News 2015

Up and Running Winter Walking League – Round 3

Manx Harriers were fortunate to find a window in the weather on Sunday morning and though it was cold, it was at least dry and conditions underfoot were good with the exception of some frozen parts on the junior course which meant the course was short, nevertheless the juniors were racing well and all showing good technique.  Olivia Corran kept up her winning ways but the close race was again between Daniel Lawrie and Grayse Fletcher who were almost together at the finish.   Sophie Lawrie and newcomer Joshua Corran also walked well and are sure to keep improving.

Sole competitor in the 2km was the improving Abbie Edwards.  She kept up a good pace to the finish.  In the 3km Stephen Waddington and Archie Walter raced closely with Archie taking it out in the early stages, but with Stephen just edging ahead in the final kilometre.  Alice Bellando walked another fine race and is getting stronger this winter and added to her great technique she should be one to watch in the upcoming season.

Janine Webber made a winning return in the 5km after missing the Andreas round she has clearly improved her fitness and was over 2 minutes clear on handicap.  Sarah Nash claimed a new personal best in 2nd position as did 3rd placed Maura Kelly.  Sharon Cain was fastest with 32.32 and also shaved another small margin off her personal best.

It was also good to see a return to racing from Lucy Webber after a foot injury put her out of action.

The 10km had a healthy 44 starters going off on handicap, to add to the festive feel there were a few “ interesting” kit choices on show.  Gianni Epifani was clearly setting his stall out for this race and showing improved technique and speed he recorded a lifetime best with 52.12 and the race win.  Footballer Anna Dillon made her debut in the league and showed a great natural technique and recorded an impressive time for her first effort ever.  She then promptly warmed down to get ready for a football match that afternoon!  Ann-Marie Clucas was delighted with her 5 minute improvement from round 1 and finishing a clear third, although in 4th Steve Parker had been started with an extra 9 minute handicap which meant that though finishing last on the road, once his handicap was adjusted he moved up to an impressive 4th place.

Fastest walker on the day was junior Tom Partington, who took over a minute off his lifetime best to record a highly impressive 48.43, he is reaping the rewards of working hard in all areas of his fitness.  Adam Cowin was second fastest and also well under 50 minutes. Gianni Epifani was third fastest with his personal best time.

Hannah Hunter was comfortably the fastest female of the day with 56.55.  Karen Chiarello raced for the first time this winter and walked with determination to be second fastest female, just outside the hour.  Erika Kelly was walking at around 64 minute pace at the start of the winter and is making rapid improvement now that hopefully some of her injury problems have subsided, she recorded another personal best of 61.20 and looks more than capable of breaking the hour in the near future.  There were many other fine performances on the day, a notable mention to “Father Christmas” aka Jock Waddington, who got under the hour and “Rudolph” aka James Quirk who still nearly got under the hour despite cooking in his outfit.  Spiderman aka Sam Fletcher was fastest using all of his superpowers to record 56.18.

Manx Harriers would like to thank Brian Leece (who took part in the 10km) for arranging the use of the St. Johns F.C. clubhouse where the post race food and social took place after the event.  Thanks also to all the volunteers and officials who made it possible for the races to go ahead and run smoothly and to those who competed for supporting the raffle which goes towards helping junior walkers in off Island competition.

Round 4 will be held on the Ronaldsway Industrial Estate (follow directions for registration) from 9.15am on Sunday 10th January with racing to commence at 10.am. This event will be a scratch start with everyone going off together and handicaps will be added at the finish.   If anyone is free to help with recording or marshalling, please contact Bridget on 497594

Results thanks to Bridget Kaneen


Annual General Meeting 

The Committee would like to thank everyone that attended the Manx Harriers Annual General Meeting. It was good to see both athletes and volunteers together allowing them to gain valuable insight into the work the Committee does behind the scenes.  

The Committee would also like to thank former Chairman Niall McGarrigle for his contribution and hard work over the last four years along with Paul Jackson and Charlotte Christian who also stood down from their respective roles.

Manx Harriers Life Memberships were awarded to Niall McGarrigle, Paul Jackson and John Whitlow for their contributions to the club.

