March 2018
Tonbridge parkrun, Saturday 31st March
It was rare chance to go and watch the Tonbridge parkrun, which was very wet under foot.
Jamie Goodge and Sophie Slack were the first male and female home.
Jamie Goodge and Sophie Slack were the first male and female home.
Stanford Invitational Meeting, California, USA, Friday 30th March
Alex Howard and James West feature in TAC all time fastest runs
There were two breakthrough performances, at the Stanford Invite, by Tonbridge AC athletes.
Alex Howard finished 4th in Section 3 of the 3000m steeplechase in 8.56.78. This was a personal best by 9 seconds and Alex becomes the sixth TAC runner ever to break 9 minutes. Ryan Driscoll holds the record at 8.50.87 and is followed by Stuart Kirk, Dave Robertson and Andy Sharp, with Sam Bradley also sub 9.
James West moved to number 3 on the Tonbridge AC list with a 5000m in 13.52.29. James finished 3rd in Section 2 of the 5000m races. This was a nine second pb for James and his first sub 14 clocking. I believe only Mark Scrutton's club record and Allen Graffin at 13.40 (before his move to Belgrave Harriers) have run faster.
Full results are here - trackmeet.io/meets/954/results
Alex Howard finished 4th in Section 3 of the 3000m steeplechase in 8.56.78. This was a personal best by 9 seconds and Alex becomes the sixth TAC runner ever to break 9 minutes. Ryan Driscoll holds the record at 8.50.87 and is followed by Stuart Kirk, Dave Robertson and Andy Sharp, with Sam Bradley also sub 9.
James West moved to number 3 on the Tonbridge AC list with a 5000m in 13.52.29. James finished 3rd in Section 2 of the 5000m races. This was a nine second pb for James and his first sub 14 clocking. I believe only Mark Scrutton's club record and Allen Graffin at 13.40 (before his move to Belgrave Harriers) have run faster.
Full results are here - trackmeet.io/meets/954/results
James West - 13.52 for 5000 metres and Alex Howard - 8.56 for 3000m steeplechase at Stanford
Isle of Man Running Festival 10km Road Race, Friday 30th March
Nathan Marsh, returning from a frustrating few weeks of injury, finished 9th in this 10k road race in 32.23
Full results are here - my5.raceresult.com/72034/results?lang=en#1_59018F
Full results are here - my5.raceresult.com/72034/results?lang=en#1_59018F
Folkestone 10 mile road race, Friday 30th March
Maria Heslop sets TAC W50 record
Maria Heslop set a Tonbridge AC women's over 50 age group record of 60.22. I could also be an outright veterans record.
The time is also the third best on the UK all time ranking list.
Dan Bradley was 11th in 56.28 and Tina Oldershaw ran 64.15.
Full results are here - www.folkestone10mile.co.uk/results/2018-results/
The time is also the third best on the UK all time ranking list.
Dan Bradley was 11th in 56.28 and Tina Oldershaw ran 64.15.
Full results are here - www.folkestone10mile.co.uk/results/2018-results/
Maria Heslop - 3rd fastest UK All Time over 50 age group, over 10 miles
Trackside Podcast, Episode 29 is live !
Trackside Podcast episodes have been difficult to produce in recent weeks, but finally three of us have got together to record one.
On this edition of Trackside, we discuss the IAAF changes to the fixture calendar, the upcoming Commonwealth Games and we ask, what is the critical age for athlete development?
We also discuss some top performances and play another round of 'Mystery Athlete'.
Pick up all the information of how to listen and/or download here - tracksidepodcast.co.uk
On this edition of Trackside, we discuss the IAAF changes to the fixture calendar, the upcoming Commonwealth Games and we ask, what is the critical age for athlete development?
We also discuss some top performances and play another round of 'Mystery Athlete'.
Pick up all the information of how to listen and/or download here - tracksidepodcast.co.uk
Other weekend news, Saturday/Sunday 24th/25th March
There were a couple of other parkrun performances that stood out from TAC runners. Kiri Marsh ran 17.54 at Beeston, near Nottingham and James Kingston ran 16.00 as an under 17 at Bromley.
There was a primary schools and year 7 inter counties cross country, held at Loughborough, that included a win for Olivia Breed in the years 7s. I have posted the results on the Results 2018 page and highlighted a few TAC.
There was a primary schools and year 7 inter counties cross country, held at Loughborough, that included a win for Olivia Breed in the years 7s. I have posted the results on the Results 2018 page and highlighted a few TAC.
Valencia, Spain Half Marathon, Saturday 24th March
Ben Cole ran 67.57 at the Valencia Half Marathon.
The world half marathon guys started ahead of the masses so his start was delayed a few seconds, which is why the actual and chip time differ so much. Ben has broken 68 minutes previously and alongside Henry Pearce, Charlie Joslin-Allen and Max Nicholls is one of four TAC runners to go sub 70 so far in 2018.
Full results are at - www.iaafvalencia2018.com/results/
The world half marathon guys started ahead of the masses so his start was delayed a few seconds, which is why the actual and chip time differ so much. Ben has broken 68 minutes previously and alongside Henry Pearce, Charlie Joslin-Allen and Max Nicholls is one of four TAC runners to go sub 70 so far in 2018.
Full results are at - www.iaafvalencia2018.com/results/
New TAC mens parkrun record, Saturday 24th March - Charlie Joslin-Allen
Charlie Joslin-Allen became the first TAC runner to go under 15 minutes in a parkrun when he ran 14.43 (unofficial) at Cardiff this morning. This follows on from his good form at last weekend's Hastings Half Marathon where he ran 68.52.
The previous best was 15.03 set by George Duggan at Maidstone and Chris Olley at Fulham.
The previous best was 15.03 set by George Duggan at Maidstone and Chris Olley at Fulham.
Charlie Joslin-Allen - TAC parkrun record
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile race, Sunday 18th March
Freezing conditions faced the 20 competitors, aged 5 to 12, but all finished and came away with a medal. Results are on the Results 2018 page.
Ashley Gibson finishes 7th over 10km in the Netherlands, representing England, Sunday 18th March
Ashley had been selected for the England team, following her race in November at Leeds. She performed well to finish 7th in 34.20. Full results are here - evenementen.uitslagen.nl/2018/parelloop/
Hastings Half Marathon, Sunday 18th March
Most other races were cancelled on Sunday, but the Hastings Half Marathon went ahead. Infact Dan Madams swapped from the Fleet event to Hastings, changing on Saturday.
There were four TAC runners
2nd Charlie Joslin-Allen 68.52 (debut)
16th Dan Madams 79.28 (1st M45 and 2nd over 40)
23rd Maria Heslop 81.29 1st female and of course 1st over 40, 50 plus TAC record for W50 (we need some research on W40 and W45 records)
71st George Marshall 86.35
Full results can be found here - www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Main%20Event/3178
There were four TAC runners
2nd Charlie Joslin-Allen 68.52 (debut)
16th Dan Madams 79.28 (1st M45 and 2nd over 40)
23rd Maria Heslop 81.29 1st female and of course 1st over 40, 50 plus TAC record for W50 (we need some research on W40 and W45 records)
71st George Marshall 86.35
Full results can be found here - www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Main%20Event/3178
Other Sunday news, 18th March
Matt Dennis ran 78.43 at the Maidstone Half Marathon, but claims it is 200m short. More news awaited.
Other Saturday news, Saturday 17th March
Alex Howard ran a personal best of 3.52.49 to finish 5th over 1500m at the Hornet Invitational, in California.
Full results are here - timerhub.com/getHytResults.php?v=6&page=redcaptiming.com/2018/hornet/180316F026.htm
Full results are here - timerhub.com/getHytResults.php?v=6&page=redcaptiming.com/2018/hornet/180316F026.htm
English School Cross Country Championships, at Temple Newsam, Leeds, Saturday 17th March
Videos loaded !
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
There were 17 TAC runners all representing Kent.
Some of the TAC results are as follows -
Senior Boys 18th James Puxty, 23rd Bede Pitcairn-Knowles
Senior Girls 14th Phoebe Barker
Inter Boys 15th Fraser Gordon, 20th James Kingston
Inter Girls Katie Goodge just outside top 40
Junior Boys 31st Matthew Taylor
Junior Girls 92nd Maddie Wise
Photos below courtesy of Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
There were 17 TAC runners all representing Kent.
Some of the TAC results are as follows -
Senior Boys 18th James Puxty, 23rd Bede Pitcairn-Knowles
Senior Girls 14th Phoebe Barker
Inter Boys 15th Fraser Gordon, 20th James Kingston
Inter Girls Katie Goodge just outside top 40
Junior Boys 31st Matthew Taylor
Junior Girls 92nd Maddie Wise
Photos below courtesy of Mark Pitcairn-Knowles
Sunday News, 11th March
Lydd 20 Mile Road Race
4th Julian Rendall 1.58.20, 8th Dan Blades 2.05.42, 57th Joe Watts 2.23.05, 235th Duncan Ralph 2.53.18
TAC 1st mens team
Full results can be found here - results.sporthive.com/events/6377536619399366656/races/2
Podium 5k Road Race, near Burnley
Dom Brown ran 14.54 to finish 8th.
