March 2015
South of England Road Relay Championships, at Milton Keynes, Sunday 29th March
Men's 12 stage and Women's 6 stage
Milton Keynes once again hosted the South of England Road Relay Championships, where the men's race comprises of teams of twelve and the women's teams of six. The men alternate legs of 7644m and 5053m, whilst the women race over the shorter distance.
In many ways these championships and the National on 11th April are the biggest test of a club's depth in distance running, which means that, despite the men's race lasting for more than four hours, the outcome is often in doubt until the end.
TAC went into both races, without our strongest squads, with the men particularly hit hard by absences. It was therefore a terrific effort by those present, to ensure that both squads came away having finished higher than any Tonbridge team has done before. The men were 4th and the women 11th. What's more is the fact that both teams are relatively young, with half the men's squad having competed as under 20 this Winter and five of the six women, likewise.
Belief is certainly starting to run through the veins of both our runners and supporters that the men in particular are now getting very close to being able to compete with the best in the UK over a 12 leg race.
Full results on the Results 2015 page. Photos below - Men's A-team.
In many ways these championships and the National on 11th April are the biggest test of a club's depth in distance running, which means that, despite the men's race lasting for more than four hours, the outcome is often in doubt until the end.
TAC went into both races, without our strongest squads, with the men particularly hit hard by absences. It was therefore a terrific effort by those present, to ensure that both squads came away having finished higher than any Tonbridge team has done before. The men were 4th and the women 11th. What's more is the fact that both teams are relatively young, with half the men's squad having competed as under 20 this Winter and five of the six women, likewise.
Belief is certainly starting to run through the veins of both our runners and supporters that the men in particular are now getting very close to being able to compete with the best in the UK over a 12 leg race.
Full results on the Results 2015 page. Photos below - Men's A-team.
Photos below -Women's team and Men's B team (apologies as no photo of Mark Pitcairn-Knowles).
Sunday road races, 29th March
Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Matt Harvey ran 1.25.11 and Duncan Ralph 1.41.25. For Matt that was a personal best by 4.39 and for Duncan a pb by 9 seconds.
Spitfire 20 miles, Cranleigh, Surrey
Eva Kolivoskova-Martin made her debut over the 20 miles distance, running 2.45.31
Matt Harvey ran 1.25.11 and Duncan Ralph 1.41.25. For Matt that was a personal best by 4.39 and for Duncan a pb by 9 seconds.
Spitfire 20 miles, Cranleigh, Surrey
Eva Kolivoskova-Martin made her debut over the 20 miles distance, running 2.45.31
USA News, Saturday 28th March
Whilst most of you were asleep there were a couple of Tonbridge athletes competing in the USA, both opening their outdoor seasons with a 1500 metres.
Robbie Farnham-Rose ran 3.46.58 to comfortably win the event at the Crimson Tide Invitational meet, at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Robbie won by almost three seconds with a very fast final half a lap. Full results are at -http://results.flotrack.org/2015/03-27-Alabama/Mobile/Track.php?EN=25&RN=1&D=2
Race video now loaded !
Meanwhile, in a closer finish, Kieran Reilly recorded 3.49.10 to finish 4th in the BIG Ten/Pac 12 meeting at Arizona State University. In a tight contest Kieran was just half a second away from the winner. Full results are at - http://finishedresults.trackscoreboard.com/?DB_OEM_ID=30300#/results/meet/72/event/3/Final
Robbie Farnham-Rose ran 3.46.58 to comfortably win the event at the Crimson Tide Invitational meet, at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Robbie won by almost three seconds with a very fast final half a lap. Full results are at -http://results.flotrack.org/2015/03-27-Alabama/Mobile/Track.php?EN=25&RN=1&D=2
Race video now loaded !
Meanwhile, in a closer finish, Kieran Reilly recorded 3.49.10 to finish 4th in the BIG Ten/Pac 12 meeting at Arizona State University. In a tight contest Kieran was just half a second away from the winner. Full results are at - http://finishedresults.trackscoreboard.com/?DB_OEM_ID=30300#/results/meet/72/event/3/Final
Schools Inter Counties Cross Country at The Schools at Somerhill, Tonbridge, Saturday 28th March
Videos loaded !
Many thanks to all the TAC helpers who helped with putting on the schools inter counties today.
Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
There was a moment during one of the races which really made an impression on a few of us. TAC's Maria Bragin was struggling up the long hill, with a knee that hurt and was quite upset. She insisted that she wanted to finish and there was another county's athlete in a similar predicament just ahead. Maria caught her up and then they helped each other to the finish line, which was probably about a kilometre away at the time. It reminded me of Derek Redmond being helped around the track, by his dad, at the Barcelona Olympics 400m, in 1992. Well done Maria for a terrific sporting gesture !
Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
There was a moment during one of the races which really made an impression on a few of us. TAC's Maria Bragin was struggling up the long hill, with a knee that hurt and was quite upset. She insisted that she wanted to finish and there was another county's athlete in a similar predicament just ahead. Maria caught her up and then they helped each other to the finish line, which was probably about a kilometre away at the time. It reminded me of Derek Redmond being helped around the track, by his dad, at the Barcelona Olympics 400m, in 1992. Well done Maria for a terrific sporting gesture !
Maria Bragin (blue) helping another athlete to the finish !
Saturday 5km parkruns, 28th March
Tonbridge - 1st Dan Bradley 16.58, 1st female Polly Pitcairn-Knowles (20.07 (pb)
Tunbridge Wells - 1st female Grace Fleming 22.46
Cheltenham - Michael Mason ran 20.58
Banstead Woods - The Coates family and Melissa Berry were in action.
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Tunbridge Wells - 1st female Grace Fleming 22.46
Cheltenham - Michael Mason ran 20.58
Banstead Woods - The Coates family and Melissa Berry were in action.
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
World Cross Country Championships, Saturday 28th March
Chris Olley, running for Great Britain, finished 102nd in the junior mens race at the World Championships. Chris was placed in the 50s halfway through the 8km race, but fell back to finish 102nd. He was the 5th of six from the British team to finish. Chris explained that he suffered with a stomach upset during the race and found it tough with that and the altitude. He is ok and felt that he has learnt a lot from the experience.
Sunday Road Race Performances, 22nd March
There have bee a few TAC distance runners in action today (Sunday) at various locations -
Reading Half Marathon (inc England Championships) - Ben Cole followed up his cross country form by smashing his half marathon personal best with 67.52. This is one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Tonbridge runner and is just 36 seconds away from the club record. The quality of the race is demonstrated by the fact that Ben placed 30th ! John Harley was 3rd in the over 60 category running 93.37 overall but his chip time was 90.00 (ie once crossed the start line). Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Richmond Half Marathon - Max Nicholls has won this half marathon in 71.11. Full results are at - http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/event/SalomonCityTrailRichmondHalfMarathon10k/Results?eventId=1481
Richmond Half Marathon Day, Men's Elite Mile Race (grass) - TACs Ryan Driscoll finished 4th behind Charlie Grice, Richard Goodman and Dale Clutterbuck
Eastleigh 10k road race - Dan Bradley ran 32.04 and missed his pb by just five seconds, in what he described as tough conditions. Full results are at - https://www.fullonsport.co.uk/fos/index.php?module=results&action=results&eventId=5962
Hastings Half Marathon - Dan Watt, who has been out with illness and injury improved his recent half marathon time to 80.13, for 28th and Alice Heather-Hayes was third lady overall, with 83.24. Full results are at - http://www.precisiontiming.net/hastingshm.aspx
New Forest Running Festival 10k - Cameron Knapp won the event in 34.23
Reading Half Marathon (inc England Championships) - Ben Cole followed up his cross country form by smashing his half marathon personal best with 67.52. This is one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Tonbridge runner and is just 36 seconds away from the club record. The quality of the race is demonstrated by the fact that Ben placed 30th ! John Harley was 3rd in the over 60 category running 93.37 overall but his chip time was 90.00 (ie once crossed the start line). Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Richmond Half Marathon - Max Nicholls has won this half marathon in 71.11. Full results are at - http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/event/SalomonCityTrailRichmondHalfMarathon10k/Results?eventId=1481
Richmond Half Marathon Day, Men's Elite Mile Race (grass) - TACs Ryan Driscoll finished 4th behind Charlie Grice, Richard Goodman and Dale Clutterbuck
Eastleigh 10k road race - Dan Bradley ran 32.04 and missed his pb by just five seconds, in what he described as tough conditions. Full results are at - https://www.fullonsport.co.uk/fos/index.php?module=results&action=results&eventId=5962
Hastings Half Marathon - Dan Watt, who has been out with illness and injury improved his recent half marathon time to 80.13, for 28th and Alice Heather-Hayes was third lady overall, with 83.24. Full results are at - http://www.precisiontiming.net/hastingshm.aspx
New Forest Running Festival 10k - Cameron Knapp won the event in 34.23
Ben Cole - Fast Reading Half Marathon
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Max Nicholls - Win at Richmond Half Marathon
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TAC Tonbridge parkrun Winter Grand Prix as at Saturday 21st March
(From Mark Pitcairn-Knowles)
Ollie Dunn took advantage of today’s good turn out (18) at Tonbridge Park Run by TAC members to record 17 points today improving his overall score by 7 points (by removing a previous 10 point score from his 4 to count). He is now level with Andrew Mercer. However James Puxty is 10 points behind having only recorded 3 scoring runs. All depends on the final race on the 4th April. There is also a good battle between the Kingston family with only 2 points covering Lucy, Ollie and James.
