| Reminder: -
The Next Match is the Northern League Fixture at Blackpool on Saturday
5 May. This is an important team event and a full attendance is requested
from those selected to compete.
National
Junior League - Bebington Oval 29 April
There were long jump victories for Michael Causer (6.78)
and Taylor Caton-Hand (6.07) with a personal best for Tricia Spark
(8.50) in the shot putt. This put the club in fourth
position behind Blackburn, North Wales and Preston but ahead
of Wigan, Border and Wirral. Unfortunately, the inclement
weather (it was raining quite a bit) put an end to proceedings and the match
officially abandoned so we all start from scratch next time.
A word of praise for the athletes who turned up (in addition to the trio
referred to above) Chloe Rigby, Sophie Rigby, Rachel Woosey - if
anybody's been omitted please let me know.Praise too for our officials,
Chris Dempsey, Colin Spark, George Mullineux, Nathan Orr and
Dave Morley who were very disappointed when the match was called off.
Finally, thanks to parents and others who provided transport to and from
the venue and commiserations to Helena McGoldrick who had to avail
herself of the AA breakdown service.
Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational, Stanford
CA.29 April.
Dave Forrester recorded a season's best 3.44.7 over
1500m.
Greater Manchester Marathon, 29 April
Greg Williams
made the most of his recent form recording 2:52:52 in
26th Senior Male. Sharon Nunn was ninth O40 with
3.28.36 (24th female) and Dave Hampson was 57th O50 (887)
3.40.06. The club finished 25th overall with a combined time of
10.01.34. Pete Johnson unfortunately had to withdraw from the race in the
week before, after coming down with a virus.
Results
Ras
Y Moelwyn Fell Race 21 April
Greg Carnes and Mark Liptrot
were among the 128 runners who gathered on the
football
pitch at Blaenau Ffestiniog on Saturday 21st April for the
25th running of the annual Moelwyn 3-Peaks fell race (Ras Y Moelwyn). The
local celebrity/baker and Victorian strongman lookalike took his usual
place at the front of the start line (football goalposts). He's a regular
and usually finishes last.
It's reputed to be one of the toughest
fell races in Wales and it is a monster! An
impressively beautiful and demanding monster of a fell race. It's
headlined as ten miles but its only really 8.6, but it might as well be
twenty for all it packs in.
The first climb up to Moelwyn Mawr will take everything your legs
can give and then some, but you'd better make sure you have something left
for the descent to the col because it - is - a - BEAST!
Nigh on vertical grass gives way to intricate route finding through the
rocks of Craigysgafn
with a final steep drop to the col and then it is immediately into the
steep climb up to Moelwyn Bach. Repeat another couple of times with
various permutations of vertical drop offs, rocky climbs
and boggy descents. The descent
off the final peak was particularly boggy and slippy and I'd already had a
couple of falls when I lost traction again, landed on my backside and went
straight into an unstoppable mud-slide down the hill which seemed to go on
forever. It was impressive enough to warrant comment on the post-race
fell-running forums, with the distance being exaggerated slightly to 0.5
mile. It caused some hilarity to the onlookers too, though I found it
slightly less amusing with a huge bruise and leg length graze to show for
my white knuckle ride. Finally, a leg sapping run in back down the
quarry inclines. But that isn't the final run in! Oh no, you
forgot that almost unnoticed bit of respite on the way up, which is now an
ever so slight but far too much of a climb on the way back!
Then it really is the final run in,
across the field, back through the goalposts and slump over the finishing
line. Mark finished in an
impressive 1:41 and 27th place. Minimal training meant I
finished five minutes slower than last year in 1:51 and 58th
place. I'm hoping to get back to full fitness and then some and
give Mark a race next year. A
fantastic race through stunning scenery. I can't imagine a better value
£5. The following day 35,000 people chose to run through the
over-crowded capital in that over-rated "must do" race. No thanks.
(Report from Greg Carnes)
Tesco
Vouchers
Tesco are again running
their campaign for Schools and Clubs, vouchers are available in store and
are awarded for every £10 spent.
The campaign offers hundreds of items of essential equipment in exchange for
vouchers. We collected about 800 vouchers last year
and decided to bank them and save for larger items in 2012. Vouchers are
issued up to 20th May at the shop and petrol station.
Don’t forget to ask for yours and bring them along to your Club.
There is a collection box at the desk ready for you to pop them in.
Health
and Safety Notice.
Athletes and coaches are
not permitted to use mobile phones, ipods and other distracting items
while on the track or field during training.