Full results appear here - www.ukresults.net/2018/podmara.html
Edale Fell Race
Greg Cole reports that he finished the 34km fell race and is pretty beaten up ! He finished 139th in 3.35.03
Full results will appear here - www.dpfr.org.uk/results/index
4th Julian Rendall 1.58.20, 8th Dan Blades 2.05.42, 57th Joe Watts 2.23.05, 235th Duncan Ralph 2.53.18
TAC 1st mens team
Full results can be found here - results.sporthive.com/events/6377536619399366656/races/2
Podium 5k Road Race, near Burnley
Dom Brown ran 14.54 to finish 8th.
Full results appear here - www.ukresults.net/2018/podmara.html
Edale Fell Race
Greg Cole reports that he finished the 34km fell race and is pretty beaten up ! He finished 139th in 3.35.03
Full results will appear here - www.dpfr.org.uk/results/index
National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships (NCAA), at College Station, USA
Friday and Saturday, 10th/11th March
James West was competing for Oregon University in the NCAA Indoor Championships.
On Friday he anchored the Distance Medley Relay (1200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m) Team and ran a 3.57.98 split to finish third.
On Saturday he finished 6th in the 3000 metres final in 8.06.94, halving gone into the championships as the tenth fastest. He ran the last 1400m in 3.35, so around 3.49 probably for the second half of the race.
Full results can be found here - i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/track-field/results/d1/indoor18/index.htm
Race video for 3000 metres here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkMFNgSiYRU
Race video for DMR relay here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4hBGxNRS4
They include World indoor records for the mens 400m and 4x400m !
On Friday he anchored the Distance Medley Relay (1200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m) Team and ran a 3.57.98 split to finish third.
On Saturday he finished 6th in the 3000 metres final in 8.06.94, halving gone into the championships as the tenth fastest. He ran the last 1400m in 3.35, so around 3.49 probably for the second half of the race.
Full results can be found here - i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/track-field/results/d1/indoor18/index.htm
Race video for 3000 metres here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkMFNgSiYRU
Race video for DMR relay here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4hBGxNRS4
They include World indoor records for the mens 400m and 4x400m !
James West in the NCAA 3000m final
UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Loughborough, Saturday 10th March
Videos loaded !
Full results can be found here (under Loughborough) -
www.uka.org.uk/competitions/the-british-athletics-cross-challenge/
Senior Men - 15th Ben Cole, 22nd Charlie Joslin-Allen
Senior Women - 14th Nicole Taylor, 74th Maria Heslop, 106th Kiri Marsh, 135th Tina Oldershaw
Undere 20 Women - 14th Phoebe Barker, 124th Grace Fleming
Under 20 Men - 12th Alasdair Kinloch, 24th Jamie Goodge, 44th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 64th Dan Seagrove,
103rd Will Beeston
Under 17 Women - 162nd Steph Puxty, 226th Lizzie Miller
Under 17 Men - 55th Dan Schofield, 87th James Kingston
Under 15 Girls - 55th Katie Goodge
Under 15 Boys - 4th Fraser Gordon, 65th Matthew Taylor, 84th Henry Taylor, 155th Fin Croll, 170th Matthew Dubery
Under 13 Girls - 11th Olivia Breed, 16th Sophie Slack
Under 13 Boys - No TAC
Photos below of the TAC top 25 finishers.
More photos on Mark Hookway Facebook page.
www.uka.org.uk/competitions/the-british-athletics-cross-challenge/
Senior Men - 15th Ben Cole, 22nd Charlie Joslin-Allen
Senior Women - 14th Nicole Taylor, 74th Maria Heslop, 106th Kiri Marsh, 135th Tina Oldershaw
Undere 20 Women - 14th Phoebe Barker, 124th Grace Fleming
Under 20 Men - 12th Alasdair Kinloch, 24th Jamie Goodge, 44th Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, 64th Dan Seagrove,
103rd Will Beeston
Under 17 Women - 162nd Steph Puxty, 226th Lizzie Miller
Under 17 Men - 55th Dan Schofield, 87th James Kingston
Under 15 Girls - 55th Katie Goodge
Under 15 Boys - 4th Fraser Gordon, 65th Matthew Taylor, 84th Henry Taylor, 155th Fin Croll, 170th Matthew Dubery
Under 13 Girls - 11th Olivia Breed, 16th Sophie Slack
Under 13 Boys - No TAC
Photos below of the TAC top 25 finishers.
More photos on Mark Hookway Facebook page.
Oxford University, Teddy Hall Road Relays, Wednesday 7th March
Chris Olley (20.46) and Max Nicholls (21.20) ran the two fastest laps of the day, at Oxford.
They were running for the Imperial University and Kings College London, Mixed teams.
Full results are here - www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=436
They were running for the Imperial University and Kings College London, Mixed teams.
Full results are here - www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16418&RId=436
Trackside Podcast Episode 28 is available
Not sure what I am potentially opening myself up to but I (Mark Hookway) recorded a Trackside Podcast all on my own.
It’s Episode 28 and details of downloads and links can be found here (Alex Hookway due to update web site) -
http://tracksidepodcast.co.uk/
The team have been so busy the last few weeks that we haven’t been able to get together for a full discussion, but hopefully this episode helps fill a void. I felt that I had to do something as I keep getting questions about when we were recording next !
So in this episode I explain some of the events that I have attended over the last few weeks, plus highlight some performances at home and across the world. I also raise a few questions and discussion points where any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
It’s Episode 28 and details of downloads and links can be found here (Alex Hookway due to update web site) -
http://tracksidepodcast.co.uk/
The team have been so busy the last few weeks that we haven’t been able to get together for a full discussion, but hopefully this episode helps fill a void. I felt that I had to do something as I keep getting questions about when we were recording next !
So in this episode I explain some of the events that I have attended over the last few weeks, plus highlight some performances at home and across the world. I also raise a few questions and discussion points where any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Other weekend news, 3rd/4th March
SE Schools Cross Country at Harrow, on Sunday
Both Korede Fasina and James Kingston won the Junior and Inter races, at Harrow. Matthew Dubery was second to Korede and Adam Van der Plas 4th in the Inter race. Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Track meeting, Orinda, California, on Sunday
Alex Howard finished second in an outdoor 3000m in 8.31 (unofficial) which would be a pb.
Both Korede Fasina and James Kingston won the Junior and Inter races, at Harrow. Matthew Dubery was second to Korede and Adam Van der Plas 4th in the Inter race. Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Track meeting, Orinda, California, on Sunday
Alex Howard finished second in an outdoor 3000m in 8.31 (unofficial) which would be a pb.
Big Half Marathon, London, Sunday 3rd March
Henry Pearce breaks TAC 30 year old club record
Henry Pearce, who is targeting the London Half Marathon, broke the TAC club record held by Ben Reynolds, since 1988.
Henry ran 65.49 to finish 10th overall in the race won by Mo Farah in 61.39.
Max Nicholls finished 23rd in 69.00
Others - Tracey Horne 94.52, Jacqui O'Reilly 95.31, Jenn Woodrow 1.44.33
Anybody else ? Please let me know.
Official times can be found here - www.thebighalf.co.uk/results/2018/
Henry ran 65.49 to finish 10th overall in the race won by Mo Farah in 61.39.
Max Nicholls finished 23rd in 69.00
Others - Tracey Horne 94.52, Jacqui O'Reilly 95.31, Jenn Woodrow 1.44.33
Anybody else ? Please let me know.
Official times can be found here - www.thebighalf.co.uk/results/2018/
|
|
Left - Henry Pearce in action and Right - Henry with Max Nicholls
TAC Fantasy Cross Country League - end of season results and summary - by Ian Crawley
Following the National Cross Country Championships
Full results and league tables are on the Fantasy League page
Just finished watching the videos of the Nationals. Although I was sat at home resting it looked like the sort of crisp, bright winter’s day that makes you glad to be alive. And what better way to spend it than in shorts and a vest running round Parliament Hill with the wind in your face and the sheer exhilaration of stretching your legs as you strive to be faster than ever before. After I saw the entry list I felt that the SM result was on the cards but there is many a slip b’twixt cup and lip and no-one could predict how emphatic the victory would be. To emphasis the point, the second six would have come 8th . The rest of the team results were perhaps a little disappointing on the whole, perhaps because the number of entries and hence the level of competition was high. However, within all races there were minor triumphs as many athletes surpassed expectations. And it is the actual exceeding the expected that is the essence of Fantasy League both for individuals with their averages and teams; where managers have to predict who they believe will beat their handicap over the course of the season.
Howeve,r it is probably fitting to start with participation. The Nationals tally of 150 finishers (28 up on last year) included 15 making their 17/18 FXC debut; which brought the total to 235 for the season (18 up on last year). Within this there was a select group who completed all ranking events: O Breed, B Heslop, F Gordon, J Stoney, D Seagrove and of course the FL most consistent runner – S Puxty. Not surprisingly all but one averaged over 100ppm.
