January 2017
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.
Nos Galan New Years Eve 5km road race, Saturday 31st December
Ben Cole finished 11th in the Nos Galan 5km road race on New Years Eve, evening in an excellent 15.02.
The race has been famous for many years and always attracts a strong field. It also features a 'mystery' runner and on this occasion was Chris Coleman, the Welsh national football manager.
Full results are at - http://www.chipresults.co.uk/default.aspx
The race has been famous for many years and always attracts a strong field. It also features a 'mystery' runner and on this occasion was Chris Coleman, the Welsh national football manager.
Full results are at - http://www.chipresults.co.uk/default.aspx
Training at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Saturday 31st December
It was good to see about sixty TAC distance runners at Knole Park for the New Years Eve hill session. We also had a 'visitor' with Mark Scrutton joining us (not doing the hills though). Mark is the TAC club record holder at 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m plus some road distances like 10miles. He also won the NCAA cross country and indoor 2 miles totles, in the USA.
Mick Bannister, Mark Scrutton, Mark Hookway, Steve Keywood - TAC team members from the 70s and 80s
Fantasy Cross Country League - update after race 6, TAC Christmas Pudding Race, 26th December
The Fantasy League page has been updated with the latest league tables, for teams and individuals.
Ian Crawley gives his latest analysis and insight into the current results and who might be the favourites to win the league.
Steph Puxtys team still holds the title topping spot.
Ian Crawley gives his latest analysis and insight into the current results and who might be the favourites to win the league.
Steph Puxtys team still holds the title topping spot.
Was Thursday 30th December the coldest training night so far, this Winter ?
It was good to see all the distance running groups training in the freezing conditions on Thursday night. Hopefully, those who have been putting in the work over the Christmas period will reap the rewards.
Sometimes I tend to give all the credit to the athletes on this web site, so I thought it was time to recognise what the volunteer coaches and helpers do. Bill Mutler epitomises the TAC spirit and was out time keeping our group in the freezing fog, despite being into his 80s !
Sometimes I tend to give all the credit to the athletes on this web site, so I thought it was time to recognise what the volunteer coaches and helpers do. Bill Mutler epitomises the TAC spirit and was out time keeping our group in the freezing fog, despite being into his 80s !
Bill Mutler
Other races during Christmas period, Monday and Tuesday 26th/27th December
Saltwood 3 miles, Monday - 1st Max Nicholls 15.03, 6th Euan Nicholls 16.55
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Staplehurst 10 miles, Tuesday - 1st Sam Bradley 54.10, 4th Dan Bradley 57.00 plus Andrew Mercer 57.29, Joe Watts 64.48. Full results are at - http://www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=1370001
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk
Staplehurst 10 miles, Tuesday - 1st Sam Bradley 54.10, 4th Dan Bradley 57.00 plus Andrew Mercer 57.29, Joe Watts 64.48. Full results are at - http://www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=1370001
Tonbridge AC Christmas Pudding Race, Boxing Day Handicap, Monday 26th December
Video loaded !
There were 110 starters for the annual handicap, which could well be a record number.
Most GPS watches seemed to be recording distances between 5.06 and 5.10km
Peter Bannister, who has recently joined TAC was the overall winner, followed home by Alex Hookway and George Duggan.
George recorded the fastest lap with 15.22 and Katie Goodgel was fastest female with 19.50.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
More photos will be on the Scrapbook page at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk plus on my Facebook page.
Most GPS watches seemed to be recording distances between 5.06 and 5.10km
Peter Bannister, who has recently joined TAC was the overall winner, followed home by Alex Hookway and George Duggan.
George recorded the fastest lap with 15.22 and Katie Goodgel was fastest female with 19.50.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
More photos will be on the Scrapbook page at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk plus on my Facebook page.
Peter Bannister the overall Christmas Handicap winner
George Duggan and Katie Goodge - fastest individual male and female runners
Training at Knole Park, on Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December
We had at least 75 runners at Knole Park on Christmas Eve for the training session relays. Results are on the Training Completed page.
TAC Club night, Thursday 22nd December
Many of those at training on Thursday are generally away at university or with work, so it was good to see the old faces back at the club.