Anyone wishing to use such items must leave the track and field
area and be beyond the perimeter fence before they do so.
This is not just a health and safety requirement, it is a common sense
way of avoiding accidents.
London Marathon - Sunday 22nd April
On a great day in
London, without the usual high temperatures, we were expecting some good
times from the club's runners.
Gemma Connolly ran a great marathon coming home a
magnificent 18th female overall with 2:51:17 with impressively
even splits.
Dorothy Fairhurst eclipsed that position with a run of 4:56:54 to
give her a top ten finish as 9th F70.
Cherryl Orrick 4:07:11 had another well paced run to
complete the trio of female runners
For the men Robbie Marsh was first
back, sneaking under the 3:15 mark with 3:14:42, Alan McNally
struggled with a knee injury to record 4:07:39,
Pete McAleny ran a PB of 4:32:58, and Maurice
Collins did not finish, after passing through halfway in 1:41.
Steve Tate did not start the race and Ian Pass, Barry Graney
withdrew earlier in the week (with leg injury and chest infection
respectively).
Apologies to Alan McNally and Pete
McAleny who were missing from the initial report (due to not having the
club name on their entry form as St Helens Sutton AC).
As ever if you have information regarding a race you have run, from just a
note to say you've run it to writing a race report, or if you have some
pictures then please drop us an email.
We'd love to have your help. It's impossible to guess who ran where
and when for every race our many members do.
Seven St Helens Sutton AC members made their way down to London, most doubting that they had done enough training or the recent niggles that
appeared just a week before would let them finish. Cherryl was a first timer and the word agony came up a lot in discussions. Gemma
Connolly had gained a Championship place and looked good warming up, whilst everyone else was in the longest toilet queue ever.
Gemma ran a fantastic race and an even paced run to come home in a time of 2:51:17, 15th female, Rob Marsh ran well and did 3.14.42.
Cherryl Orrick ran her first marathon and came home in an even paced 4.07.11 ( a negative split for second half) and actually never hit
any wall that she was warned about, she felt strong in last 6 miles and when passing Iwan Thomas at mile 24, she asked if he would like
to race the last 400m (Cherryl beat him).. Next home was Alan McNally, who ran a strong first half then struggled with a knee injury but
showed guts and determination to finish with a time of 4.07.39.( was expecting 3.30, but battled through). Pete McAleny ran a PB with a
time of 4.32.58. Next home was Dot Fairhurst who is truly amazing as she is 70 years old, came 9th in her age in a time of 4.56.54, she
was actually disappointed as she had a fall and got cramp. An amazing result from everyone who finished. Maurice Collins pulled out at 17
miles not sure of full details why. Well done and congratulations. A Marathon is to be respected as a great achievement. Many months of
training and preparation, trying to stay healthy and injury free is well worth it in the end. (report from Cherryl Orrick).
Results
Cheshire League -
Sunday 22nd April
40 club members turned out for the first Cheshire
League meeting in very wet and cold conditions. We covered most of the
events.
The club did very well and it was nice to see some new faces as well as old
ones.
We still need Under 11 Girls, Under 15 Girls, Under 15 Boys, Under 17 Boys
and Senior Men.
Well Done to all athletes and officials. We look forward to seeing you next
time on Saturday 9th June.
Results
Team Manager: Helena McGoldrick.
Calderdale Hike
Mark Liptrot took part in
this long distance race recently coming 7th in 6:06.
Mark says it was "A magnificent race in the countryside and a
counterpoint to that marathon they keep going on about.
No one runs dressed as a chicken and the atmosphere comes from the cry of
the curlew and the sound of the wind rather than the cheering masses".
Report
Results
Tom O'Mahoney Memorial Meeting 21 April
Thaddeus Anim Somuah opened his season by equalling his pb and
club record of 10.9 (100) and ran 51.8(400). Brother Simon
made his debut with 61.9
Katie Bowers-Folan also made her first
appearance for the club setting personal bests in the 200 (28.9) and
65.1 (400).
Stoke: 21 April
Taylor Caton-Hand travelled to Stoke,
finishing second in the long jump with 5.62.
Competitions : Young Athletes
All club members are expected to represent the club in competitions. It's an
ideal way of measuring athletes' progress and building self-confidence.
The club's young athletes train in groups in
accordance with their ability and commitment to competition.
Competition is part of the fun of athletics
and there are a variety of such competitions.
1) Internal competitions. These are
for newcomers and those not yet ready for external competitions.