Unfortunately there were no nominations for the outstanding positions of Chairman and female Welfare Officer so these important positions remain vacant.  If you would like to be considered for either of these positions then please contact club Secretary Jo Glassey at [email protected] .

The minutes of the AGM can be viewed here


Up and Running Winter Walking League – Round 2

Here are the results of the first round of the Up and Running Winter Walking League held on the 15th November 2015.

Results thanks to Bridget Kaneen


Up and Running Winter Walking League – Round 1

Here are the results of the first round of the Up and Running Winter Walking League held on the 25th October 2015.

Results thanks to Bridget Kaneen


Welbeck Hotel & Resaurant One Hour Challenge Walk

Photo Murray Lambden

The  Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant sponsored  “One hour challenge” walking event was held on Sunday 11th October.  First novice was Jason Moffatt (120) who covered 8996m. Kathryn Clough was second novice (8919m) and in joint third were Louise Hollings (121) and Sharon Cain (188) who completed 8884m. Adam Cowin covered the furthest distance of 12182m with Tom Partington second (11908m) and Sam Fletcher third (11149m). Archie Walter took the honours in the Half Hour Challenge completing 4896m ahead of Leah Goddard in second and Lucy Webber third. In a very close race Daniel Lawrie won the Junior 1Km challenge in 7m 39s with second placed Grayse Fletcher just one second behind in 7m 40s and Orla Goddard third just one second adrift of Grayse.

Results thanks to Bridget Kaneen

photos by Murray Lambden


20Km Racewalking Championships

The Manx Harriers 20km racewalk and supporting races took place on Sunday 6th September on the perimeter roadway at the National Sports Centre. The race attracted top class Internationals with Britain’s World Champs representative Tom Bosworth of Tonbridge AC leading the way recording a winning time of 1.34.11. Cardiff’s Bethan Davies was second overall and first lady in a time of 1.38.17 and ten minutes clear of third placed and first local competitor Adam Cowin of the host club who recorded 1.48.27. Visiting walker Rebecca Collins of Northdown AC  was second lady in 1.55.24. Jayne Farquhar won the 10Km race in 65.01 ahead of Louise Hollings with Sharon Cain in third. Tom Partington recorded a fine PB to win the 5Km event in 23.02 ahead of fellow Manx Harriers Dave Mackey in second and first lady Rebecca Greatbatch in third. Archie Walter and Grayse Fletcher won the 3Km and 1Km races respectively.

Results thanks to Bridget Kaneen


Anna Maria Cutillo Foxdale 6 Run & Walk

Andy Barron of Manx Harriers won the Foxdale 6 Run on Thursday 13th August ahead of Jack Okell in second and Nigel Armstrong in third. Rachael Hamilton won the ladies race. Just five walkers took part with Adam Cowin the overall winner. Marie Jackson was first lady. Results

Photos by Murray Lambden This event is part of the No Rest For the Wicked Series


 Inter Area Match

Manx racewalkers Archie Walter, Alice Belando, Steven Waddington, Jock Waddington, Ed Walters and Stephanie Quayle represented the North of England in the Inter Area Match at Tamworth Athletic Stadium on Saturday 11th July 2015.

Results thanks to Trevor & Linda McDermot

 Brilliant Bronze for Catherine

Catherine Reid finished a superb third in the 400m final at the IAAF Youth World Championships in Cali, Columbia during the early hours (UK time) of Saturday 18th July. Competing for Team GB, Catherine achieved a personal best time of 52.25sec to claim the bronze medal in an exciting race.

Video coverage of the race

Full Report and photo on the British Athletics website

Congratulations Catherine from everyone at Manx Harriers!!


 British Track Championships

Two Manx Harriers race walkers competed in the British Track championships on Sunday at The Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. In a high quality field in which Tonbridge A.C. athlete Tom Bosworth broke his own British record, both Adam Cowin and 15 year old Tom Partington, produced lifetime track best times. Adam placed 8th in 23 minutes 12.73 seconds and Tom in 9th with 23 minutes 18.62 seconds. Tom Bosworth producing a remarkable 19 minutes 00.73 seconds. Thanks to Bridget Kaneen


 Steve Jacobs Memorial Mile

This popular event took place at the NSC track on Wednesday 8th July 2015 as part of Manx Harriers Track and Field League.