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Home Countries Schools International, at Dublin, Saturday 21st March
Videos loaded !
Three TAC young distance runners represented the England Schools team in Dublin.
Kathleen Faes completed an unbeaten 2014/15 Winter Cross Country season with another win, in the Junior Girls race. Alasdair Kinloch was 3rd and Jamie Goodge 11th in the Inter Boys event. Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Many thanks to Gary Goodge and Ben Page for the photo and video work.
Kathleen Faes completed an unbeaten 2014/15 Winter Cross Country season with another win, in the Junior Girls race. Alasdair Kinloch was 3rd and Jamie Goodge 11th in the Inter Boys event. Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Many thanks to Gary Goodge and Ben Page for the photo and video work.
Jamie Goodge, Kathleen Faes, Alasdair Kinloch
Kent Junior School Cross Country Championships, at Detling, Saturday 21st March
(report from John Sanders)
There were almost a thousand finishers in today's Kent Junior School races. I probably missed various TAC runners, but another splendid run from Megan Moore to win the year 6 girls' race, with Poppy & Alex helping Hilden Grange win the team event. George Burbage had a good win in year 5 boys race, with Max Bragin 4th. Races quite short - 800m (yrs 3 & 4), 1600m (yrs 5 & 6) - so some potential cross-country runners were beaten by speed & strength rather than stamina.
Crawley Open Meeting, Saturday 21st March
Tom Dean (under 17) ran a 600 metres personal best at Crawley in 91.30.
Leicester University Open Meeting, Saturday 21st March
Michael Ellis sliced 33 seconds from his personal best over 3000 metres steeplechase with 10.31.3
Windsor and Eton Half Marathon, Saturday 21st March
Lucy Reid finished 8th overall and 1st lady in her first official half marathon, running 80.29
Saturday morning 5km parkruns, 21st March
Its been a busy parkrun Saturday for Tonbridge AC members and potential members. Henry Pearce set an outright TAC parkrun record of 15.11 at Hackney Marshes, this morning, which shaves six seconds off the previous best, held by Charlie Joslin-Allen.
Henry Pearce - Tonbridge AC parkrun record
I went down to the Tonbridge parkrun (some photos below) to watch some current TAC members, but also have a chat with two or three potential new ones. It was so good to see that there are plenty of younger runners giving the local parkrun a go and enjoying the informal environment. Dan Bradley (17.03) led the way, as he warms up for Sunday's Eastleigh 10k road race. Meanwhile other results have included -
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st lady Alice Ralph 20.29 (course pb)
Dartford - 1st Corey De'Ath 16.05 (3 seconds outside course record). 2nd James Puxty (17.39). More news and results are awaited.
Maidstone - 5th Matt Harvey 18.27 (course pb).
Full results will appear at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st lady Alice Ralph 20.29 (course pb)
Dartford - 1st Corey De'Ath 16.05 (3 seconds outside course record). 2nd James Puxty (17.39). More news and results are awaited.
Maidstone - 5th Matt Harvey 18.27 (course pb).