2) Open Meetings. These are meetings
where athletes can enter up to three events of their own choice against
athletes of similar ability from other clubs
3) League Meetings. These are
meetings which include a number of events on track and field but are limited
to only two athletes per event.
4) Winter Time: There are outdoor
events for road running/cross country, indoor Sports Hall meetings and some
indoor track and field meetings.
5) Lists of competitions are
available in the clubhouse and on the website
The club's coaches are available to advise
athletes and parents about competition and other matters so don't hesitate
to ask.
Parents' Responsibilities
We would like to remind all parents of some key points around Welfare and would ask for your support in their ongoing implementation.
Injuries and Illness - The situation has improved, however, we still have athletes who arrive for training having been sick or injured earlier in the day.
PLEASE don't bring them. It risks making the situation worse, hinders the session for everyone else and your child won't enjoy or benefit
from the session.
Dropping Off - Regardless of start time, it is each parent's responsibility to look after their child until a Coach arrives and collects them for the
session. Please do not "drop and go" as your child will be unsupervised, could have an accident or there may be an unforeseen reason why we have to
cancel the session. (It also ensures that subs go to the right place and not the cafe as sometimes happens).
Waiting - We will collect athletes and start warm ups ASAP. In the meantime, PLEASE stop them from messing around and climbing the walls. It is dangerous
and we regularly have accidents. If you spot someone else's child messing about please point them out to a club official.
Collection - All Junior athletes MUST be collected from the track. NOT the cafe and NOT the Car Park. If you are late for any reason someone from the
club will stay with them. However, if they are waiting somewhere else we won't spot them and they are placed at increased risk of accident and more
serious welfare issues. Coaches may also need to point out issues about injuries, illness or poor behaviour and cannot do so if we don't see you.
The club is run entirely by volunteers, it is only fair that parents support them by following the guidelines above to ensure the safety of their own children.
Thank you for your assistance.
Wigan open Meeting, Sunday 15th April
On Sunday we had 25 athletes competing in the Wigan open meeting. All of them showed potential for the season, once again well done to everyone.
The are on the Wigan website or at the following link Results.
Liverpool Throws and Jumps Meeting 14 April
The club's throwers and jumpers were in action at Wavertree, Mike Hughes 22.62 (DT), 31.37 (HT) and 8.26 (SP) warming up for next month's senior league.
Michael Causer won the long jump 6.86, Taylor Caton-Hand his age-group with 6.13 and triple jump with 13.03. Chloe Rigby was second in the high jump.(1.40)
Heather Drillingcourt opened her season with 9.43 in the triple jump while Josh Rawlinson jumped 4.92 for second in the U15 age-group
Patricia Spark recorded 21.63 (DT), 36.20(HT) and 7.88(SP) as markers for the season.
The following day at Wigan there was a battle royal in the discus between Nathan Orr (24.59), Michael Hughes (23.36) and Steve Winn (22.12)
It took a personal best from Nathan to win the contest. Mike also cleared thirty metres with the hammer and recorded 8.11 (SP), Steve just 17cms adrift.
Others competing included Patricia Spark (SP), TaylorCaton-Hand (LJ), Steve Clague (800) and Adam Brunt (400).
Trafford Results from 9th April
Can now be found at the following link Results
Apologies for missing James Lee from the original comp update, we didn't spot you in the rain at Longford Park!.
Great 1st 1500M Track Run James, Congratulations and well done.
Ambleside Sports Day & Camping Trip - Social and Competition
We now have more details about
the event on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th July
(optional).
It is open to Junior and
Senior members so please register interest on the notice board at the club ASAP
so that we can get it all booked.
We will be camping on the
football pitches at Ambleside FC and have use of their bathrooms, showers,
kitchen and TV room. The pitch is 200m from the centre of Ambleside and 1/2 mile
from Lake Windermere so there will be plenty to do. Camping will cost
approximately £20 per couple, per night and you can either stay for one night or
more. The owners have said that they will allow a limited number of caravans for
the lightweights who prefer not to rough it under canvas
J
All Juniors MUST be
accompanied by at least one parent / guardian.
Ambleside Sports Day is at
Rydal Park, just north of the town (walking distance from the camp site). There
are a number of races available for all ages and abilities including fell races
and grass track events. The prize money is fairly good and I would predict a few
winners from the club if we get a decent turnout. For more info please visit:
http://www.amblesidesports.co.uk.
The organisers have also said that we can have a go at Traditional Cumberland
Wrestling too if we fancy!!