Results thanks to Chris Quine


 Parish Walk record for Richard Gerrard

Richard Gerrad won the Manx Telecom Parish Walk on the evening of Saturday 20th June completing the 85 mile course in a record time of 14 hours 40 minutes and 8 seconds – 2 minutes 24 seconds inside the previous best which he shared with Vinny Lynch in 2012. Manx Harriers team mates Michael George and Dave Walker finished second and third respectively. First lady was Jeanette Morgan.

Full coverage at the official event website www.parishwalk.com by Murray Lambden


Stunning run by Catherine Reid in the Bedford International Games

A stunning performance from Manx Harrier junior Catherine Reid who today (Sunday 31st May) broke the outright Manx record for 400m in the Bedford International Games with a brilliant run of 53.34 in windy conditions. Catherine not only won her race but also record the fastest time over the two heats, which were chock full of top quality GB athletes. The performance betters the UKA standard for both U18 World standard and also the European U20 Standard. Catherine has also gone over 1 second inside the UKA World Youth Championships standard of 54.50 for Cali in Columbia in July. With the team being selected at the end of June, Catherine has put herself very much in the frame for a possible Great Britain call up in the highest competition possible in her age group. Results (thanks to Bridget Kaneen)


Lancashire Track & Field Championships

Well done to all Manx Harriers athletes who competed in the Lancashire Track & Field Championships at Stanley Park,  Blackpool on 23rd & 24th May. Congratulations to all medal winners. Results and Photos


 Open 5Km Walk – TT Access Road, Thursday 21st May

Adam Cowin was a clear winner, celebrating his call up to walk for England in a small nations match on June 21st. ahead of under 17 International Tom Partington with Sam Fletcher 3rd just ahead of Gianni Epifani both improving considerably. Dave Mackey , Ed Walter and James Quirk all did best times just getting home ahead of leading lady Erica Kelly who along with friend and rival Rebecca Greatbach broke through the 30 min barrier, dragging the improving Ray Beattie with them also. Archie Walter and Alice Bellando had p.b. 3km and juniors Grayse Fletcher and Orla had a good battle over 1 km. Photos by Murray Lambden

5 km

1 Adam Cowin 23 min 12 sec.

2 Tom Partington ( u/17) 23 min 55 sec

3 Sam Fletcher 26 min 03 sec

4 Gianni Epifanni 26 min 04 sec

5 Dave Walker 26 min 43 sec

6 Dave Mackay 28 min 08 sec

7= James Quirk 28 min 21 sec

7= Ed walter 28 min 21 sec

9 Eika Kelly ( L 29 min 24 sec

10 Rebecca Greatbatch ( u/20) 29 min 53 sec

11 Ray Beattie 29 sec 56 sec

12 Maura Kelly 34 min 44 sec

13 Michelle Sherry 40 min 36 sec.

Junior 3 km.

1 Archie Walter 17 min 16 sec

2 Alice Ballando 18 min 03 sec.

Juniors 1 km

1 Grayse Fletcher 7 min 53 sec.

2 Orla Goddard 7 min 58 sec.

Thanks to Allan Callow & Bridget Kaneen


 10,000m Track Walk & Run

The 10,000m track championships were held in very wet conditions on Wednesday 29th April at the N.S.C. track. Congratulations to Adam Cowin who won the walk in a time of 47min 39.5sec ahead of runner up Michael George and third placed Sam Fletcher. Tom Partington took the 5,000m title in 23min 37.1sec ahead of first lady Erica Kelly in 30min 13.2sec and Rebecca Greatbatch third. In the 3,000m event Archie Walters was the winner in 16min 55.4sec ahead of Danielle Oates in17min 44.5sec. Stephen Waddington took the 1,000m honours in 5min 06.5sec ahead of Leah Goddard in second and Alice Bellando third.

