September 2014
Tonbridge AC men's team upgraded to third place at South of England Road Relay Championships
The TAC men's team have been moved from 4th to 3rd in the South of England Road Relay Championships, held in September. This follows the disqualification of second placed Serpentine AC, for fielding an athlete who was not a registered club member. We await to see whether the bronze medals actually materialise !
Tonbridge Half Marathon, Sunday 28th September
There were just a few TAC runners in the Tonbridge Half Marathon this morning. Julian Rendall was the overall winner in 74.08, 21 seconds clear of the runner-up.
Other TAC - 69th Matt Harvey 1.29.50 (pb), 309th Nicola Summerfield 1.48.13 (pb), 424th Joe Baldwin 1.55.21 (pb). 425th Paul Hale (guide to Joe) 1.55.21, 517th Duncan Ralph 1.59.21, 689th Pat Hollands 2.09.05
Full results are at http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Tonbridge%20Half%20Marathon/1363.
A few photos from around the 4 mile point at Leigh are shown below.
Other TAC - 69th Matt Harvey 1.29.50 (pb), 309th Nicola Summerfield 1.48.13 (pb), 424th Joe Baldwin 1.55.21 (pb). 425th Paul Hale (guide to Joe) 1.55.21, 517th Duncan Ralph 1.59.21, 689th Pat Hollands 2.09.05
Full results are at http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Tonbridge%20Half%20Marathon/1363.
A few photos from around the 4 mile point at Leigh are shown below.
Other weekend news 27th and 28th September
Michael Ellis, who has just started university at Sheffield, finished 40th in the Great Yorkshire 10k on Sunday in 37.32, which is a personal best.
School race at Knole Park, Saturday 27th September
There was a school race in Knole Park today. Stuart Brown won from Toby Ralph, with James Taylor (team managing Judd, now that he teaches there) in 4th. I only had an iphone for some photos taken below. Results are on the Results 2014 page.
Saturday 5km parkruns, 27th September
There were TAC runners at both Tonbridge and Maidstone today, plus further afield. Full results can be found at -http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
At Tonbridge Dan Bradley (17.18) and Nicole Taylor (18.17) were the first male and female athletes home and both then came over to Tonbridge School to complete a training session with the group. There were a few personal bests amongst the Tonbridge contingent, including Ellen Pitcairn-Knowles (21.35) and Emilia Hope (25.29)
Over at Maidstone, the mystery person in second position, who forgot his barcode, was Sam Avis in around 19.16, whilst under 13, Maria Bragin had an excellent run to be first female, in a new pb of 20.50.
Michael Mason improved at Cheltenham to finish with 20.20
At Tonbridge Dan Bradley (17.18) and Nicole Taylor (18.17) were the first male and female athletes home and both then came over to Tonbridge School to complete a training session with the group. There were a few personal bests amongst the Tonbridge contingent, including Ellen Pitcairn-Knowles (21.35) and Emilia Hope (25.29)
Over at Maidstone, the mystery person in second position, who forgot his barcode, was Sam Avis in around 19.16, whilst under 13, Maria Bragin had an excellent run to be first female, in a new pb of 20.50.
Michael Mason improved at Cheltenham to finish with 20.20
South of England Road Relay Championships, at Aldershot, Sunday 21st September - Day 2
(veteran men and senior men - Race video loaded !)
The men followed up the excellent performance of the women on Saturday, with a tremendous 4th place. Then the B team finished 18th to qualify for the National Championships on 4th October (top 25 mens teams qualify).
This is probably the first time in the club's history (formed in 1947) that a Tonbridge team has been in real contention for a medal in a major championship. Certainly its the highest ever position TAC have finished in, beating the 5th from 2012. Infact the squad were actually leading into the fourth of six legs and were still in second on the final lap.
Ryan Driscoll (18.35) led off, before Steve Fennell (18.36) moved into third. Charlie Joslin-Allen (18.24) hit the front on stage three and although Ben Cole slipped a couple of places, he still ran a pb on the course of 19.01. Tom Cox (19.11) took us back up to second to hand over to Henry Pearce (18.45). Henry had Commonwealth Games marathon representative Nick Torry on his heels and also Kent AC slipped by with a big performance from their last runner.
Although there was a slight disappointment in not winning a medal we couldnt have expected all six to run so well beforehand and it shows that the club is still making great progress. The C team finished 63rd and the mens veterans team were 21st in their race.
This is probably the first time in the club's history (formed in 1947) that a Tonbridge team has been in real contention for a medal in a major championship. Certainly its the highest ever position TAC have finished in, beating the 5th from 2012. Infact the squad were actually leading into the fourth of six legs and were still in second on the final lap.