Full results will appear at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
England Athletics article features TAC
TAC have had a few internationals this Winter and there is an article about how gaining an England vest can be a positive experience at the England Athletics web site, featuring Max Nicholls, James West and Charlie Joslin-Allen. The link is - http://www.englandathletics.org/england-athletics-news/england-internationals--development-opportunities
London Mini Marathon - South East team selections
I have heard that the following have been selected to compete in the London mini marathons on 26th April, having been selected for the South East teams. The races are held over the final 3 miles of the London Marathon course and are held before the main marathon finishes. -
Under 13 girls - reserve Lizzie Miller, Under 13 boys - James Kingston, Under 15 girls - Kathleen Faes, Under 15 boys - James Puxty, Under 17 men - Jamie Goodge, Alasdair Kinloch, Chris Cohen.
Under 13 girls - reserve Lizzie Miller, Under 13 boys - James Kingston, Under 15 girls - Kathleen Faes, Under 15 boys - James Puxty, Under 17 men - Jamie Goodge, Alasdair Kinloch, Chris Cohen.
St Marys Vs Brunel, University Varsity Match, Wednesday 18th March
Ryan Driscoll won the 1500 metres in a close finish from Luca Russo, as both competed for St Marys. Both ran around 3.57.
Video is loaded.
Video is loaded.
Sunday road races, 15th March
Michael Ellis finished 9th in the Sheffield Varsity 10k road race in 35.56, which was a personal best by more than a minute.
Eva Kolivoskova-Martin ran the Thames Spring Marathon in 1.39.13, which was a personal best by more than eight minutes !
Dan Watt, who has been sidelined by illness and injury, ran the Dartford half marathon more as a training run and finished 15th in 82.02, which is some way off his best.
Eva Kolivoskova-Martin ran the Thames Spring Marathon in 1.39.13, which was a personal best by more than eight minutes !
Dan Watt, who has been sidelined by illness and injury, ran the Dartford half marathon more as a training run and finished 15th in 82.02, which is some way off his best.
Sevenoaks Rotary 10k, Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Sunday 15th March
Mark Itcairn-Knowles placed 16th in 40.57 and Lucy PK was 98th overall in 48.00 (9th lady). Full results are at -http://www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=380001
National Prep Schools Cross Country Championships, at Malvern, Worcestershire, Sunday 15th March
Report from John Sanders -
Some great results today from TAC runners at the National Prep Schools' Championships at Malvern - tough courses & good quality fields.
Years 5&6 girls: 2nd Megan Moore, 28th Maisie Smith
Years 5&6 boys: 1st Matthew Taylor, Fin Croll a close 2nd, Ollie Hill 10th, Seb Tute 19th, Ollie Croll 50th. About 200 runners. Yardley Court First team, 39pts (four to score) - all the team are TAC members.
Years 7&8 boys: All TAC runners apart from Ben Errington (c37th) are year 7. Yardley Court 2nd team (95pts to 1st team 89pts) Josh O'Brien, Will Tyler & Tom Rigney TAC members - (not sure of positions - I think 19, 24 & 27ish). (+one or two other potential members). James Crombie (St Ronans) 21st, Ollie Todd (one place in front of Will T) & Will Clark (in the 30's) both Dulwich Prep.
John Sanders
Full results are now on the Results 2015 page.
Some great results today from TAC runners at the National Prep Schools' Championships at Malvern - tough courses & good quality fields.
Years 5&6 girls: 2nd Megan Moore, 28th Maisie Smith
Years 5&6 boys: 1st Matthew Taylor, Fin Croll a close 2nd, Ollie Hill 10th, Seb Tute 19th, Ollie Croll 50th. About 200 runners. Yardley Court First team, 39pts (four to score) - all the team are TAC members.
Years 7&8 boys: All TAC runners apart from Ben Errington (c37th) are year 7. Yardley Court 2nd team (95pts to 1st team 89pts) Josh O'Brien, Will Tyler & Tom Rigney TAC members - (not sure of positions - I think 19, 24 & 27ish). (+one or two other potential members). James Crombie (St Ronans) 21st, Ollie Todd (one place in front of Will T) & Will Clark (in the 30's) both Dulwich Prep.
John Sanders
Full results are now on the Results 2015 page.
English Schools Cross Country Championships, at Witton Country Park, near Blackburn
Saturday 14th March - Videos now loaded !
The English Schools Championships involves teams of eight from each county (45 in most races) competing in the Junior (years 8/9), Inters (10/11) and Senior (13/14) age groups. England Schools teams are selected for the Juniors and Inters, based on the first eight home, provided that they accept the invitation. This year the international match takes place in Dublin, next weekend.