Ten runners took part in the 10,000m run championships with Kevin Loundes taking the title in a time of 32min 12.0sec. Allan Corlett was second in 32min 37.4sec and Michael Garrett third in 34min 00.4sec. Gail Griffiths was first lady and 9th overall in 38min 34.0sec ahead of Caroline Mayers 40min 08.5sec

Thanks to event organiser Bridget Kaneen and all the official and helpers on the night Photo by Steve Partington

Full Results (thanks to Bridget Kaneen)


365 Bands Presentation

The athletics 365 awards presentation took place at the National Sports Institute on Friday 24th April. Some 49 children have achieved red, yellow, green and purple levels and those present were awarded with their Certificates and bands. The children have worked hard with the coaches all through the winter months in the gym at Bemahague school and outdoors on Thursday evenings from conditioning, skills and movement literacy through to having their assessments before the Easter break. Well done to all and congratulations on your achievements. (Thanks to Bridget Kaneen) photo by Bridget Kaneen


 Virgin Money London Marathon

Congratulations to the Manx Harriers athletes who completed in the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 26th April.

Place Name no Category HALF FINISH
1621 » Armstrong, Nigel (GBR) 29855 45-49 01:29:32 02:58:39
6141 » Curphey, Paul (GBR) 27368 50-54 01:38:26 03:29:37
27266 » Foster, Jane (GBR) 22747 40-44 02:14:12 04:53:20
20119 » Jones, Stewart (GBR) 22693 40-44 02:08:26 04:24:03

 


Manx Harriers medals at the National Racewalking Championships

Manx Harriers claimed 3 titles at the National Race walking Championships held at a windy Hillingdon Cycle Centre on Saturday 18th April including Archie Walter in the Under 13 Boys 2km, Rebecca Greatbatch in the Junior Ladies 10km and the 20km team of Mathew Haddock and Dave Mackey. Silver in the Under 17 Boys went to Tom Partington and Steve Waddington was second in the Under 15 3km. In the Girls 3km, Alice Bellando had a fine debut at the Nationals with a 6th. place. There was a 3rd place for Richard Gerrard of the IOM Vets in the men’s 20km in which Richard Wild placed 6th, Mathew Haddock 7th and Dave Mackey 12th. In the Ladies 20km Michelle Turner of Northern A.C raced after a spell out through injury and in a quality field placed 5th. Also back from injury Adam Cowin raced the 20km but ran out of training at 15km but the positive was he was still in 4th place at the time. Thanks to all the help from Manx Harriers and all helpers who made it a successful day for the local race walkers (Thanks to Allan Callow)

Under 13 boys 2km

1 Archie Walter Manx H. 11 min 05 sec.

Under 15 Girls

1 Anna Garcia – Sheffield – 15 min 44 sec

6 Alice Belando Manx H. 18 min 30 sec.

Under 15 Boys

1 Ben Allen Leicester 16 min 48 sec

2 Stephen Waddington Manx H. 17 min 37 sec

Under 17 boys

1 Chris Snook Aldershot 24 min 16 sec

2 Tom Partington Manx. H 24 min 26 sec.

Under 20 Ladies

1 Rebecca Greatbatch Manx.H 63.min 12 sec.

Ladies 20 km.

1 Heather Lewis Cardiff 103min 36 sec

5 Michelle Turner Northern A.C. 112 mi n 10 sec

Men’s 20 Km

1 Tom Boswoth Tonbridge 89 min 16 sec.

3 Richard Gerrard I.O.M. Vets 107 min 31sec

6 Richard Wild Northern A.C. 109 min 02 sec.

7 Mathew Haddock Manx. H 122 min 19 sec.

12 Dave Mackey Manx H. 127 min 38 sec.


Fantastic England International debut for Tom

Junior race walker Tom Partington was selected to represent England athletics when he competed in the European permit meeting in Podebrady in the Czech Republic on Saturday 11th April.

Report by Bridget Kaneen

(picture by Bridget of junior men attached left to right Tom Partington, Callum Wilkinson, Timothy Snook, Cameron Corbishley).


 Long Jump Gold for Aimee in Liverpool

Aimee Cringle had a very successful day competing in the Long Jump at the Open throws and jumps meeting at Wavertree track in Liverpool over the weekend of 11th & 12th April.

She won the U17 womens competition with a lifetime best of 5m 36cm a mark which earned her a silver salver for getting a AAA grade 1 standard as well as the gold medal. It also bettered the standard for selection for the Isle of Man team for Samoa Commonwealth Youth Games and the English Schools finals.

