like a photo of some TAC runners at Lamberhurst. Nina Ridge took 6 mins off her time from 2 years ago to finish the 10k in 46.11. No picture of Tracy Horne, but she won the ladies 5k. Sasha Houghton ran 44.14 and was first woman over 40 in the 10k. James Puxty came 4th in the 10k and won the junior men. Steph Puxty came second in the 5k.
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Photo below of the Ridges, Puxtys and Sasha Houghton.
Thought you might like a photo of some TAC runners at Lamberhurst. Nina Ridge took 6 mins off her time from 2 years ago to finish the 10k in 46.11. No picture of Tracy Horne, but she won the ladies 5k. Sasha Houghton ran 44.14 and was first woman over 40 in the 10k. James Puxty came 4th in the 10k and won the junior men. Steph Puxty came second in the 5k.
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Photo below of the Ridges, Puxtys and Sasha Houghton.