Trackside Podcast - Episode 5, part 1 now available for download and listening
The latest Trackside podcast is now available for download or a listen. Search Trackside podcast on itunes for a free downlaod or just to listen - https://soundcloud.com/tracksidepod
This week's team - Mark Hookway, Lewis Church, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway
There is also a bonus interview with GB womens cross country team member Emily Hosker-Thornhill.
This week's team - Mark Hookway, Lewis Church, Pete Brenchley and Alex Hookway
There is also a bonus interview with GB womens cross country team member Emily Hosker-Thornhill.
Brussels Lotto Cross Cup, International Cross Country Event, Sunday 18th December
TAC had three distance runners in action at the international cross country meeting, in Brussels, all of who had terrific races.
Donald Carter finished a close up 5th in the senior men's 3000m in 8.38.
Then we had both Tom Holden and Phoebe Barker running for the England under 20 squads in their races. Tom won with a fine finish to pull away by three seconds, whilst defeating two athletes that were ahead of him at the European trials at Liverpool. Phoebe also had a superb race, being just a second behind the winner at the line.
Results of their races and the senior events are on the Results 2016 page.
Donald Carter finished a close up 5th in the senior men's 3000m in 8.38.
Then we had both Tom Holden and Phoebe Barker running for the England under 20 squads in their races. Tom won with a fine finish to pull away by three seconds, whilst defeating two athletes that were ahead of him at the European trials at Liverpool. Phoebe also had a superb race, being just a second behind the winner at the line.
Results of their races and the senior events are on the Results 2016 page.
South of Thames Championship Race, at Beckenham, Saturday 17th December
The Tonbridge men finished 2nd to Kent AC, whilst the women were one short of a full scoring team. Lucy Reid had a terrific return to racing, having been out since January and finished 2nd in the women's event.
The race was over 7.5 miles with the men and women running together. Around 300 started.
Summary and fulkl results are on the Results 2016 page.
The race was over 7.5 miles with the men and women running together. Around 300 started.
Summary and fulkl results are on the Results 2016 page.
British Milers Club Indoor meeting at Sheffield, Wednesday 14th December
Dominic Brown opened his indoor racing campaign with a good win in Sheffield on Wednesday night. Dom ran 3.56.83.
James West and Phoebe Barker selected for Great Britain
Both James West and Phoebe Barker have been selected for the Great Britain team that will compete in the Great Edinburgh International, that takes place on 7th January.
James is in the 1km international relay, and part of the senior team, whilst Phoebe is in the under 20 squad.
The event is being shown live on BBC 1 and Mo Farah runs in the senior mens race.
James is in the 1km international relay, and part of the senior team, whilst Phoebe is in the under 20 squad.
The event is being shown live on BBC 1 and Mo Farah runs in the senior mens race.
Congratulations to James Taylor (JT) and Megan Hopkins on their engagement
One of the great TAC supporters 'JT' has become engaged to Megan Hopkins and congratulations go to both of them.
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Telford 10km road race, Sunday 11th December
Chris Olley finished 18th in 30.01, which was an official pb, since the previous one was subsequently found to have been a short course. Race video is loaded
South of England Inter Counties Cross Country Championships and
South of England Veterans Cross Country Championships
at Horspath, Oxford, Saturday 10th December - Videos loaded !
Results 2016 page.
Tonbridge Athletic Club had twenty one runners in action at the South of England Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Oxford, on Saturday and they faced the worst of the Winter conditions so far. Continuous rain during the day made the park and woodland course quite muddy in places, testing the athletes across the age groups.
Phoebe Barker came closest, of the Tonbridge athletes, to an individual win, as she battled throughout the under 17 race, with Khahisa Mhlanga of Essex. Phoebe finished just three seconds down, but was well clear of the third placed runner, as ninety finished. Barker’s run helped Kent to the team title.
Also in the under 17 age group James Puxty (5th) and Bede Pitcairn-Knowles (8th) finished in the top ten, whilst Dan Seagrove (27th) also scored for the Kent team, that finished fourth.
Maddie Wise was the second Kent scorer in the under 13 girls’ race, as the county won the silver medals, whilst Fin Croll (10th) and Matthew Taylor (12th) helped Kent secure the bronze medals in the boys’ race, at the same age group.
Nicole Taylor was 12th in a closely contested senior women’s event, as she helped Sussex to silver medals.