There were other very good performances at this field event meeting. Josh Hewett was clear winner in the long jump with a fine 6.16m jump. In the high jump he was head to head with Liverpool Harrier Steven Jones and just lost out on count back both athletes clearing 1.95m in far from ideal cool conditions. Amber Sibbald won the U17 female High jump with 1.55m. Ciara Goddard was third in the pole vault with 2.30m

Richard Bell won the discus with a 35.31m throw and also 47.45 in the hammer for a promising start to the season and younger sister Alice was also in good early season form with a 32.32 hammer throw. Thanks to Bridget Kaneen


 Fantastic England International debut for Tom in Podebrady

Junior race walker Tom Partington was selected to represent England athletics when he competed in the European permit meeting in Podebrady in the Czech Republic on Saturday 11th April. Being one of the youngest walkers in the race which was for junior men and at 10km currently twice his racing distance, he was selected to be on the team to gain experience for the future rather than have any expectation of great performance in this event. He was part of a four man team and was aiming to get inside his personal best of 52.24 which was set at the beginning of the winter. The race started in very warm and sunny conditions and temperatures of around 20 degrees. Tom started very positively and finished his first kilometre in 4.40 which was 30 seconds inside his intended race pace which caused a bit of alarm from the coaching team, however he soon settled in to slightly more modest pacing and appeared to be enjoying his first competition at this level. His team mate Callum Wilkinson had a very good race equalling his personal best of 44.15 and finishing 4th with a European Cup qualification time. Cameron Corbishley was not far behind, but picked up his third red card after the 8km mark. Tom put in another fast lap to finish the race and took over two and a half minutes off his lifetime best to record his first ever sub 50 minute performance with 49.52 a tremendous international debut perform for the 15 year old. Meanwhile Tim Snook was the third of the three British finishers in the race with 52.51. (Thanks to Bridget Kaneen)


Manx Harriers at the Easter Festival of Running

Despite an overall disappointing entry from Manx Harriers athletes, there was no doubting Ollie Lockley’s commitment and support for the event as he followed up his excellent 4th place  in Friday’s 10Km road race with impressive 7th placed finishes in Saturday’s Peel Hill Race and  Sunday’s 5Km on Douglas Promenade. Ollie finished an excellent 5th overall in the men’s festival points tally leading the only Manx Harriers men’s team to complete the Festival this year to 9th overall with club mates Richard Highfield, Paul Sykes and Dave Newton.

Dawn Yates was the highest placed  finisher for the host club in 18th place  in the overall Women’s standings, with Manx Harriers’ Women’s A Team colleagues Joanne Glassey 32nd and Mary Tait 44th. Together with Laura Dickinson who competed in Sunday’s 5Km, the team finished 8th overall.

There were two age group Manx records set in Sunday’s 5Km race on Douglas Promenade with Junior Woman Katie Astin finishing a brilliant 4th in a time of 18m 05sec breaking her older sister Gemma’s record set in the same event in 2010. In the men’s race David Mullarkey broke the U17 record finishing an impressive 27th overall recording 16min 30s.

Well done to all Manx Harriers athletes who took part in the Festival. Thanks to all the officials, helpers and supporters and a big thank you and congratulations to the Festival organising committee of Chris Quine, Dave Ronan, Michelle Stevens and David Griffiths on a very successful 2015 Easter Festival of Running. Full coverage at www.easterfestival.info


Sarah Astin finishes third in Inter Counties Cross Country

On Saturday 7th March, Sarah Astin of Manx Harriers finished a brilliant third in the inter-counties cross-country championships at Cofton Park, Birmingham and is now on the brink of a GB call up click here for more details


 Appeal for Easter Festival Helpers

The 2015 Easter Festival has received a record number of entries with 485 runners entered for at least one event over the weekend so far. It should make a great spectacle and will bring kudos to the club if it is a success.  The organising team have been working hard over the winter both promoting and planning the weekend. However, having attracted a record entry there is still a lot of work to do in delivering a safe and successful event.