C Olley was the leading scorer with 1,261 points with L Reid leading lady with 567 for the day and 1,138 for the season – all records. Ben Cole returns as leading scorer for the season with 1,794. O Breed and F Gordon were the first junior athletes ever to score 1,000 points for the season. Best average on the day was 294ppm from A Lopez-Caseras. Best average for the season was 574ppm from G Hopkins (U13B) - an astounding score. Other mentions in despatches today –there could be lots but I have to limit it- S Brown who to most people’s surprise topped the batting order in the U20M race coming in 25th, thus proving that beer and skittles in the Loughborough Dog and Duck trumps hard miles any day; the U13G team, 3 of whom have next year in the same age group to look forward to; J Kingston (U17M) who has gone from strength to strength this season, this team is looking exciting for next year also; U17W team who have been such a consistent and dedicated bunch for the whole year; and of course the Masters athletes who again turned out in record numbers with several earning severe cuts to their handicaps next year.
The Bullseye Club expanded to a record 131 including 58 athletes on 100+ppm. With hindsight the pricing looks slightly on the generous side, but higher participation particularly in the Nationals contributed to higher scoring than expected and indeed the top 10 averages were from unknown athletes or those not expected to run. Enough excuses, note to self – must do better.
This week’s victor in the A team category (6 athletes; one athlete from each age group) was Alex Hookway’s Olley Olley Olley Oi Oi Oi team of S Slack, K Goodge, T Hall, C Payas, C Olley and S Houghton with 1,992points. In the B team category (6 athletes from any age group) the best score of the day was from M Ellis’ Kenya Run Any Faster team of R F-R, H Pearce, C Olley, K Marsh, O Breed and M Heslop with 2,639 points. The best Player Manager was also M Ellis with his Got the Runs team of himself, B Cole, R Driscoll, C Payas, A Roeder and J Keywood with 2,110 points. And finally the best Bargain Team was A Roeder’s Budget team of himself, R Driscoll, L Reeves, L Slack, R de Munck and C Lee.
Which brings us to the results for the season. As usual the Nationals result has brought new teams to the fore and seen some slip down the table. The delay in these results is because I have been over the numbers several times looking for mistakes to invalidate this result; but to no avail. So, the winner is my training partner and TAC’s answer to Geoff Capes – A Hookway with his appropriately named Peaking for the Nationals team of H Paton, G Cole, K Reilly, D Brown, R Driscoll and J Bryant with a record 5,253 points. So the answer to the question I posed last week is “No”. In second place and leading Player / Manager team is M Ellis’ Got the Runs team (as above) with 5,062 points. And third and leading ‘A’ team is another track legend, Iain Presnell with his Sprint Finishers team of O Breed, F Croll, D Schofield, J Puxty, R Driscoll and M Heslop with 4,994 points. Finally in the Bargain basement section JT’s Sloggers team of A Roeder, D Brown, J Bingham, A Thompson, M Dubery and G Hopkins hangs on to win with 3,695 points and takes the prize for best team average of 164ppm. Hopefully there will be no Tears on the Telephone over these results!!
And finally the Name of the Season is The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Asics – Amber Crush. It’s just so good!!
PS. On a sad note, it was a bit of a struggle raising interest for Fantasy League this year – I had hoped for 3 times as many entries as were eventually received. Therefore unless there is a groundswell of popular support for this at the beginning of next season I will not be running the competition next year. I may however keep athlete scores going just because I don’t get out that much and it keeps me amused.
Howeve,r it is probably fitting to start with participation. The Nationals tally of 150 finishers (28 up on last year) included 15 making their 17/18 FXC debut; which brought the total to 235 for the season (18 up on last year). Within this there was a select group who completed all ranking events: O Breed, B Heslop, F Gordon, J Stoney, D Seagrove and of course the FL most consistent runner – S Puxty. Not surprisingly all but one averaged over 100ppm.
C Olley was the leading scorer with 1,261 points with L Reid leading lady with 567 for the day and 1,138 for the season – all records. Ben Cole returns as leading scorer for the season with 1,794. O Breed and F Gordon were the first junior athletes ever to score 1,000 points for the season. Best average on the day was 294ppm from A Lopez-Caseras. Best average for the season was 574ppm from G Hopkins (U13B) - an astounding score. Other mentions in despatches today –there could be lots but I have to limit it- S Brown who to most people’s surprise topped the batting order in the U20M race coming in 25th, thus proving that beer and skittles in the Loughborough Dog and Duck trumps hard miles any day; the U13G team, 3 of whom have next year in the same age group to look forward to; J Kingston (U17M) who has gone from strength to strength this season, this team is looking exciting for next year also; U17W team who have been such a consistent and dedicated bunch for the whole year; and of course the Masters athletes who again turned out in record numbers with several earning severe cuts to their handicaps next year.
The Bullseye Club expanded to a record 131 including 58 athletes on 100+ppm. With hindsight the pricing looks slightly on the generous side, but higher participation particularly in the Nationals contributed to higher scoring than expected and indeed the top 10 averages were from unknown athletes or those not expected to run. Enough excuses, note to self – must do better.
This week’s victor in the A team category (6 athletes; one athlete from each age group) was Alex Hookway’s Olley Olley Olley Oi Oi Oi team of S Slack, K Goodge, T Hall, C Payas, C Olley and S Houghton with 1,992points. In the B team category (6 athletes from any age group) the best score of the day was from M Ellis’ Kenya Run Any Faster team of R F-R, H Pearce, C Olley, K Marsh, O Breed and M Heslop with 2,639 points. The best Player Manager was also M Ellis with his Got the Runs team of himself, B Cole, R Driscoll, C Payas, A Roeder and J Keywood with 2,110 points. And finally the best Bargain Team was A Roeder’s Budget team of himself, R Driscoll, L Reeves, L Slack, R de Munck and C Lee.
Which brings us to the results for the season. As usual the Nationals result has brought new teams to the fore and seen some slip down the table. The delay in these results is because I have been over the numbers several times looking for mistakes to invalidate this result; but to no avail. So, the winner is my training partner and TAC’s answer to Geoff Capes – A Hookway with his appropriately named Peaking for the Nationals team of H Paton, G Cole, K Reilly, D Brown, R Driscoll and J Bryant with a record 5,253 points. So the answer to the question I posed last week is “No”. In second place and leading Player / Manager team is M Ellis’ Got the Runs team (as above) with 5,062 points. And third and leading ‘A’ team is another track legend, Iain Presnell with his Sprint Finishers team of O Breed, F Croll, D Schofield, J Puxty, R Driscoll and M Heslop with 4,994 points. Finally in the Bargain basement section JT’s Sloggers team of A Roeder, D Brown, J Bingham, A Thompson, M Dubery and G Hopkins hangs on to win with 3,695 points and takes the prize for best team average of 164ppm. Hopefully there will be no Tears on the Telephone over these results!!
And finally the Name of the Season is The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Asics – Amber Crush. It’s just so good!!
PS. On a sad note, it was a bit of a struggle raising interest for Fantasy League this year – I had hoped for 3 times as many entries as were eventually received. Therefore unless there is a groundswell of popular support for this at the beginning of next season I will not be running the competition next year. I may however keep athlete scores going just because I don’t get out that much and it keeps me amused.
MPSF Conference Indoor Championships, at Seattle, USA, Saturday 24th February
James West finished second in the mile at the MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) Conference Championships, in Seattle. James ran 4.02.70, which is exactly the same time as the winner. Full results can be found here -
static.gohuskies.com/custompages/trackresults/022318/180223F012.htm
static.gohuskies.com/custompages/trackresults/022318/180223F012.htm
English National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill, Saturday 24th February
Videos loaded !
Full results can be found on the Results 2018 page.
It was an incredible performance by the TAC mens team to retain the title, but this time around it was totally different circumstances. Last year it was a surprise to win by just 4 points whereas this year the squad stamped their authority on the race from the start to win by 160 points.
Olivia Breed's silver medal winning performance in the under 13s shouldn't go unnoticed and is the best position in this age group since Julie Adkin (Goodge) won in 1985 !
A TAC record number of 155 started, breaking last years best of 130.
Starting number records were set by u13 boys, u20 men, senior men, u17 women and senior women.
In summary -
Senior Men 1st of 162 teams (5th Chris Olley)
Senior Women 8th of 112 teams (18th Lucy Reid)
Under 20 men 4th of 11 teams (25th Stuart Brown)
Under 20 women 6th of 14 teams (12th Phoebe Barker)
Under 17 men 8th of 36 teams (17th James Kingston)
Under 17 women 10th of 26 teams (42nd Kathleen Faes)
Under 15 boys 5th of 52 teams (5th Fraser Gordon)
Under 15 girls 26th of 50 teams (28th Katie Goodge)
Under 13 boys 12th of 56 teams (97th George Hopkins)
Under 13 girls 12th of 51 teams (2nd Olivia Breed)
I have posted a lot of photos on my Facebook page, although still have to sort the Awards Dinner ones.