Ryan Driscoll (18.35) led off, before Steve Fennell (18.36) moved into third. Charlie Joslin-Allen (18.24) hit the front on stage three and although Ben Cole slipped a couple of places, he still ran a pb on the course of 19.01. Tom Cox (19.11) took us back up to second to hand over to Henry Pearce (18.45). Henry had Commonwealth Games marathon representative Nick Torry on his heels and also Kent AC slipped by with a big performance from their last runner.
Although there was a slight disappointment in not winning a medal we couldnt have expected all six to run so well beforehand and it shows that the club is still making great progress. The C team finished 63rd and the mens veterans team were 21st in their race.
Other weekend news - Sunday 21st September
Dan Watt finished third in the Dartford 10 miles in 58.06 which is a personal best by five seconds. Full results are at http://www.stuweb.co.uk/events/2014/09/21/1840/
Nicola Wilkinson ran 87.13 in the Bristol Half Marathon, which was her debut over the distance. She finished as 24th female. Full results are at http://www.runbristol.com/results
Nicola Wilkinson ran 87.13 in the Bristol Half Marathon, which was her debut over the distance. She finished as 24th female. Full results are at http://www.runbristol.com/results
South of England Road Relay Championships, at Aldershot, Saturday 20th September - Day 1
(under 13, 15,17 boys/girls + senior women)
Race videos loaded !
TAC had a really good turn out across the weekend and including Sunday's men's teams we had 87 competitors in action, which is the most that we have ever had at these particular championships. This included 34 females, which is also a record number.
Relays are so difficult to select teams for, at such an early time in the season and so it was a strange experience to have two B teams finish ahead of A teams ! It was pleasing that everyone came for a run, even when we had the odd incomplete team. Infact Jade Coatsworth made up our C team in the under 15s, having travelled only expecting to run for an incomplete D team. It just goes to show how it's still worth taking as many as we can on the day.
Even though we only won the single medal this year, the fact that the B and C teams did particularly well, should mean that in straight races we can be even stronger.
It was particularly pleasing to see so many of the 'new' recruits mixing well with the established athletes, which will hopefully set us up for another good season.
Full results on the Results 2014 page, plus a full summary of TAC performances.
However, in summary -
Under 13 girls - 9th, 21st (second B team), 25th (1st C team) - Tilly Hall 10th fastest lap and fastest ever TAC.
Under 13 boys - 11th (B-team), 12th (first B team)
Under 15 girls - 21st (B-team), 22nd, 42nd
Under 15 boys - 5th, 8th, 18th (first B and C teams)
Under 17 women - 12th, 36th
Under 17 men - 1st, 15th (second B team) - Chris Cohen 2nd fastest lap and fastest ever TAC. Alasdair Kinloch 7th fastest.
Senior women - 9th (best ever TAC position), 40th
Relays are so difficult to select teams for, at such an early time in the season and so it was a strange experience to have two B teams finish ahead of A teams ! It was pleasing that everyone came for a run, even when we had the odd incomplete team. Infact Jade Coatsworth made up our C team in the under 15s, having travelled only expecting to run for an incomplete D team. It just goes to show how it's still worth taking as many as we can on the day.
Even though we only won the single medal this year, the fact that the B and C teams did particularly well, should mean that in straight races we can be even stronger.
It was particularly pleasing to see so many of the 'new' recruits mixing well with the established athletes, which will hopefully set us up for another good season.
Full results on the Results 2014 page, plus a full summary of TAC performances.
However, in summary -
Under 13 girls - 9th, 21st (second B team), 25th (1st C team) - Tilly Hall 10th fastest lap and fastest ever TAC.
Under 13 boys - 11th (B-team), 12th (first B team)
Under 15 girls - 21st (B-team), 22nd, 42nd
Under 15 boys - 5th, 8th, 18th (first B and C teams)
Under 17 women - 12th, 36th
Under 17 men - 1st, 15th (second B team) - Chris Cohen 2nd fastest lap and fastest ever TAC. Alasdair Kinloch 7th fastest.
Senior women - 9th (best ever TAC position), 40th
Tonbridge Under 17 men - Jamie Goodge, Stuart Brown, Alasdair Kinloch, Chris Cohen
A few more photos from Saturday.....
News from USA - Friday 19th September and Saturday 20th September
On Friday Kieran Reilly, running for Indiana University, finished 6th in the Indiana Inter Collegiates Cross Country event at West Lafayette, Indiana. Kieran was the fourth scorer for the winning Indiana team and ran 25.18.9 for the 8km cross country.