Whilst we have a hardcore of helpers who support the Festival year in, year out (some aged over 70!), we need more help from club members. For example, on the Good Friday 10k there are around 40 marshalling points to cover and we also need helpers to distribute drinks too. On Saturday, we need help marking the course in the morning as well as marshals in the afternoon. Easter Sunday is, again, primarily a marshaling job and providing a presence to make sure the events are run without incident.

Here are some rough timings:

Good Friday – Port Erin – 18.15 – 20.00

Easter Saturday – Peel – 09.30 – 12.00 (course marking) and 1.45 – 15.45 (marshalling)

Easter Sunday – Douglas Promenade – 09.50 – 12.30

As we know, without someone to do these jobs there would be no events so if you are running one or two of the events, please help by volunteering to assist at the other race/races.

If you are able to support the club, please either message me or e-mail [email protected]. All marshals will be given a high-viz jacket to wear and written instructions as well

Come on, let’s show what a great job Manx Harriers can do!


 Manx 10Km and Junior Racewalking Championships

Adam Cowin won the 10Km Racewalking Championships on Sunday 29th March on the NSC Perimeter Roadway in a time of 50min 16sec. Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club (IOMVAC) walker Richard Gerrard was runner up recording 50min 59sec, with Dave Walker of the host club third in 56min 40sec. Louise Smith of IOMVAC won the ladies title in a time of 65min 11sec just over 2 mins ahead of clubmate Louise Hollings 67min 57sec and Jayne Artz third.

Rebecca Greatbatch of Manx Harriers took the 5Km title recording 31min 01sec ahead of Northern AC’s Erika Kelly. Stephen Waddington won the 3Km in 17min 47sec ahead of Leah Goddard of Northern AC. Lottie Dawson claimed the 1Km title recording 8min 24sec with Grayse Fletcher-Merryweather second, Orla Goddard third and Ben Dawson fourth.

Results here (thanks to Bridget Kaneen)


 English National Cross Country Championships

Manx Harriers athletes were in action on Saturday 21st February at the England National Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill, London. The highlight was a fantastic performance by the Women’s team to finish 7th overall (out of 93 teams) with Sarah Astin finishing a brilliant 3rd overall. The Men’s team finished an excellent 45th (out of 145 teams). Junior Men: 97th Stephen Garrett Results: Senior Men: 82nd Kevin Loundes; 96th Oliver Lockley; 164th Alan Corlett; 539th Andrew Isaac; 673rd Richard Highfield; 1119th Andy Fox; 1701st Matthew Mortimer; Results: Senior Women: 3rd Sarah Astin; 16th Racael Franklin; 151st Gail Griffiths; 165th Karen Shimmin; 398th Joanna Hall; Results: U15 Boys: 199th George Dickinson; Results: U15 Girls: 138th Laura Dickinson; Results: U17 Women: 9th Katie Astin; Results.

YouTube video of the women’s race by Dave Griffiths (Available in full HD by changing the settings when the video starts) & Photos by Mark Easton


 Track & Field 2015

The Club has joined the Mid-Lancs Track and Field League for the 2015 season. This is a friendly competition League and the Club are treating this as a development opportunity for athletes. The dates for competition, all Saurdays, are 11th April Blackpool, 9th May Litherland, 4th July Lancaster, 1st August Hyndburn, and 29th August Wigan. One other date has yet to be confirmed. The competition is for U13 and upwards. It is ideal for those who haven’t qualified or been selected for YDL or Northern League, but still want to compete at a good level. If you are interested in competing please email me [email protected] by 28th Feb. We need to judge numbers and make bookings for transport and if needed accommodation. Please don’t feel you need to commit to the whole league. Just let me know if you want to do all, or one or two if you know which you’d like to do. This is more an exercise in seeing how many we may be taking. Also officials and other coaches are welcome to attend too!!. Just let me know.Thanks Niall McGarrigle