It was an incredible performance by the TAC mens team to retain the title, but this time around it was totally different circumstances. Last year it was a surprise to win by just 4 points whereas this year the squad stamped their authority on the race from the start to win by 160 points.
Olivia Breed's silver medal winning performance in the under 13s shouldn't go unnoticed and is the best position in this age group since Julie Adkin (Goodge) won in 1985 !
A TAC record number of 155 started, breaking last years best of 130.
Starting number records were set by u13 boys, u20 men, senior men, u17 women and senior women.
In summary -
Senior Men 1st of 162 teams (5th Chris Olley)
Senior Women 8th of 112 teams (18th Lucy Reid)
Under 20 men 4th of 11 teams (25th Stuart Brown)
Under 20 women 6th of 14 teams (12th Phoebe Barker)
Under 17 men 8th of 36 teams (17th James Kingston)
Under 17 women 10th of 26 teams (42nd Kathleen Faes)
Under 15 boys 5th of 52 teams (5th Fraser Gordon)
Under 15 girls 26th of 50 teams (28th Katie Goodge)
Under 13 boys 12th of 56 teams (97th George Hopkins)
Under 13 girls 12th of 51 teams (2nd Olivia Breed)
I have posted a lot of photos on my Facebook page, although still have to sort the Awards Dinner ones.
Senior Men - George Duggan, Chris Olley, Ben Cole, Ryan Driscoll, Max Nicholls, Robbie Farnham-Rose
Olivia Breed (right) - silver medal in the National under 13 race
|
|
Lucy Reid (18th) and Chris Olley (5th) led the TAC senior teams home with top class performances
English National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill, Saturday 24th February
See the Race Information page and Team Selections page for all details
The 'National' returns to Parliament Hill on Saturday and TAC are due to have teams in all 10 events.
If you are competing or supporting please read the details on the Race Information page.
If you are competing or supporting please read the details on the Race Information page.
The Tonbridge AC 'National' squad from 10 years ago in 2008
England Athletics Age Group Indoor Championships, at Sheffield, Saturday 24th January
Simon Coppard ran 1.57.13 to finish third in his heat of the under 20 mens 800m. This wasn't enough to progress to Sunday's final.
TAC Fantasy League Update after week 9 (Kent Cross Country League, 10th February) - Ian Crawley
One race to go !
Another change at the top as Sarah Schofield leaps into the lead with 3563 points with her What the Hill team of S Fraser, J Bryant, D Seagrove, D Schofield, J Kingston and F Gordon. This whole team is slated to run in the Nationals BUT with only 200 points between the top 9 teams it is too close to call. With 170+ entries this year the Nationals will be a high scoring affair with the TAC running order in the deciding event of the day – the SM Race – particularly hard to predict. The winning team the last two years has included either the first or second TAC runner from this last race – will it be so this year?
See Ian's full report and league tables, including the best performing athletes on the Fantasy League page.
See Ian's full report and league tables, including the best performing athletes on the Fantasy League page.
British Indoor Championships and World indoor Trials, at Birmingham, 17th and 18th February
Videos loaded !
TAC had four distance runners qualify and compete at the championships.
Saturday
Sean Molloy was unlucky not to make the 800 metres final. He finished second in heat 1 of 3, losing to the eventual champion, Elliot Giles. Unfortunately, Sean's time was not quite quick enough to get one of the three fastest loser spots.
Sunday
Robbie Farnham-Rose, Chris Olley and Ryan Driscoll all contested the 3000 metres final, which was the first time ever that the club would have had three in a national senior final.
Ryan was out of sorts and struggled, whilst Robbie and Chris finished 4th and 5th in a terrific race, as they clocked 7.57.40 and 7.57.63, respectively. This was an outright pb for Chris.
Full results can be found here - www.uka.org.uk/results/20180217_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
Saturday
Sean Molloy was unlucky not to make the 800 metres final. He finished second in heat 1 of 3, losing to the eventual champion, Elliot Giles. Unfortunately, Sean's time was not quite quick enough to get one of the three fastest loser spots.
Sunday
Robbie Farnham-Rose, Chris Olley and Ryan Driscoll all contested the 3000 metres final, which was the first time ever that the club would have had three in a national senior final.
Ryan was out of sorts and struggled, whilst Robbie and Chris finished 4th and 5th in a terrific race, as they clocked 7.57.40 and 7.57.63, respectively. This was an outright pb for Chris.
Full results can be found here - www.uka.org.uk/results/20180217_birmingham/timetable/index/index.html
British Universities and Colleges Indoor Championships, at Sheffield 16th to 18th February
The highlight was three TAC runners qualifying for the men's 1500m final, where Dom Brown finished 2nd, Kieran Reilly 4th and Charlie Joslin-Allen 8th.
Ben Murphy and Kieran Eland made the 800m semi finals. Michael Ellis also deserves a special mention for reducing his outright 3000m pb by sixteen seconds to 8.51.52.
Full results can be found at - www.bucs.org.uk/athlete.asp?section=20510§ionTitle=Results+2018
Ben Murphy and Kieran Eland made the 800m semi finals. Michael Ellis also deserves a special mention for reducing his outright 3000m pb by sixteen seconds to 8.51.52.
Full results can be found at - www.bucs.org.uk/athlete.asp?section=20510§ionTitle=Results+2018
Charlie Joslin-Allen (536), Kieran Reilly (894), Dom Brown (1136) line up for 1500m final
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile cross country, at Judd School, Sunday 18th February
There were 27 runners in the latest of the monthly one mile races, on Sunday.
TAC's Emily Geake was the first of the girls home in 6.42, whilst Tom Daley was 2nd overall in 6.11, with Harrison Fraser 3rd in 6.21.
TAC's Emily Geake was the first of the girls home in 6.42, whilst Tom Daley was 2nd overall in 6.11, with Harrison Fraser 3rd in 6.21.
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, Sunday 18th February
TAC packed quite a few near the front of the half marathon and the official results show that there were sixteen TAC in total.
Amongst these were -
3rd Julian Rendall 73.16 (TAC M40 record), 5th Greg Cole 75.49, 6th Dan Blades 77.12 (pb), 10th Henry Willis 79.40 (PB), 11th Matt Dennis 79.41 (pb).
Maria Heslop ran 82.25 for 19th overall and 1st lady, also smashing Sally Musson's club over 50 women's record. Infact its quicker than the TAC mens over 50 record ! Tina Oldershaw was second and Penny Pilbeam 9th to win the team prize.
The full results can be found here -
www.nice-work.org.uk/races/tunbridge-wells-half-marathon/2018
Amongst these were -
3rd Julian Rendall 73.16 (TAC M40 record), 5th Greg Cole 75.49, 6th Dan Blades 77.12 (pb), 10th Henry Willis 79.40 (PB), 11th Matt Dennis 79.41 (pb).
Maria Heslop ran 82.25 for 19th overall and 1st lady, also smashing Sally Musson's club over 50 women's record. Infact its quicker than the TAC mens over 50 record ! Tina Oldershaw was second and Penny Pilbeam 9th to win the team prize.
The full results can be found here -
www.nice-work.org.uk/races/tunbridge-wells-half-marathon/2018
Greg Cole, Dan Blades and Julian Rendall - TAC 1st team
Tenterden 5 miles road race, Sunday 18th February
Ashley Gibson won the womens race in 28.13 and finished 6th overall.
Clare Brown ran 38.31 for 58th
Full results can be found here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Tenterden-5/2018
Clare Brown ran 38.31 for 58th
Full results can be found here - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Tenterden-5/2018
Armagh 5k road race, Northern Ireland, Thursday 15th February
George Duggan ran 14.29 for 5k on the roads in this international road race, which was incredibly only good enough for 33rd place, as 93 runners broke 15 minutes !
Full results are at - www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race/2495/results
Full results are at - www.myrunresults.com/events/brooks_armagh_5k_international_road_race/2495/results
Veterans International Selections
The following have all been selected to run for England age group teams, in the Great Birmingham 10k in May -
Maria Heslop, Tina Oldershaw and Andy Howey (coach at TAC, although runs for Tunbridge Wells Harriers)
Maria Heslop, Tina Oldershaw and Andy Howey (coach at TAC, although runs for Tunbridge Wells Harriers)
Bramley 10 mile road race, Sunday 10th February
Henry Pearce sub 50 minutes for 10 miles !
Henry Pearce, who is preparing for his marathon debut at London, won his first race of his build up at Bramley, near Guildford, in 49.54.
Henry won by almost four minutes and I suspect the last time a Tonbridge athlete broke 50 minutes was in the 1980s !
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6368489335127440128
Henry won by almost four minutes and I suspect the last time a Tonbridge athlete broke 50 minutes was in the 1980s !