Tonbridge AC managed to get three athletes selected for England Schools, as Kathleen Faes, Alasdair Kinloch and Jamie Goodge secured their places. Kathleen won the Junior girls race, with another convincing performance and established a 50 metre lead by the finish. Kathleen's win was the first from a TAC female at the English Schools since Julie Adkin (Goodge) won in 1985 and 1986, whilst Alasdair's 2nd was the highest in the Inter Boys this century.
TAC had 22 members of the 48 strong Kent team, plus Sian Driscoll racing for Sussex (apologies to Sian as missed her for photos below).
Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Tonbridge AC managed to get three athletes selected for England Schools, as Kathleen Faes, Alasdair Kinloch and Jamie Goodge secured their places. Kathleen won the Junior girls race, with another convincing performance and established a 50 metre lead by the finish. Kathleen's win was the first from a TAC female at the English Schools since Julie Adkin (Goodge) won in 1985 and 1986, whilst Alasdair's 2nd was the highest in the Inter Boys this century.
TAC had 22 members of the 48 strong Kent team, plus Sian Driscoll racing for Sussex (apologies to Sian as missed her for photos below).
Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Kathleen Faes wins the Junior Girls race at English Schools Championships
Alasdair Kinloch - 2nd in Inter Boys
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Jamie Goodge - 7th in Inter Boys
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Home Countries International at Antrim, Northern Ireland, Saturday 14th March
Lucy Reid (seniors), plus Corey De'Ath and Nicole Taylor (under 20s) ran for the South of England teams in the Home Countries International. Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Lucy Reid
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Corey De'Ath
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Nicole Taylor
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Kent Indoor Championships, at Lee Valley, Saturday 14th March
Christian Lee (u17 in 2.05.50), Hannah Czarnowski (u20 in 2.26.56) and Ewan Wood (u15 2.25.42) captured Kent Indoor 800 metre titles. Sam Crick was 4th in the under 17 800m in 2.07.71 and Polly Pitcairn-Knowles (2.28.08) was 3rd in the under 17 800m.
Hannah Czarnowski (centre)
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Christian Lee and Sam Crick
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Polly Pitcairn-Knowles (right)
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British Masters Cross Country Championships, Saturday 14th March
(report from Maurice Marchant)
I got round at Ruthin on Saturday in the BMAF X/C championships, coming 33rd male in 32m 22s over a 6km course. The winner of the 65+ age group ran it in 25m 27s.
In the younger male race of 8km Ben Reynolds came 2nd 50+ in 29m 52s, the winner of the race in 28m 58s and winner of 50+, Austin Davies in 29m19s.
Definitely an event TAC veterans might support in future although it seems the event in Ruthin was very fortunate to have excellent support by the school.
See http://www.xchangecms.co.uk/images/Results/bmafxc2015.pdf
Maurice Marchant
In the younger male race of 8km Ben Reynolds came 2nd 50+ in 29m 52s, the winner of the race in 28m 58s and winner of 50+, Austin Davies in 29m19s.
Definitely an event TAC veterans might support in future although it seems the event in Ruthin was very fortunate to have excellent support by the school.
See http://www.xchangecms.co.uk/images/Results/bmafxc2015.pdf
Maurice Marchant
Saturday 5km parkruns, 14th March
In the Saturday park runs there were some good TAC results -
Maidstone - 1st Dan Bradley 16.07 , 1st female Ellen Crombie 19.31
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.11
It was also pleasing to see the likes of Joe Watts (20.22 at Tunbridge Wells) and Eva Kolivoskova-Martin (21.59 at Tonbridge).
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Maidstone - 1st Dan Bradley 16.07 , 1st female Ellen Crombie 19.31
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.11
It was also pleasing to see the likes of Joe Watts (20.22 at Tunbridge Wells) and Eva Kolivoskova-Martin (21.59 at Tonbridge).
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
NCAA National Championships, at Arkansas, USA, Friday 13th March
It really was a nightmare Friday the 13th, as Robbie Farnham-Rose didn't get to run the mile leg of Alabama's Distance Medley Relay team. His team mate on the first leg of 1200m ruptured his achilles tendon, when well placed after 800m.