Katie Goodge (22nd) scored for the under 15 girls’ Kent team that finished in third place, whilst Lucy Thompson (25th), helped the under 20s to silver medals.
Fraser Gordon was the only Tonbridge runner in the under 15 boys’ event and finished 28th, as Kent won the team title.
Alongside the inter counties event, the South of England veterans championships were held. Tonbridge had a team in the over 50s race, where they finished 11th of 22. Phil Coleman (52nd), Alan Buckle (3rd) and Andy Wood (69th) scored, as 169 finished.
Tonbridge Athletic Club had twenty one runners in action at the South of England Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Oxford, on Saturday and they faced the worst of the Winter conditions so far. Continuous rain during the day made the park and woodland course quite muddy in places, testing the athletes across the age groups.
Phoebe Barker came closest, of the Tonbridge athletes, to an individual win, as she battled throughout the under 17 race, with Khahisa Mhlanga of Essex. Phoebe finished just three seconds down, but was well clear of the third placed runner, as ninety finished. Barker’s run helped Kent to the team title.
Also in the under 17 age group James Puxty (5th) and Bede Pitcairn-Knowles (8th) finished in the top ten, whilst Dan Seagrove (27th) also scored for the Kent team, that finished fourth.
Maddie Wise was the second Kent scorer in the under 13 girls’ race, as the county won the silver medals, whilst Fin Croll (10th) and Matthew Taylor (12th) helped Kent secure the bronze medals in the boys’ race, at the same age group.
Nicole Taylor was 12th in a closely contested senior women’s event, as she helped Sussex to silver medals.
Katie Goodge (22nd) scored for the under 15 girls’ Kent team that finished in third place, whilst Lucy Thompson (25th), helped the under 20s to silver medals.
Fraser Gordon was the only Tonbridge runner in the under 15 boys’ event and finished 28th, as Kent won the team title.
Alongside the inter counties event, the South of England veterans championships were held. Tonbridge had a team in the over 50s race, where they finished 11th of 22. Phil Coleman (52nd), Alan Buckle (3rd) and Andy Wood (69th) scored, as 169 finished.
Tom Holden and Phoebe Barker selected for England under 20 team
Tom Holden and Phoebe Barker have both been selected to race for the England under 20 team at the Brussels International cross country meeting, on Sunday 18th December
Tonbridge AC Winter Parkrun Grand Prix update after 3rd December
With a relatively low TAC turn out top score available on the day was 14, which was snapped up by Sophy Slack, as she looks to claim the title for the 3rd time running. The top 3 are unchanged as Andrew Mercer and Anne Brenchley were busy winning medals at the Kent Vets XC championships. However Angus Tosh leapt up to 4th place and is the only athlete to have completed 3 races. Huxley Crush was also another big mover with a scoring PB bonus on the day. Eva Kolivoskova-Martin was making her postnatal return and will be one to be moving up the score board.
The next run to count will be New Year’s Day at Tonbridge, at 10am.
The league table is on the parkrun page.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
The next run to count will be New Year’s Day at Tonbridge, at 10am.
The league table is on the parkrun page.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile races, at Tonbridge School, Sunday 4th December
About fifty young runners aged from 6 to 12 took part in this months one mile races. Bella Kramer was first home of the girls in 6.46, whilst Isaac Arnott was 3rd in the boys race in 6.31.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Other Saturday news, 3rd December
Charlie Joslin-Allen showed that recent training is paying off with a 7th place finish at the Gwent League, racing for Cardiff Met University.
Dan Bradley was first home at the Dartford parkrun.
TAC had some runners in the Leeds University Relays, where Nathan Marsh had a superb run to record the second fastest lap. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Varsity Cross Country Match - 8th Alex Howard, 15th Miles Weatherseed. Full results on the Results 2016 page.
Dan Bradley was first home at the Dartford parkrun.
TAC had some runners in the Leeds University Relays, where Nathan Marsh had a superb run to record the second fastest lap. Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Oxford Vs Cambridge Varsity Cross Country Match - 8th Alex Howard, 15th Miles Weatherseed. Full results on the Results 2016 page.
Kent Masters Cross Country Championships, at Central Park, Dartford, Saturday 3rd December
Videos loaded !