Full results are here - results.sporthive.com/events/6368489335127440128
Henry Pearce - sub 50 minutes for 10 miles
Belgium Cross Cup, Rotselaar, Belgium, Sunday 10th February
Max Nicholls, respresenting an England senior mens team placed 18th at this meeting.
Full results are at -www.sport.be/crosscup/2017/fr/rotselaar/uitslagen/
Full results are at -www.sport.be/crosscup/2017/fr/rotselaar/uitslagen/
Husky Classic Indoor Invitational Meeting, Seattle USA, Friday and Saturday 9th/10th February
James West goes to 27th on the UK all time list at indoor 3000 metres !
On Friday Alex Howard ran his debut track 5000 metres and recorded 14.59.16 in race 4.
On Saturday James West produced a terrific result over 3000 metres to finish 6th in race 5, with 7.51.23
This was a TAC indoor record and the second fastest time in TAC history, indoors or out. Only Mark Scrutton's time of 7.50.38 set at Crystal Palace in 1983 is better.
James time also moved him to 27th on the UK's all time indoor list, amongst some illustrious names and is number two on the under 23 list. See - www.thepowerof10.info/rankings/rankinglist.aspx?event=3000&agegroup=ALL&sex=M&alltime=y&indooronly=y
On Saturday James West produced a terrific result over 3000 metres to finish 6th in race 5, with 7.51.23
This was a TAC indoor record and the second fastest time in TAC history, indoors or out. Only Mark Scrutton's time of 7.50.38 set at Crystal Palace in 1983 is better.
James time also moved him to 27th on the UK's all time indoor list, amongst some illustrious names and is number two on the under 23 list. See - www.thepowerof10.info/rankings/rankinglist.aspx?event=3000&agegroup=ALL&sex=M&alltime=y&indooronly=y
James West (second from right) on his way to the 2nd fastest ever indoor 3000m by a UK under 23 athlete
IFAM Indoor Meeting, at Ghent, Belgium, Saturday 10th February
Videos loaded !
Three runners and myself (Mark Hookway) travelled to the international indoor meeting at Ghent for the first time.
Sean Molloy came away with an indoor personal best for 800 metres of 1.50.89 but there was disappointment for Robbie Farnham-Rose (8.13.89) and Ryan Driscoll (8.20.82), who were well below their bests.
Full results are here - www.toastit-live.be/results/2018/feb/za10/schedule.html
Sean Molloy came away with an indoor personal best for 800 metres of 1.50.89 but there was disappointment for Robbie Farnham-Rose (8.13.89) and Ryan Driscoll (8.20.82), who were well below their bests.
Full results are here - www.toastit-live.be/results/2018/feb/za10/schedule.html
Birmingham Cross Country League, at Wolverhampton, Saturday 10th February
Jamie Goodge, running for Loughborough University, finished 21st and won the overall under 20 mens league title.
Full results are here - www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2017-18/2018-02-10-M1.pdf.
Full results are here - www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/stories/bdccl/articlepdfs/XC_League_Archive/2017-18/2018-02-10-M1.pdf.
Kent Cross Country League at Sparrows Den, West Wickham, Saturday 10th February
Videos loaded !
This final league fixture was for senior men and women
Nicole Taylor took an excellent win in the women's race, with Jamie Bryant winning the overall men's title, after finishing third on the day. Maria Heslop placed 4th on the day but it was enough to capture the overall women's league title.
The men lost out in the final league table to Medway and Maidstone in the 4 to score competition, but won the 12 to score, whilst the women won the 3 and 6 to score competitions on the day, but finished second to Dartford in both categories in the overall standings.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page, including the final league tables.
Nicole Taylor took an excellent win in the women's race, with Jamie Bryant winning the overall men's title, after finishing third on the day. Maria Heslop placed 4th on the day but it was enough to capture the overall women's league title.
The men lost out in the final league table to Medway and Maidstone in the 4 to score competition, but won the 12 to score, whilst the women won the 3 and 6 to score competitions on the day, but finished second to Dartford in both categories in the overall standings.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page, including the final league tables.
Jamie Bryant with the overall mens league trophy
Midweek News, Tuesday and Wednesday 6th/7th February
Tuesday
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Sheffield
Dom Brown ran an indoor 800m pb of 1.54.03 at Sheffield
Race videos loaded !
Wednesday
King Henry V111 School, Coventry Relays
Judd School boys and Sevenoaks School girls both had commanding wins at these prestigious cross country relays. I believe that nine of the ten runners involved were TAC members.
Boys times, supplied by Simon Fraser were -
Will Beeston 12.07, Adam Van der Plas 12.18, Dan Schofield 11.50, Toby Emm 12.08, James Kingston 11.44 and Isaac Harding 12.06. Phoebe Barker ran the fastest girls lap.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Lee Valley
Sean Molloy ran 1.51.58, which is intact an indoor 800m pb, but was disappointed to finish third (view loaded). Simon Coppard ran 1.57.70 in the C race.
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Sheffield
Dom Brown ran an indoor 800m pb of 1.54.03 at Sheffield
Race videos loaded !
Wednesday
King Henry V111 School, Coventry Relays
Judd School boys and Sevenoaks School girls both had commanding wins at these prestigious cross country relays. I believe that nine of the ten runners involved were TAC members.
Boys times, supplied by Simon Fraser were -
Will Beeston 12.07, Adam Van der Plas 12.18, Dan Schofield 11.50, Toby Emm 12.08, James Kingston 11.44 and Isaac Harding 12.06. Phoebe Barker ran the fastest girls lap.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting at Lee Valley
Sean Molloy ran 1.51.58, which is intact an indoor 800m pb, but was disappointed to finish third (view loaded). Simon Coppard ran 1.57.70 in the C race.
Max Nicholls selected for an England vest
Max Nicholls has been selected to run for an England team that travels to Roselare in Belgium for a race on 11th February.
Sunday 4th February - 10km road races
Club age records for Julian Rendall and Maria Heslop
Ashford 10k road race
At Ashford Tonbridge placed four men in the top eight through 4th Harry Paton 33.16, 5th Angel López-Cáceres 33.28, 7th Julian Rendall 33.37 and 8th Dan Bradley 34.03. Rendall’s time broke the club over 40 age group record.
Full results can be found here - identisports-results.co.uk/sportingeventsuk/g-live.html?f=ashford10kfeb18.clax
Chichester 10k road race
One of the outstanding runs of the weekend came from Maria Heslop who ran 36.38 to be the first over 50 age group female home, at the Chichester 10km road race. This not only broke the Tonbridge age group record, but is the seventh fastest time ever by a GB athlete, as an over 50.
Tina Oldershaw ran 38.33 and Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 43.35
Full results are at - http://chiptiming.co.uk/events/chichester-10k-2018/
At Ashford Tonbridge placed four men in the top eight through 4th Harry Paton 33.16, 5th Angel López-Cáceres 33.28, 7th Julian Rendall 33.37 and 8th Dan Bradley 34.03. Rendall’s time broke the club over 40 age group record.
Full results can be found here - identisports-results.co.uk/sportingeventsuk/g-live.html?f=ashford10kfeb18.clax
Chichester 10k road race
One of the outstanding runs of the weekend came from Maria Heslop who ran 36.38 to be the first over 50 age group female home, at the Chichester 10km road race. This not only broke the Tonbridge age group record, but is the seventh fastest time ever by a GB athlete, as an over 50.
Tina Oldershaw ran 38.33 and Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles 43.35
Full results are at - http://chiptiming.co.uk/events/chichester-10k-2018/
European Clubs Cross Country Championships, Mira, Portugal, Sunday 4th February
Video loaded !
TAC men finished 8th of 22 teams. Robbie Farnham-Rose had a great run in 15th, amongst some of the best distance runners in Europe, with Max Nicholls 45th, Ryan Driscoll 46th, Ben Cole 53rd, Charlie Joslin-Allen 78th and Jamie Bryant 81st.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page
Video of all the action can be found here - mira2018.cm-mira.pt/?q=node/225
Full results are on the Results 2018 page
Video of all the action can be found here - mira2018.cm-mira.pt/?q=node/225
British Universities and Students Cross Country Championships, at Hillingdon, Saturday 3rd February
Videos loaded !
There were plenty of Tonbridge runners competing for their universities at the British Universities and Colleges Country Championships, at Hillingdon. The mens A- race, over twelve kilometres, saw teams of the best six from each university compete, with around 350 finishing. Chris Olley continued his terrific Winter form and was with the four runners who broke away at the front after halfway. At one stage Olley was dropped by the three ahead, but rallied to come through to second over the last mile, finishing less than three seconds behind the winner, Alex Yee. Nathan Marsh, running for Leeds, was the next Tonbridge runner home in 28th, whilst his sister Kiri, racing for Nottingham, was 82nd in the women’s race, which had more than seven hundred finishers.
George Duggan finished around 16th but the Loughborough team were disqualified for not meeting team declaration time slots !
The men’s B-race, for those outside the top six at their university, also had a large field with more than 560 finishers. Three Tonbridge runners finished in the top ten, all representing Loughborough, with Kieran Reilly 2nd, Jamie Goodge 5th and Alasdair Kinloch 8th.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page with TAC highlighted.