After the sports day we will
return to the camp and arrange a BBQ and chill out in the tropical Lakeland
sunshine.
On the Friday there are a
number of activities that we can arrange, depending on the weather and budgets
but could include Kayaking on Windermere / Mountain Biking at Grizedale / a Hill
Walk / Pitch & Putt / Indoor Swimming / Shopping.
It would be great to see lots
of people up there and competing.
Last September the club arranged
the 1st ever Dream Trail Race with the
Steve Prescott Foundation at Sutton Manor. Approximately 120 adults and 40
Juniors took place in races around the Dream statue raising over
£1,600 towards equipment for the club and
for SPF who raise money for Christie's
and Try Assist.
We have been asked to do it
again on Sunday 16th September 2012.
To make it easier to develop and
grow the event we would like to appoint an
organising committee and are looking for volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer
please email ayoung@demuto.eu. No
experience is required, I can help guide you in the right direction and you
would be doing us a huge favour.
Roles will include:
Commercial Activities - seeking
sponsors etc
Marketing - seeking participants by
working with other athletic clubs, local press etc
Registration - working with the
online registration system to do the race admin and perhaps hosting a couple
of sign up sessions in St Helens somewhere.
Course Management - working with
the Forestry Commission and St Johns to get everything ready on the course in
time.
Junior Race Promo - Getting
the event heard about in schools and getting juniors to participate.
Prize Management - Sourcing winners
trophies and Goody Bag contents.
Trafford Medal Comp : Monday 9 April
8 hardy young athletes braved the awful Bank Holiday weather to compete at the Trafford Medal Competition on Monday 9th April.
For the U11 boys, Nathan Rawlinson focused on the 150M and Long Jump, Xander Storey did the 600M and Long Jump and Jack Lowrie ran a really good race
to come 4th in a very fast 600M heat.
Peter Davies took the step up to Under 13's for the 1st time running in the 100M and taking part in a very soggy Long Jump competition.
For the girls, Caitlin Young, Lorna Glenn and Emily Smith had good runs in the Under 13's 75 metre heats, Lorna and Emily also did Long Jump whilst
Jessica Leonard took the step up to Under 15's winning both her 100M and 200M heats comfortably.
Well done to all 8 for turning out in such atrocious weather and giving 100%.
Apologies for missing James Lee from the original competition update, we didn't spot you in the rain at Longford Park!. Great 1st 1500M Track Run James, Congratulations and well done.
Results can now be found at the following link Results
Run The Bridge - Easter Sunday 8 April
Fourteen club members turned out in the wind and rain for this five mile run across Runcorn Bridge.
First home from the club and showing fine form were Jamie White 28.38 and Ian Costello 29.39 (first local runner).
Gemma Connolly followed with 30.47, second female and first female local runner.
There were strong runs from Maurice Collins 31.12, John Appleton 34.50 and Julia Eccleston 35.19.
Completing the club's representation were Sharon Nunn 40,02, Colin Leyland 41.24. Pam Appleton 41.28, Jo Keogh 42.31. Linda White 44.56, Dot Fairhurst 45.38.
Jane Ashcroft 46.01 and Karen Harrison 46.14. To top off a great day the ladies won the team prize.
A good turn out and well done to everyone. Good luck to those competing in the London Marathon.
Report from Cherryl Orrick. Results at: http://www.runhalton.co.uk/files/2012runthebridgehalton5mile.pdf
Warrington Open : Sunday 1
April
The club had a very impressive turnout of
twenty athletes for
the start of the Track & Field Season at Warrington./p>
There were first time appearances
on the track for Lorna Glenn, Emily Smith, Jack Lowrie, Liam
Houghton, Lauren Park, Charlie Roberts and Josh Rawlinson
who all did extremely well.
Several athletes were placed in the Top 3
but convincing wins for Charlie Roberts (U11, 600m) and
Michael Causer (100m) stood out on the day amongst spectators from all clubs. Michael once again claimed
club records in the long jump, breaking the seven metre
barrier to record 7.02m for new senior and
junior marks.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone
who took part.
Results
Sale Harriers, "Over the Bales" Cross
Country : Sunday 1 April
An individual bronze and a team silver were deserved awards for
club athletes at the above event. Joe Ford grabbed third spot in
the U13 Boys. In the U13 Girls' event,
Olivia, Alexandria, Abbey and Alex combined for the team silver
medal with close packing in the Sutton tradition.
Report by John Woodward
Results
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