Chris Olley selected for Great Britain under 20 mens team for World Championships
Christian Lee (u17 in 2.05.50) and Hannah Czarnowski (u20 in 2.26) captured Kent Indoor 800 metre titles. Sam Crick was 4th in the under 17 800m in 2.07.71 and Polly Pitcairn-Knowles was 3rd in the under 17 800m.
Chris Olley has been selected to compete in the World Cross Country Championships, for Great Britain, at the end of March. This is as a result of his fine run last Saturday, where he placed 4th in the under 20 men's race at the UK Inter Counties.
The World Champs take place in China, with the team flying out a week before the event on 29th March.
Chris is a first year student at Imperial College, University in London, having left Sevenoaks School. Chris joined TAC at the end of 2010 and has gradually improved each year. He has worked very hard over the last couple of years, putting in very good volume training weeks on a consistent basis and fully deserves this success.
The World Champs take place in China, with the team flying out a week before the event on 29th March.
Chris is a first year student at Imperial College, University in London, having left Sevenoaks School. Chris joined TAC at the end of 2010 and has gradually improved each year. He has worked very hard over the last couple of years, putting in very good volume training weeks on a consistent basis and fully deserves this success.
Saturday 5km parkruns, 14th March
In the Saturday park runs there were some good TAC results -
Maidstone - 1st Dan Bradley 16.07 , 1st female Ellen Crombie 19.31
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.11
It was also pleasing to see the likes of Joe Watts (20.22 at Tunbridge Wells) and Eve Kolivoskova-Martin (21.59 at Tonbridge).
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Maidstone - 1st Dan Bradley 16.07 , 1st female Ellen Crombie 19.31
Swindon - 1st Ben Cole 16.11
It was also pleasing to see the likes of Joe Watts (20.22 at Tunbridge Wells) and Eve Kolivoskova-Martin (21.59 at Tonbridge).
Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Oxford University, Teddy Hall Road Relays, Wednesday 11th March
A few TAC runners competed for their universities in these relays. The results are at the following link, although there are some odd anomalies ie different times in the team lists for runners than in the fastest legs list. Therefore, I am not sure how accurate they all are - http://racetimingsolutions.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=376
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile races, at The Schools at Somerhill, Sunday 8th March
It really was a nightmare Friday the 13th, as Robbie Farnham-Rose didn't get to run the mile leg of Alabama's Distance Medley Relay team. His team mate on the first leg of 1200m ruptured his achilles tendon, when well placed after 800m.
Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Welsh Athletics Grand Prix and under 20s Home International, at Cardiff, Sunday 8th March
James West was selected to run for the England Under 20 men's team over 1500 metres indoors and finished second today. It was a slow a tactical affair, with James running 4.11.21 and losing by just a tenth of a second. Results are at - http://welshresults.athletics-uk.org/Web_Directory/T11R.html
Sunday road road races, 8th March
Lydd 20 miles
Greg Cole put in an excellent performance to win this 20 mile road race in 1.58.33. Greg is preparing for the London Marathon and had never raced over this distance. Duncan Ralph ran 2.47.54, which was also his debut at the distance, although he has run a marathon. Full results are at - http://www.resultsbase.net/Results/IndividualResults.aspx?Id=2773 although I think that the 1.37 given to an over 50, at the top of the page is an error !
Surrey Half Marathon
Sally Mortleman ran a personal best for the half marathon of 1.39.56 today, which was more than five minutes quicker than a year ago.
Sidcup 10 miles
Dan Bradley couldn't quite pull off his fourth road race win this year, at Sidcup, where he finished second, 25 seconds behind the winner. Dan ran a new personal best of 54.14, which was a 16 second improvement on his previous pb set in 2011.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles ran 67 minutes and Eva Kolovoskova-Martin ran 76 minutes for a big pb. Official results are awaited.
Photos below.
Greg Cole put in an excellent performance to win this 20 mile road race in 1.58.33. Greg is preparing for the London Marathon and had never raced over this distance. Duncan Ralph ran 2.47.54, which was also his debut at the distance, although he has run a marathon. Full results are at - http://www.resultsbase.net/Results/IndividualResults.aspx?Id=2773 although I think that the 1.37 given to an over 50, at the top of the page is an error !
Surrey Half Marathon
Sally Mortleman ran a personal best for the half marathon of 1.39.56 today, which was more than five minutes quicker than a year ago.