George Duggan finished around 16th but the Loughborough team were disqualified for not meeting team declaration time slots !
The men’s B-race, for those outside the top six at their university, also had a large field with more than 560 finishers. Three Tonbridge runners finished in the top ten, all representing Loughborough, with Kieran Reilly 2nd, Jamie Goodge 5th and Alasdair Kinloch 8th.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page with TAC highlighted.
Jamie Goodge, George Duggan, Alasdair Kinloch, Stuart Brown and Kieran Reilly
(all bar George ran in the mens B race)
(all bar George ran in the mens B race)
South East Schools Cross Country Championships, at Newbury, Saturday 3rd February
Videos loaded !
Full results are on the Results 2018 page, with TAC runners highlighted.
Dan Schofield was the 5th in the senior boys race, Matthew Taylor 4th in the Juniors and Katie Goodge 8th in the Inter Girls.
It was particularly pleasing to see Kathleen Faes back in action and finishing 12th in the senior girls event.
Dan Schofield was the 5th in the senior boys race, Matthew Taylor 4th in the Juniors and Katie Goodge 8th in the Inter Girls.
It was particularly pleasing to see Kathleen Faes back in action and finishing 12th in the senior girls event.
TAC Fantasy League Update after week 8 (South of England Championships 20th January) - Ian Crawley
For the first time ever a 'paper match' was held as TAC did not attended these championships. FL organiser spent long hours in research to ensure a 'fair' result, as this event had to be included in the calculations. See his explanation with the league tables on the Fantasy League page.
Top team currently is managed by Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Current best value for money athlete is now George Hopkins
Top team currently is managed by Lucy Pitcairn-Knowles
Current best value for money athlete is now George Hopkins
London Indoor Games, at Lee Valley, Sunday 28th January
Videos loaded !
Sean Molloy finished a close second to World Championships fourth placer, Kyle Langford over 800 metres. Sean ran 1.53.00 yo Kyle's 1.52.54. Cameron Payas ran in race 2.
Sean Molloy tracks the eventual winner, Kyle Langford, at Lee Valley
Dr Sander Indoor Meeting, at The Armory, New York, Saturday 27th January
James West just missed Robbie Farnham-Rose's recent TAC indoor 3000m record, when finishing ninth in New York in 7.58.26.
It was just an outright pb for James and puts him fourth on the UK 2018 ranking, joining Robbie and Chris Olley in the current top six and all sub 8 minutes.
Results at -results.armorytrack.com/meets/468/results
It was just an outright pb for James and puts him fourth on the UK 2018 ranking, joining Robbie and Chris Olley in the current top six and all sub 8 minutes.
Results at -results.armorytrack.com/meets/468/results
South of England Cross Country Championships, at Brighton, Saturday 27th January
These were the championships that we decided not to attend as a club, due to the recent poor organisation at SEAA events. As expected the numbers and quality of the fields were down, but to be fair to the SEAA they seem to have addressed some of the issues, with results being online so quickly. Full results can be found here -
www.seaa.org.uk/index.php/results/cross-country
I think that Max Nicholls, who was third in the senior mens race, may have been the only TAC competitor. Max felt he had to race, having missed the Kent Championships.
The sad aspect about all of this issue is that the entry closing date of mid December meant that not enough was in place at the time to justify TAC spending a lot of time, money and effort. Our decision was respected by many other clubs and I thank everyone, coaches, athletes and supporters for your understanding and ultimate support for our stance. Hopefully we have kept our 'powder dry' for the National !
www.seaa.org.uk/index.php/results/cross-country
I think that Max Nicholls, who was third in the senior mens race, may have been the only TAC competitor. Max felt he had to race, having missed the Kent Championships.
The sad aspect about all of this issue is that the entry closing date of mid December meant that not enough was in place at the time to justify TAC spending a lot of time, money and effort. Our decision was respected by many other clubs and I thank everyone, coaches, athletes and supporters for your understanding and ultimate support for our stance. Hopefully we have kept our 'powder dry' for the National !
Tonbridge Parkrun, Saturday 27th January
It looks like there was a good TAC turnout at the Tonbridge Parkrun and subject to official confirmation Lily Slack scored 86.27% in the age grading performance to Olivia Breed 86.27% ! Full results are here -
www.parkrun.org.uk/tonbridge/results/latestresults/
Dan Seagrove was first home in 17.02, just ahead of James Stoney and Fraser Gordon.
Olivia Breed was just pipped Kelly Holmes and ran 19.17
www.parkrun.org.uk/tonbridge/results/latestresults/
Dan Seagrove was first home in 17.02, just ahead of James Stoney and Fraser Gordon.
Olivia Breed was just pipped Kelly Holmes and ran 19.17
New floodlights at Tonbridge School Track !
The new floodlights went live on Thursday 25th January, at least for an hour or so, before a technical issue reared its head.
However, the impact was terrific and I am sure they will be a real asset to the school, TAC and other users. TAC are responsible for the main financing of this investment, s part of a new, long term agreement with the school.
However, the impact was terrific and I am sure they will be a real asset to the school, TAC and other users. TAC are responsible for the main financing of this investment, s part of a new, long term agreement with the school.
British Milers Club Meeting, at Sheffield, Wednesday 24th January
Videos loaded !
There were three TAC distance runners in action at Sheffield on Wednesday. All of them raced the 1500m.
Official results are awaited but Miles Weatherseed ran about 4.02.23, Ally Kinloch 4.04.46 and Michael Ellis 4.08.81
Official results are awaited but Miles Weatherseed ran about 4.02.23, Ally Kinloch 4.04.46 and Michael Ellis 4.08.81
Tonbridge AC Junior 1 mile, at Judd School, Vizards Fields, Sunday 21st January
Facing awful weather conditions 14 brave young runners tackled the one mile race, splashing through the surface water in freezing conditions. However, all of them broke nine minutes.
James Petrie from Yardley Court was first home in 6.18 from Harrison Fraser of TAC in 6.21. Ella Baker of Sevenoaks AC was first of the girls in 7.07.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
The next race in the series, at the same venue is on Sunday 18th February.
James Petrie from Yardley Court was first home in 6.18 from Harrison Fraser of TAC in 6.21. Ella Baker of Sevenoaks AC was first of the girls in 7.07.
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
The next race in the series, at the same venue is on Sunday 18th February.
Canterbury 10 mile road race, Sunday 21st January
TAC had a number near the sharp end of this 10 mile road race.
6th Harry Paton 54.41 pb by 72s, 8th Julian Rendall 55.05, 10th Dan Bradley 56.50, 14th Greg Cole 58.34
15th Nicole Taylor (1st female) 58.34 pb by 85s, 30th Graeme Saker 61.29 (2nd 50 to 59), 49th Tina Oldershaw 63.34 (2nd female and 1st female vet), Antonia Skerritt 71.27.
Graeme's time was a TAC over 55 mens record and Tina's was an over 50 women's record.
Julian's time broke Steve Keywood's TAC over 40 men's record.
Top 60 results are on the Results 2018 page and full results are here -
www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/ssangyong-canterbury-10-mile
Photos courtesy of Richard Owen.
6th Harry Paton 54.41 pb by 72s, 8th Julian Rendall 55.05, 10th Dan Bradley 56.50, 14th Greg Cole 58.34
15th Nicole Taylor (1st female) 58.34 pb by 85s, 30th Graeme Saker 61.29 (2nd 50 to 59), 49th Tina Oldershaw 63.34 (2nd female and 1st female vet), Antonia Skerritt 71.27.
Graeme's time was a TAC over 55 mens record and Tina's was an over 50 women's record.
Julian's time broke Steve Keywood's TAC over 40 men's record.
Top 60 results are on the Results 2018 page and full results are here -
www.chiptiminguk.co.uk/results/ssangyong-canterbury-10-mile
Photos courtesy of Richard Owen.
Kent Schools Cross Country Championships, at Dover, Saturday 20th January
Videos loaded !
TAC was certainly out in strength at Dover, although it was sometimes difficult to spot everyone in the variety of school vests being worn. Plenty more detail to follow but there were wins for -
Senior Boys - 1st Bede Pitcairn-Knowles - 17 TAC members in top 35
Senior Girls - 1st Phoebe Barker, 3rd Grace Fleming - 7 TAC members in 18
Inter Boys - 1st James Kingston, 2nd Fraser Gordon 11 TAC members, 7 in top 18
Inter Girls - 2nd Katie Goodge - 12 TAC members, 8 in top 19
Junior Boys - 2nd Matthew Taylor, 3rd Henry Taylor - 23 TAC members, 5 in top 10
Junior Girls - 1st Maddie Wise - 8 TAC members
Year 7 Boys - 4th George Hopkins (Tim McLain 1st year 6 invitation) - 8 TAC members
Year 7 Girls - 1st Olivia Breed, 2nd Sophie Slack (Lily Slack 1st year 6 invitation) - 5 TAC members
Full results on the results 2018 page.