Then on Saturday Robbie Farnham-Rose, who is back out at Alabama University won the Asheville Cross Country Carnival, over 8km in 25.04.98
Results of both events are on the Results 2014 page.
In different circumstances Joe Watts finished 3rd in a 5k run in California, whilst on holiday. Joe set a pb of 19.59.
Then on Saturday Robbie Farnham-Rose, who is back out at Alabama University won the Asheville Cross Country Carnival, over 8km in 25.04.98
Results of both events are on the Results 2014 page.
In different circumstances Joe Watts finished 3rd in a 5k run in California, whilst on holiday. Joe set a pb of 19.59.
Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC, Will Bolton Memorial Cross Country Relays
Revised results !
The organisers have released revised results from last Saturday's relays, following problems that they had. These are now on the Results 2014 page.
Having analysed a fair bit of finish line video footage supplied by Gary Goodge, I feel much more confident now that these are pretty much correct. I would still like anyone who ran on legs 2 or 3, who timed themselves to supply a split. From that I can work out others on those legs as a check.
Having analysed a fair bit of finish line video footage supplied by Gary Goodge, I feel much more confident now that these are pretty much correct. I would still like anyone who ran on legs 2 or 3, who timed themselves to supply a split. From that I can work out others on those legs as a check.
World Mountain Running Championships, Italy, Sunday 14th September
Max Nicholls finished 13th in the under 20 mens race and was second GB scorer home. The GB team was third.
Full results are at http://www.fidal.it/risultati/2014/COD4701/Gara003.htm
Full results are at http://www.fidal.it/risultati/2014/COD4701/Gara003.htm
Hospice in the Weald 10k, Tunbridge Wells, Sunday 14th September
Dan Watt won this tough 10k road race in Tunbridge Wells in 35.08. Full results are at http://www.swifttiming.co.uk/cgi-bin/list_race_result.php?meet_event_id=510001
Kent Under 13 and Veterans Track Championships, at Bromley,
Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th September
Some news has come through of TAC medal performances at the championships -
M60 800m - Brian Buckwell 2nd 2.40.85
M60 1500m - Maurice Marchant 2nd 6.15.88
Under 13 girls 800m - 1st Matilda Hall 2.29.0, 3rd Lizzie Miller 2.31.04 (pb by 0.8s)
Under 13 girls 1200m - Lizzie Miller 1st 3.57.25 (pb by 5s)
Under 13 boys 1500m - 3rd James Kingston 4.56.66
M60 800m - Brian Buckwell 2nd 2.40.85
M60 1500m - Maurice Marchant 2nd 6.15.88
Under 13 girls 800m - 1st Matilda Hall 2.29.0, 3rd Lizzie Miller 2.31.04 (pb by 0.8s)
Under 13 girls 1200m - Lizzie Miller 1st 3.57.25 (pb by 5s)
Under 13 boys 1500m - 3rd James Kingston 4.56.66
Brian Buckwell wins silver in M60 800 metres
Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC, Will Bolton Memorial Cross Country Relays
Saturday 13th September
Videos of senior race and juniors loaded !
Tonbridge AC won the men's overall relay (Ryan Driscoll, Tom Cox, Charlie Joslin-Allen, Julian Rendall) and were second in the women's event (Nicole Taylor, Sian Driscoll, Chloe Bird, Sophie Foreman). Fastest laps of the day were run by Charlie Joslin-Allen (12.46) and Nicole Taylor (14.46)
Also in the mens race TAC had the second and fourth teams to finish, with Dartford placing third.
We had seven junior teams running n the u13/15 race and mixed them up a little. Nevertheless we had a silver in the under 15 boys race (Sam Crick, Hamish Johnstone, Ben Brooks), a silver from the under 13 boys (Toby Ross, Ewan Wood, Marcus Henbest) and a bronze from the under 13 girls (Katie Burgess, Abigail Johnstone, Katie Goodge).
Results are on the Results 2014 page, although only provisional. The organisers were trying to resolve some discrepancies. If anyone timed themselves in the senior race please let me know.
A few photos are shown below with plenty more due to appear on the Scrapbook at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk
Also in the mens race TAC had the second and fourth teams to finish, with Dartford placing third.
We had seven junior teams running n the u13/15 race and mixed them up a little. Nevertheless we had a silver in the under 15 boys race (Sam Crick, Hamish Johnstone, Ben Brooks), a silver from the under 13 boys (Toby Ross, Ewan Wood, Marcus Henbest) and a bronze from the under 13 girls (Katie Burgess, Abigail Johnstone, Katie Goodge).
Results are on the Results 2014 page, although only provisional. The organisers were trying to resolve some discrepancies. If anyone timed themselves in the senior race please let me know.
