Fourteen year old Lauren Whelan concluded her superb season with a Gold medal last Saturday whilst representing Merseyside at the English Schools Race Walking Championships at Exeter, writes Elizabeth Corran.

In the Junior Girls 3km, Lauren walked a very mature race taking front position at around 150 metres going well clear of her closest rival and was never once threatened.  She finished in a personal best time of 16.00.06, adding to her previous national title over 3km earlier this year.

Also walking in this group was team-mate Kirsty Taylor who finished an impressive 6^th in a time of 18.22.10.  This was slightly down on her best time but due to the fact that Kirsty has been plagued by injury this season she put in a very gutsy performance and technically walked very well.

Next to take to the start line was Ciarra Kaneen who was competing in the Senior Girls 5km and also her last English Schools event.  Ciarra walked with consistent pace and good technique throughout coming home in 4^th position in a time of 32.04.28 just outside the time she had hoped for. 

Due to the very hot conditions of 26 degrees all girls performed very well.

Unfortunately due to injury Karen Renacle was unable to compete but gained valuable experience from observing the races from the sideline.

3km Junior Girls:  Lauren Whelan 1^st 16.00.06, Vicky Morgan 2^nd 16.12.02, 3^rd Emily Symons 17.30.80, Kirsty Taylor 6^th 18.22.10.

5km Senior Girls: Rebecca Mersh 1^st 27.01.53, Fiona McGorum 2^nd 27.23.69, Keera Rayment 3^rd 28.54.96, Ciarra Kaneen 4^th 32.04.28

Lauren Whelan - schools champion

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