Senior Boys - 1st Bede Pitcairn-Knowles - 17 TAC members in top 35
Senior Girls - 1st Phoebe Barker, 3rd Grace Fleming - 7 TAC members in 18
Inter Boys - 1st James Kingston, 2nd Fraser Gordon 11 TAC members, 7 in top 18
Inter Girls - 2nd Katie Goodge - 12 TAC members, 8 in top 19
Junior Boys - 2nd Matthew Taylor, 3rd Henry Taylor - 23 TAC members, 5 in top 10
Junior Girls - 1st Maddie Wise - 8 TAC members
Year 7 Boys - 4th George Hopkins (Tim McLain 1st year 6 invitation) - 8 TAC members
Year 7 Girls - 1st Olivia Breed, 2nd Sophie Slack (Lily Slack 1st year 6 invitation) - 5 TAC members
Full results on the results 2018 page.
TAC winners at the Kent Schools Championships
Phoebe Barker, Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, James Kingston
Maddie Wise, Olivia Breed, Lily Slack
plus Tim McLain (year 6 invitation) no photo
Phoebe Barker, Bede Pitcairn-Knowles, James Kingston
Maddie Wise, Olivia Breed, Lily Slack
plus Tim McLain (year 6 invitation) no photo
Trackside Podcast Episode 27 now available !
After a six week break we have gone live with Edition 27 of Trackside Podcast. Mark Hookway, Lewis Church and Alex Hookway discuss a number of topics.
All the podcast details are at - http://tracksidepodcast.co.ukWe discuss Athletics being the countries most exciting sport, Sports Personality of the year, how much input should an athlete have on their training, Asthma, Commonwealth Games selection and more.
Plus we look ahead to our 2018 and have the now regular 'Mystery Athlete’.
All the podcast details are at - http://tracksidepodcast.co.ukWe discuss Athletics being the countries most exciting sport, Sports Personality of the year, how much input should an athlete have on their training, Asthma, Commonwealth Games selection and more.
Plus we look ahead to our 2018 and have the now regular 'Mystery Athlete’.
|
|
Other Saturday and Sunday action, 13th/14th January
Birmingham Cross Country League, Saturday
TAC athletes - 4th George Duggan 30.41, 25th Ally Kinloch 31.50, 33rd Kieran Reilly 32.18, 35th Jamie Goodge 32.26
Surrey Womens Cross Country League at Wimbledon Common, Saturday
Lucy Reid racing as second claim for Clapham Chasers finished second. Full results are at -
surreyleague.org/sll/race/160/
Surrey Mens Cross Country League Div 1, at Wimbledon Common, Saturday
Max Nicholls, racing for Kent AC as second claim finished 8th.
surreyleague.org/sll/race/171/#indiv
Surrey Mens Cross Country League Div 2, at Beckenham, Saturday
Cameron Payas racing as second claim for Guildford and Godalming finished 3rd.
Full results - surreyleague.org/slm/race/187/#indiv
University of Washington, USA Indoor Meeting, Saturday
There were two TAC runners in action -
James West was 6th in the mile in 4.04
Then Robbie Farnham-Rose finished second in the 3000 metres in 7.57.02, which is a Tonbridge AC indoor club record and the second fastest ever indoors or outdoors.
Full results are here - www.flotrack.org/results/6078278-2018-uw-indoor-preview/23571
Cardiff Indoor Meeting, Sunday
Charlie Joslin-Allen ran 8.27.70 for second place in the 3000 metres, which was an outright personal best.
Kieran Eland was second in the 800m in 1.54.94
South of England Championships, at Lee Valley, Sunday
Videos loaded !
Sean Molloy won the senior men's 800m final in 1.55.06, after winning his heat in 1.54.27
Ben Murphy was second in his heat in 1.57.89 but didn't qualify for the six man final.
North of England Championships, at Sheffield, Sunday
Michael Ellis ran an outright pb over 3000m of 9.07 in the B race
Cross Juan Muguerza, at Elgoibar, Spain, Sunday
Angel López-Cáceres finished a very respectable 51st in this international race, during a visit home to Spain.
Full results are at - mintxeta.com/juan-muguerza-2018/en/pdf/resultados_juan_muguerza_elgoibar2018.pdf
Rough and Tumble 10 miles in Wiltshire, Sunday
Ben Cole, appearing in the vest of his second claim club, Swindon Harriers, easily won this 10 mile event.
Full results are at - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1Ik
TAC athletes - 4th George Duggan 30.41, 25th Ally Kinloch 31.50, 33rd Kieran Reilly 32.18, 35th Jamie Goodge 32.26
Surrey Womens Cross Country League at Wimbledon Common, Saturday
Lucy Reid racing as second claim for Clapham Chasers finished second. Full results are at -
surreyleague.org/sll/race/160/
Surrey Mens Cross Country League Div 1, at Wimbledon Common, Saturday
Max Nicholls, racing for Kent AC as second claim finished 8th.
surreyleague.org/sll/race/171/#indiv
Surrey Mens Cross Country League Div 2, at Beckenham, Saturday
Cameron Payas racing as second claim for Guildford and Godalming finished 3rd.
Full results - surreyleague.org/slm/race/187/#indiv
University of Washington, USA Indoor Meeting, Saturday
There were two TAC runners in action -
James West was 6th in the mile in 4.04
Then Robbie Farnham-Rose finished second in the 3000 metres in 7.57.02, which is a Tonbridge AC indoor club record and the second fastest ever indoors or outdoors.
Full results are here - www.flotrack.org/results/6078278-2018-uw-indoor-preview/23571
Cardiff Indoor Meeting, Sunday
Charlie Joslin-Allen ran 8.27.70 for second place in the 3000 metres, which was an outright personal best.
Kieran Eland was second in the 800m in 1.54.94
South of England Championships, at Lee Valley, Sunday
Videos loaded !
Sean Molloy won the senior men's 800m final in 1.55.06, after winning his heat in 1.54.27
Ben Murphy was second in his heat in 1.57.89 but didn't qualify for the six man final.
North of England Championships, at Sheffield, Sunday
Michael Ellis ran an outright pb over 3000m of 9.07 in the B race
Cross Juan Muguerza, at Elgoibar, Spain, Sunday
Angel López-Cáceres finished a very respectable 51st in this international race, during a visit home to Spain.
Full results are at - mintxeta.com/juan-muguerza-2018/en/pdf/resultados_juan_muguerza_elgoibar2018.pdf
Rough and Tumble 10 miles in Wiltshire, Sunday
Ben Cole, appearing in the vest of his second claim club, Swindon Harriers, easily won this 10 mile event.
Full results are at - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1Ik
Great Edinburgh Cross Country International, Saturday 13th January
Chris Olley, representing the Great Britain senior mens team finished 16th over 8km and was the fifth Brit home, scoring for the team. He was ahead of four GB team members, selected for the nine man squad.
Phoebe Barker finished 15th in the Under 20 womens race and was sixth GB team member home.
Phoebe Barker finished 15th in the Under 20 womens race and was sixth GB team member home.
Chris Olley and Phoebe Barker in Edinburgh (photos courtesy of Richard Owen)
Sevenoaks School Knole Run, Saturday 13th January
Videos loaded !
There were two races, with the girls running 3.1 miles and the boys 5.8 miles, with plenty of TAC showing.
Girls - (unofficial) 6th Maddie Wise, 7th Sophie Slack, 10th Grace Fleming, 19th Meghan Watson, 22nd Vita Milana, 23rd Lizzie Miller
Boys - 3rd James Kingston, 8th James Stoney, 9th James Elgar, 10th Isaac Harding, 17th Dan Seagrove, 20th Toby Emm, 21st Will Beeston, 22nd Adam Van der Plas, 24th Ingmar Gunn 29th Dan Schofield, 31st Matthew Taylor
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Some photos on Mark Hookway Facebook page.
Girls - (unofficial) 6th Maddie Wise, 7th Sophie Slack, 10th Grace Fleming, 19th Meghan Watson, 22nd Vita Milana, 23rd Lizzie Miller
Boys - 3rd James Kingston, 8th James Stoney, 9th James Elgar, 10th Isaac Harding, 17th Dan Seagrove, 20th Toby Emm, 21st Will Beeston, 22nd Adam Van der Plas, 24th Ingmar Gunn 29th Dan Schofield, 31st Matthew Taylor
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
Some photos on Mark Hookway Facebook page.
Weekend ahead 13th/14th January still to come
Cross Juan Muguerza, at Elgoibar, Spain, Sunday 14th January
Angel López-Cáceres races in this international meeting.
Angel López-Cáceres races in this international meeting.
TAC Fantasy League Update after week 7 (Kent Championships 6th January) - Ian Crawley
The Fantasy League page has been updated with the results from the Kent Cross Country Championships.
James Taylor leads overall from Iain Presnell and Adam Roeder
Tim McLain still heads the athlete average table after a brave run at the Kent Champs after illness.