A few photos are shown below with plenty more due to appear on the Scrapbook at www.tonbridgeac.co.uk
Some of the top TAC performers at West Wickham on Saturday -
Some of the TAC runners who made their full club debut on Saturday at West Wickham -
Bradley University Invitational Cross Country Meeting, Saturday 13th September
Dan Bradley had a fine run to finish 19th in 26.10, running as a guest in this event. His brother Sam is an assistant coach at the university and Dan has visited him for a holiday.
Parkruns, 5kms, Saturday 13th September
There were TAC runners at both Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells plus further afield. Full results are at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
Brockenhurst (New Forest) - Graeme Saker 1st 17.35
Cheltenham - Michael Mason 47th of about 250 in 21.29
Brockenhurst (New Forest) - Graeme Saker 1st 17.35
Cheltenham - Michael Mason 47th of about 250 in 21.29
Watford Open Meeting, Wednesday 10th September
James West finished his track season by running 3.50.05 for 1500 metres at Watford, in the British Milers Club race.
Eridge Park 10 mile Trail Race, Sunday 7th September
Julian Rendall led the Tonbridge AC men to a team victory, in this tough, multi terrain, trail race. Julian won the race, with Ben Cole in third and James Taylor 7th. Nicole Taylor had an excellent run to capture the ladies title.
Full results are on the Results 2014 page.
Full results are on the Results 2014 page.
Lingfield 5 miles, Sunday 7th September
Joe Watts won this multi terrain race in 33.10. This is Joe's first ever individual race win.
Weald 10k, Sunday 7th September
Michael Ellis finished 6th in 40.35, Alistair Bishop 27th in 44.27 and Maurice Marchant 89th in 52.52, of 234 finishers. Full results are at www.weald10k.co.uk
Harry Brown won the 2k fun run. with Elizabeth Heslop 12th of 133 finishers.
Harry Brown won the 2k fun run. with Elizabeth Heslop 12th of 133 finishers.
Kieran Reilly wins first cross country race of the season, at Indiana, USA, Saturday 6th September
Kieran Reilly, who has just started his second year at Indiana University, won his first race of the cross country season.
In the USA cross country is typically on very fast, flat courses, so times mean a lot more. Typically races are over 8k or 10k and on this occasion Kieran won in 25.43. It was a meeting against Tennessee Tech. Full results are on the Results 2014 page.
In the USA cross country is typically on very fast, flat courses, so times mean a lot more. Typically races are over 8k or 10k and on this occasion Kieran won in 25.43. It was a meeting against Tennessee Tech. Full results are on the Results 2014 page.
Photos at http://www.iuhoosiers.com/view.gal?id=165340 .Plus even an interview with Kieran at http://www.snappytv.com/snaps/0906_-_indiana_open_recap_zewolb (trying desperately not to slip into stateside accent !)
Saturday 5km parkruns, 6th September
TACs Dan Watt and Alice Ralph were the first runners home at the Royal Tunbridge Wells parkrun, whilst there were a number of our runners at the Tonbridge event aswell. Full results can be found at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/results/firstfinishers/
UK School Games, at Sports City Manchester, Friday 5th September
Euan Nicholls placed 5th in the 1500m steeplechase in 4.45.60 and Chris Cohen 6th in the 1500m in 4.14.33.
Sophie Wilkinson competed for New Zealand at triathlon
Sophie Wilkinson of TAC, who is at university in New Zealand, represented NZ in the World age group triathlon championships, in Edmonton, Canada. Sophie has always been a strong swimmer and runner (Kent u20 cross country champion in recent years), but is relatively new to triathlon.
Sophie placed an excellent 11th, with full results -at http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2014_itu_world_triathlon_grand_final_edmonton/268887
Sophie placed an excellent 11th, with full results -at http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2014_itu_world_triathlon_grand_final_edmonton/268887
Joe Baldwin to take on Tonbridge Half Marathon for charity
Many of you will know Joe Baldwin from seeing him regularly at TAC training. Joe is partially sighted (pictured right below, with 'guide' Dan Bradley in a TAC Open meeting) and has other disability. However, he is one of the most positive people at the club. He told me a few weeks ago what a difference TAC and the people that have helped and encouraged him, have made to his life. Joe has completed half marathons, the London Marathon and some track races and now aims to run the Tonbridge Half Marathon in aid of Compaid. TAC's Paul Hale has kindly volunteered as his guide for the run.
Based in Paddock Wood Compaid has been supporting thousands of disabled and elderly people for over 30 years to achieve their aspirations and get more out of life. Today, through computer skills training, accessible transport, and work experience opportunities, Compaid is providing disabled people with a springboard to realise their talents and abilities.