Sidcup 10 miles
Dan Bradley couldn't quite pull off his fourth road race win this year, at Sidcup, where he finished second, 25 seconds behind the winner. Dan ran a new personal best of 54.14, which was a 16 second improvement on his previous pb set in 2011.
Mark Pitcairn-Knowles ran 67 minutes and Eva Kolovoskova-Martin ran 76 minutes for a big pb. Official results are awaited.
Photos below.
UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Cofton Park, Birmingham, Saturday 7th March
(incorporating World Championship trials for under 20s and seniors)
Fast and generally dry conditions at Cofton Park, created a different type of race than many had faced in the National a couple of weeks ago, as TAC distance runners competed for their counties.
Kathleen Faes once again won an under 15 national championship, that on this occasion included runners from Scotland and Wales. Kathleen won by six seconds and although built up an impressive lead at halfway still had a strong finish. She continues her unbeaten season into next weekend's English Schools Championships. Kathleen led the Kent team to the gold medals.
Chris Olley had the run of his life to finish fourth in the first race of the day, which was for the under 20 men. With the first three gaining automatic selection for the GB team to travel to China for the World Championships, Chris probably wont know for a couple of days whether he has been selected. However, with a potential team of six going it looks a strong possibility.
Chris also became the first Kent under 20 athlete to defeat Abel Tsegay, of Invicta AC, who he outpaced in the home straight. With these two scoring, plus Max Nicholls 9th and George Duggan 15th, Kent won the team championship.
Kent also won the under 17 men's race, helped by great runs from Alasdair Kinloch (6th), Jamie Goodge (7th) and Stuart Brown (33rd)
James Puxty placed 3rd in the under 15 race, whilst Alice Ralph was fourth scorer for the Kent under 17 women, who won silver medals.
The Kent senior men's team were impressive, taking second place in the six to score competition and winning the nine to score. Ben Cole was just outside the top 20, whilst Tom Cox just outside one hundred, but a big improvement on last year. Ryan Driscoll was in the 50s, racing for Sussex.
Lucy Reid led Kent home in the senior women's race in 35th.
Six TAC runners either improved or equalled the highest placed TAC positions this century, in their respective age groups ie James Puxty 3rd u15, Alasdair Kinloch 6th u17, Chris Olley 4th u20, Ben Cole 21st senior, Kathleen Faes 1st u15, Lucy Reid 35th senior.
Full results are on the Results 2015 page
Kathleen Faes once again won an under 15 national championship, that on this occasion included runners from Scotland and Wales. Kathleen won by six seconds and although built up an impressive lead at halfway still had a strong finish. She continues her unbeaten season into next weekend's English Schools Championships. Kathleen led the Kent team to the gold medals.
Chris Olley had the run of his life to finish fourth in the first race of the day, which was for the under 20 men. With the first three gaining automatic selection for the GB team to travel to China for the World Championships, Chris probably wont know for a couple of days whether he has been selected. However, with a potential team of six going it looks a strong possibility.
Chris also became the first Kent under 20 athlete to defeat Abel Tsegay, of Invicta AC, who he outpaced in the home straight. With these two scoring, plus Max Nicholls 9th and George Duggan 15th, Kent won the team championship.
Kent also won the under 17 men's race, helped by great runs from Alasdair Kinloch (6th), Jamie Goodge (7th) and Stuart Brown (33rd)
James Puxty placed 3rd in the under 15 race, whilst Alice Ralph was fourth scorer for the Kent under 17 women, who won silver medals.
The Kent senior men's team were impressive, taking second place in the six to score competition and winning the nine to score. Ben Cole was just outside the top 20, whilst Tom Cox just outside one hundred, but a big improvement on last year. Ryan Driscoll was in the 50s, racing for Sussex.
Lucy Reid led Kent home in the senior women's race in 35th.
Six TAC runners either improved or equalled the highest placed TAC positions this century, in their respective age groups ie James Puxty 3rd u15, Alasdair Kinloch 6th u17, Chris Olley 4th u20, Ben Cole 21st senior, Kathleen Faes 1st u15, Lucy Reid 35th senior.