James Taylor leads overall from Iain Presnell and Adam Roeder
Tim McLain still heads the athlete average table after a brave run at the Kent Champs after illness.
British Milers Club Indoor Meeting, Sheffield, Sunday 7th January 2018
Videos loaded !
Chris Olley ran 7.59.76 for 3000 metres to slice five seconds from his outright personal best, when he finished a close fourth in a top class race at Sheffield.
Dom Brown was second in the 1500 metres A race in 3.51.54 and Kieran Eland ran an outright pb of 1.53.92 when winning the mens 800m D race.
Full results are here - britishmilersclub.com/content/bmcitemdisplay.aspx?itemid=1380
There are plenty of photos available on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Dom Brown was second in the 1500 metres A race in 3.51.54 and Kieran Eland ran an outright pb of 1.53.92 when winning the mens 800m D race.
Full results are here - britishmilersclub.com/content/bmcitemdisplay.aspx?itemid=1380
There are plenty of photos available on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Other weekend news, Sunday 6th/7th January
Nicole Taylor won the Sussex Cross Country Championships, Senior Women race, at Bexhill, on Saturday.
James Kingston beat James Taylor in a low key Penshurst village five mile race, on Sunday.
Full results are at - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1wC
James Kingston beat James Taylor in a low key Penshurst village five mile race, on Sunday.
Full results are at - www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1wC
Kent Cross Country Championships, at Brands Hatch, Saturday 6th January
Videos loaded !
The weather held up and the forecasted showers stayed away, whilst TAC must have had a record turn out to break the 019 total from the past two years (I will be checking).
Summary results -
Senior Men - 1st in 6 and 12 to score (3rd Ben Cole)
Senior Women - 1st in 3 and 6 to score (2nd Lucy Reid, 3rd Maria Heslop)
Under 20 Men 1st - (1st Cameron Payas, 2nd Jamie Goodge). TAC win for 11th year in a row !
Under 20 Women - no complete team (4th Grace Fleming)
Under 17 Men - 1st (1st James Kingston). TAC win for 12th year in a row !
Under 17 Women - 1st (8th Lizzie Miller). TAC win for first time in 6 years.
Under 15 Boys - 1st (2nd Fraser Gordon). TAC win for 13th year in a row !
Under 15 Girls - 2nd (3rd Katie Goodge)
Under 13 Boys - 3rd (8th George Hopkins)
Under 13 Girls - 1st (2nd Olivia Breed)
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
There are plenty of photos available on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Summary results -
Senior Men - 1st in 6 and 12 to score (3rd Ben Cole)
Senior Women - 1st in 3 and 6 to score (2nd Lucy Reid, 3rd Maria Heslop)
Under 20 Men 1st - (1st Cameron Payas, 2nd Jamie Goodge). TAC win for 11th year in a row !
Under 20 Women - no complete team (4th Grace Fleming)
Under 17 Men - 1st (1st James Kingston). TAC win for 12th year in a row !
Under 17 Women - 1st (8th Lizzie Miller). TAC win for first time in 6 years.
Under 15 Boys - 1st (2nd Fraser Gordon). TAC win for 13th year in a row !
Under 15 Girls - 2nd (3rd Katie Goodge)
Under 13 Boys - 3rd (8th George Hopkins)
Under 13 Girls - 1st (2nd Olivia Breed)
Full results are on the Results 2018 page.
There are plenty of photos available on Mark Hookway's Facebook page.
Above - TAC women won both the 3 and 6 to score competitions
TAC Individual winners - James Kingston (u17) and Cameron Payas (u20)
TAC Fantasy League Update after week 6 (TAC Pudding Race, Tuesday 26th December) - Ian Crawley
Ian Crawley has completed his full analysis and report after the Boxing Day handicap and all the details, including league tables are now on the Fantasy League page.
I am pleased to report that Ian's blog was politically correct this week and didn't need any editing !
James Taylor (JT) has taken over at the top of the league and thats perhaps why he didn't want anything to do with organising it this year !
Steph Puxty gets a shout out since she now heads the 'regulars' having raced 23 times from a possible 24 races in FL history.
Tim McLain heads the athlete averages listing although both Beatrice Heslop and Tony Cohen were pleased to see their names so high up this table, when they saw it in the club house on Thursday evening.
I am pleased to report that Ian's blog was politically correct this week and didn't need any editing !
James Taylor (JT) has taken over at the top of the league and thats perhaps why he didn't want anything to do with organising it this year !
Steph Puxty gets a shout out since she now heads the 'regulars' having raced 23 times from a possible 24 races in FL history.
Tim McLain heads the athlete averages listing although both Beatrice Heslop and Tony Cohen were pleased to see their names so high up this table, when they saw it in the club house on Thursday evening.
TAC Social and Fun Quiz, Saturday 20th January
There will be a social get together and fun quiz at the Old Fire Station Tonbridge.
See file below
See file below
| tac_social_27012018.pdf |
Tonbridge AC Christmas and New Year Training schedule
In the file below is detail of the training planned between 18th December and 6th January.
| tonbridge_ac_christmas_and_new_year_training_schedule.pdf |
Lamberhurst 10k and 5k Road Races, Monday 1st January 2018
Relatively new TAC recruit Angel Lopez-Cácéres won the Lamberhurst 10k on a hilly course in 35.01, with Dan Bradley second in 36.27. John Ridge was 17th in 42.49 to complete the winning team score.
Sasha Houghton took home the first female prize with 43.26, whilst her sister Nina Ridge was First Lady in the 5k in 25.27.
Cain Bradley ran 48.22 in the 10k.
Sasha Houghton took home the first female prize with 43.26, whilst her sister Nina Ridge was First Lady in the 5k in 25.27.
Cain Bradley ran 48.22 in the 10k.
Staplehurst 10 miles road race, Saturday 30th December
Tina Oldershaw who has transferred to TAC from 1st January was First Lady home in 64.48 and one place ahead of Joe Watts who was 13th in 65.34. This was a pb for Joe by more than three minutes.
Other Christmas action
Max Nicholls won the Saltwood 3 miles on Boxing Day in 15.13.
Full results can be found at - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/BoxingDayRun/2017
There were a number of park runs tackled by TAC members around the country. See the following link -
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Full results can be found at - www.nice-work.org.uk/races/BoxingDayRun/2017
There were a number of park runs tackled by TAC members around the country. See the following link -
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2404
Tonbridge AC Boxing Day Handicap, Tuesday 26th December, at Tonbridge School Fields
Video of start, halfway and finish loaded !
Around 120 runners took part in the Boxing Day handicap, organised by Steve Keywood.
Alice Wood was first home, with George Duggan, who had started off scratch, coming home in second.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Alice Wood was first home, with George Duggan, who had started off scratch, coming home in second.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
Alice Wood - TAC Boxing Day Handicap winner
TAC Christmas Training Relays, at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Saturday 23rd December
A summary is on the Training completed page.
We had 57 athletes attend, across the age groups.
We had 57 athletes attend, across the age groups.
South of Thames Cross Country Championship (seniors 7.5 miles) at Aldershot, Saturday 16th December
Video loaded !
It was a day of second places as the mens team finished second to Aldershot, whilst George Duggan and Nicole Taylor both won individual silver medals.
The men had a full team and despite having George backed up by Max Nicholls 4th and Ben Cole 6th were well beaten, in what was a six to score contest.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
The men had a full team and despite having George backed up by Max Nicholls 4th and Ben Cole 6th were well beaten, in what was a six to score contest.
Full results are on the Results 2017 page.
More GB selections for Phoebe and Chris
Both Chris Olley (senior men) and Phoebe Barker (under 20 women) have been selected for the GB squad to compete on 13th January at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International. It will be Chris' first full senior GB international vest.
The event will be shown live on BBC1
Full details are here - www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/muir-among-those-selected-for-the-british-team-at-great-edinburgh-xcountry/
The event will be shown live on BBC1
Full details are here - www.britishathletics.org.uk/news-and-features/muir-among-those-selected-for-the-british-team-at-great-edinburgh-xcountry/
Other weekend news, Sunday 10th December
Video loaded !
Kieran Eland won a 600 metres indoors in Cardiff in 80.05 which sliced a bit more from his recent pb.
European Cross Country Championships, in Slovakia, Sunday 10th December
Tonbridge AC had two athletes running for the 40 strong Great Britain team in Slovakia.
Chris Olley had one of his best ever races to finish 13th in the under 23 men's race and was the second scorer for the GB team that won the bronze medals.
Phoebe Barker was called into the under 20 women's team on Wednesday and was fifth of the six GB runners, finishing 43rd, as the team won the gold medals.
Chris Olley had one of his best ever races to finish 13th in the under 23 men's race and was the second scorer for the GB team that won the bronze medals.
Phoebe Barker was called into the under 20 women's team on Wednesday and was fifth of the six GB runners, finishing 43rd, as the team won the gold medals.
Chris Olley with the under 23 GB team
Phoebe Barker (2nd from right) with the GB Under 20 team and gold medals