Tonbridge had plenty of runners in each of the three races -
Men 50 to 59 - 1st Ben Reynolds, 2nd Graeme Saker, 13th Phil Coleman. 1st Team
Women 35 to 44 - 9th Sasha Houghton, 11th Antonia Skerritt, 22nd Nina Ridge . 3rd Team
Men 40 to 49 - 4th Andrew Mercer, 14th Adam Styles, 28th Anthony Bennett, 41st Dan Crush . 3rd Team
Women 65+ - 2nd Anne Brenchley
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Men 50 to 59 - 1st Ben Reynolds, 2nd Graeme Saker, 13th Phil Coleman. 1st Team
Women 35 to 44 - 9th Sasha Houghton, 11th Antonia Skerritt, 22nd Nina Ridge . 3rd Team
Men 40 to 49 - 4th Andrew Mercer, 14th Adam Styles, 28th Anthony Bennett, 41st Dan Crush . 3rd Team
Women 65+ - 2nd Anne Brenchley
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Ben Reynolds and Graeme Saker
English Schools Cross Country Cup Final, Formby, Lancashire, Saturday 3rd December
News is that Judd School Inter Boys have won the English Schools Cup Final, led home by James Kingston 6th and including Adam Van der Plas around 14th and Toby Emm around 19th. Sevenoaks School were 2nd led home by Maddie Wise in 9th.
Fin Croll was 4th in the Junior Boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Fin Croll was 4th in the Junior Boys race.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
The Judd Inter Boys team
Crowborough 10k Road Race, Sunday 27th November
Julian Rendall and Dan Bradley battled it out with the eventual winner Matt Bradford of Lewes. Julian finished second in 34.22 and Dan third in 34.29. Joe Watts ran 40.10 in 32nd, taking a significant amount from his previous time on this very tough course. TAC's second claim member Maria Heslop, followed up Saturday's Kent League win with a victory at Crowborough in 38.46.
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/sunday-27th-november-2016-30th.html
Full results are at - http://niceworkevents.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/sunday-27th-november-2016-30th.html
British Cross Challenge and European Cross Country Championship Trials, Sefton Park, Liverpool
Saturday 26th November
Videos loaded !
TAC had 22 runners in five of the races, with thirteen starting the men's race. The under 20 and senior races were trials for the Great Britain teams for the European Championships, on 11th December, in Sardinia, Italy. GB take u20, u23 and senior teams to the championships.
Phoebe Barker had a superb race to place 9th overall in the combined u17/20 women's race and was third under 17 home. Phoebe was just six seconds away from a top six slot, which may have given her a chance of GB selection. However, hopefully an international call up will not be too far away.
Tom Holden will hope to gain an England team selection, having placed 10th in the under 20 mens race.
It was good to see two TAC senior ladies competing towards the front of such a strong race, as Ashley Gibson and Nicole Taylor placed 36th and 42nd. Nicole was 12th of the under 23s.
The senior men's race was a ferocious battle and for the first time in a while could be called truly world class at the front. Olympic 5000m sixth placer Andrew Butchart won. The TAC squad had a mixed bag of results, with the three travelling back from the USA in the week finding it tough. However, Chris Olley 21st, James West 25th and Corey De'Ath 32nd all had terrific races and were 5th, 7th and 9th of the under 23s.
Unfortunately, Chris Olley has only been named as first reserve for the GB team, so missed out by one second.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.
Phoebe Barker had a superb race to place 9th overall in the combined u17/20 women's race and was third under 17 home. Phoebe was just six seconds away from a top six slot, which may have given her a chance of GB selection. However, hopefully an international call up will not be too far away.
Tom Holden will hope to gain an England team selection, having placed 10th in the under 20 mens race.
It was good to see two TAC senior ladies competing towards the front of such a strong race, as Ashley Gibson and Nicole Taylor placed 36th and 42nd. Nicole was 12th of the under 23s.
The senior men's race was a ferocious battle and for the first time in a while could be called truly world class at the front. Olympic 5000m sixth placer Andrew Butchart won. The TAC squad had a mixed bag of results, with the three travelling back from the USA in the week finding it tough. However, Chris Olley 21st, James West 25th and Corey De'Ath 32nd all had terrific races and were 5th, 7th and 9th of the under 23s.
Unfortunately, Chris Olley has only been named as first reserve for the GB team, so missed out by one second.
Full results are on the Results 2016 page.