Full results are on the Results 2015 page
Saturday 5km parkruns, 7th March
Tonbridge - Dan Bradley 'warmed up' for his Sidcup 10 mile race on Sunday, by being first home at the Tonbridge parkrun in 17.13, whilst Lucy Kingston was first female in 22.17, just a second from her pb. Full results are at - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Bracken Cup and Woodmansee Shield, Schools Cross Country, at The Schools at Somerhill
Friday 6th March
There were some school races held on Friday 6th March for the under 9, 11 and 13 age groups. John Sanders has kindly supplied the results, which include some TAC members. Full results are on the Results 2015 page.
Oxford Mail, Oxfordshire Cross Country League, at Harwell, Sunday 1st March
Ben Cole, running for his second claim club, Swindon Harriers, won the Oxfordshire Cross Country League race, at Harwell today.
National Under 20 Indoor Championships at Sheffield, Saturday 28th February
I thought that this was supposed to be a relatively quiet weekend for TAC distance runners, but James West went and produced another National Championship win today ! He won the under 20 men's 1500 metres in 3.51.79, producing a stunning last 100 metres to defeat Robbie Fitzgibbon of Brighton Phoenix. In what was a relatively tactical affair, James took three seconds from his indoor personal best time.
James West - National under 20 mens indoor 1500m champion
USA National Collegiate Conference Meetings, Friday and Saturday, 27th/28th February
Kieran Reilly competed for Indiana in the Big10 Conference, in Ohio, running the heats of the 800 metres on Friday. Kieran lowered his indoor personal best substantially to 1.52.78, to finish sixth, so will not qualify for Saturday's final. Kieran's time took almost two seconds from his indoor best time and was just 0.6s away from his outright pb.
Robbie Farnham-Rose competed for Alabama in the South East Conference, in Kentucky, running in the mile. Robbie placed third in his heat, which was an automatic qualifying position for the final. He ran 4.06.48.
In Saturday's final Robbie placed third in 4.03.87, just 0.5s away from the winner.
Robbie Farnham-Rose competed for Alabama in the South East Conference, in Kentucky, running in the mile. Robbie placed third in his heat, which was an automatic qualifying position for the final. He ran 4.06.48.
In Saturday's final Robbie placed third in 4.03.87, just 0.5s away from the winner.
Harrow Schools Cross Country Races, Saturday 28th February
A few results from Harrow -
Senior Boys - 2nd Tim Faes, 4th Stuart Brown, 6th Miles Weatherseed, 17th ? Will Whitmore, 18th Luke Fisher
Inter Boys - 3rd Jesse Magorrian, 4th Dan Blades
Junior Boys - 3rd Charlie Crick, 4th James Kingston
Inter Girls - 2nd Phoebe Barker
Senior Boys - 2nd Tim Faes, 4th Stuart Brown, 6th Miles Weatherseed, 17th ? Will Whitmore, 18th Luke Fisher
Inter Boys - 3rd Jesse Magorrian, 4th Dan Blades
Junior Boys - 3rd Charlie Crick, 4th James Kingston
Inter Girls - 2nd Phoebe Barker
Saturday parkruns, 28th February
Tonbridge - 1st James Puxty 17.38, 1st female Steph Puxty 21.51
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st female and 1st overall Alice Ralph 21.41
Riddlesdown - 1st female Melissa Berry 22.32
Dartford - 1st female Leah Melvin 19.28
Full results - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/tonbridge/results
The updated Tonbridge AC Winter Grand Prix league table is in the file below (thanks Mark Pitcairn-Knowles)
Royal Tunbridge Wells - 1st female and 1st overall Alice Ralph 21.41
Riddlesdown - 1st female Melissa Berry 22.32
Dartford - 1st female Leah Melvin 19.28
Full results - http://www.parkrun.org.uk/tonbridge/results
The updated Tonbridge AC Winter Grand Prix league table is in the file below (thanks Mark Pitcairn-Knowles)
| parkrun_winter14-15gp.xls |
Serpentine, Last Friday of the Month 5k, Friday 27th February
Chris Olley used the Serpentine lunchtime 5k event in Hyde Park, as a good hard training run and finished first in 15.27, about a minute ahead of the second placed runner. Sally Musson showed that she is still running well, recording 21.29 in the over 60 category.
Full results are at - http://www.serpentine.org.uk/rdb/showrace.php?race=10275
Full results are at - http://www.serpentine.org.uk/rdb/showrace.php?race=10275