The link is as follows: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JosephBaldwin
Based in Paddock Wood Compaid has been supporting thousands of disabled and elderly people for over 30 years to achieve their aspirations and get more out of life. Today, through computer skills training, accessible transport, and work experience opportunities, Compaid is providing disabled people with a springboard to realise their talents and abilities.
The link is as follows: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JosephBaldwin
Old trainers and kit
From Mark Pitcairn-Knowles -
Having collected quite a large number of trainers and spikes that have been kindly donated by members for recycling / resale to other members via the second hand sale, we have also raised nearly £500 for TAC. Hopefully once the renovations and the new Pavilion at the track are complete it will make it easier to run the stall on a regular basis.
In the mean time I have had a sort through the trainers (those that are not likely to be bought) and to keep the volume manageable I have passed on two bags full to a charity that will take them out to a school in Kenya. They will be grateful for more, so if you have old trainers clogging up your cupboards I can happily collect and pass them on. The contact is very grateful to TAC. The charity is http://www.stpeterslifeline.org.uk/
Having collected quite a large number of trainers and spikes that have been kindly donated by members for recycling / resale to other members via the second hand sale, we have also raised nearly £500 for TAC. Hopefully once the renovations and the new Pavilion at the track are complete it will make it easier to run the stall on a regular basis.
In the mean time I have had a sort through the trainers (those that are not likely to be bought) and to keep the volume manageable I have passed on two bags full to a charity that will take them out to a school in Kenya. They will be grateful for more, so if you have old trainers clogging up your cupboards I can happily collect and pass them on. The contact is very grateful to TAC. The charity is http://www.stpeterslifeline.org.uk/
Ray Clark - recognised by South of England Athletics Association
Many of you will know Ray for his work, as a track judge, at both Tonbridge home and away track meetings, aswell as seeing him at cross country fixtures, throughout the Winter,
Ray has just been recognised, by the South of England Athletics Association, for his 20 + years in the sport.
Ray Clark of Tonbridge AC and Paddock Wood AC was the parent of a young Tonbridge athlete and accompanied the National Young Athletes' Team to a Southern Premier fixture at Haringey AC at White Hart Lane in Tottenham in approximately 1989. The Team Manager (Mike Rowbottom) had been taken seriously ill and the team was being 'led' (if that is the word!) by a few willing untrained volunteers. Ray was asked to be a track judge. He agreed but wanted to know what was involved - no-one knew! Off he went and, six or so hours later, he returned to the coach soaked to the skin but enthusing about the role! He hasn't looked back.
Ray is now one of the most experienced track judges in Southern England. He regularly supports both clubs to which he is attached by officiating as either a referee or track judge at fixtures, matches and open events. He attends County and Regional events, both summer and winter, and, as stated previously, he does not confine his officiating to just clubs etc but also supports both state and independent schools, disability events .... and virtually any event for which he is asked to support. He has also been the Officials' Secretary for Kent County AA and equipment 'manager' for Tonbridge.
Perhaps the most endearing quality of Ray Clark is that he is unfailingly cheerful with a most contagious chuckle. Serious but friendly. Disciplined but supportive. A great friend and ally to all his colleagues ..... an all-round good guy!
Ray has just been recognised, by the South of England Athletics Association, for his 20 + years in the sport.
Ray Clark of Tonbridge AC and Paddock Wood AC was the parent of a young Tonbridge athlete and accompanied the National Young Athletes' Team to a Southern Premier fixture at Haringey AC at White Hart Lane in Tottenham in approximately 1989. The Team Manager (Mike Rowbottom) had been taken seriously ill and the team was being 'led' (if that is the word!) by a few willing untrained volunteers. Ray was asked to be a track judge. He agreed but wanted to know what was involved - no-one knew! Off he went and, six or so hours later, he returned to the coach soaked to the skin but enthusing about the role! He hasn't looked back.
Ray is now one of the most experienced track judges in Southern England. He regularly supports both clubs to which he is attached by officiating as either a referee or track judge at fixtures, matches and open events. He attends County and Regional events, both summer and winter, and, as stated previously, he does not confine his officiating to just clubs etc but also supports both state and independent schools, disability events .... and virtually any event for which he is asked to support. He has also been the Officials' Secretary for Kent County AA and equipment 'manager' for Tonbridge.
Perhaps the most endearing quality of Ray Clark is that he is unfailingly cheerful with a most contagious chuckle. Serious but friendly. Disciplined but supportive. A great friend and ally to all his colleagues ..... an all-round good guy!
Ray Clark, with Mick Paul of Kent Athletic Association