 Bronze Medals for Manx Harriers athletes at British Universities Indoor Champs

Joe Reid took home a bronze medal from the British Universities Indoor Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield over the weekend of 21st & 22nd February. The Manx Harrier who represented Cardiff Met University took 3rd in a hard fought final of the men’s 400m in a seasons best time of 48.77. It was very rapid race in which the championship record was broken by David Hall of  Brunel with a sub 47 clocking of 46.91. Second place went to Alex Boyce of Liverpool University with 47.49. Clubmate Sinead Kaneen (Liverpool John Moores) also ran in the women’s 400m but was disappointed with her slowest indoor time of the season with 62.32. She was always on the back foot after a sluggish start and found herself in a poor position after the break. She did finish strongly but was out dipped for 3rd by 100th

of a second in her heat. Fellow Manx Harrier Bethan Pilley (Liverpool John Moores) was surprised and delighted to make the final in the women’s long jump and made the top 8 final cut with a best jump of 5 metres 32cm with a very consistent series of jumps. Reagan Dee (Loughborough) also made the final of the High Jump with 1.63 in the qualifying round but admitted to not being yet fully fit and with her main aim being ready for the outdoor season, she finished 13th. (thanks to Bridget Kaneen)


 Midland Counties AA 2nd Indoors Open Meeting, Barclaycard stadium Birmingham 22nd February 2015. (report by Mark Williams, Tamworth)

This event is the penultimate race in the UKA Winter walks challenge and culminates next weekend at the Molly Barnett Meeting at Warwick University, Coventry on March 1st.
Tom Partington, son of multiple Commonwealth Games representative, Steve, Following a solid week’s training at the Leeds Beckett University training camp came away with a solid win ahead of Veteran Mark Williams. Third place went to former UKA 50km champion, Marie Jackson. Both she and Tom were part of a solid Manx representation.
In the U/13 & 15 1000m, Ben Allen carried on where he left off in the EA title at Sheffield by winning ahead of Manx walker Stephen Waddington. Third and first girl home was Ellen Vahey, who was having her last walk in the UK for the foreseeable future as her family set off for another sojourn in the Australian Capital, Canberra.
Under 13 & Under 15 1000m
1. Ben Allen Leicester WC U/15 4:50.76
2. Stephen Waddington Manx H U/15 5:01.53
3. Ellen Vahey Stratford U/13 5:14.42 (F)
4. Archie walter Manx Harriers U/13 5:21.99
5. Leah Goddard Northern (IoM) U/13 5:46.17 (F)
6. Alice Bellando Manx Harriers U/13 5:49.85 (F)

Open, Veterans, and other ages 3000m
1. Tom Partington Manx H U/17 13:46.09
2. Mark Williams Tamworth V50 14:57.38
3. Marie Jackson Manx H V50 16:35.79 (F)
4. Roger Michell B & B V65 16:50.36
5. Peter Boszko Birchfield V65 17:04.79
6. John constandinou Birchfield V40 17:40.16
Danielle Oates Manx Harriers U/20 DNF
Ed Walter Manx Harriers V35 DISQ


 Easter Festival Help Needed

Preparations are progressing well for the biggest running event that the club promotes, the Easter Festival of Running which takes place from 3rd to 5th April. The team of David Ronan, David Griffiths, Michelle Stevens and myself are working hard to arrange an event of which the club can be very proud.

One of the main organisational roles over the weekend itself is Clerk of Works. This role essentially oversees putting out, transporting and storing lots of the equipment needed at each of the events. For the past few years this vital position has been very ably filled by Nick Percival. This year Nick has decided to take a break so we are in need of a replacement or replacements to help out in his place.

 

I have outlined the tasks involved below. It would be possible for two or three people to take this on and share the duties and that would, of course, reduce the workload on any one individual. In the past Nick has kindly supplied a van for the weekend. If someone is able to help with this it would be much appreciated otherwise we will revert to hiring one as we did a few years ago.

Nick is happy to chat through some of the details of what is involved to anyone who is going to help out.

If anyone is able to assist or willing to be part of a team over the weekend please contact me by e-mail [email protected] or phone 432546.


 Level 2 Officials Course

The IOMAA are organising a Level 2 officials course on Saturday 21st March 2015 at the Sports Institute. The course will be a choice of field, track, timekeeping, generic course including Health and Safety. More than one course may be attended on the day. For more details see the IOMAA website. The Club would encourage anyone to do the courses and are prepared to offer a subsidy towards the cost of the courses in return for some agreed officiating for the club.


Up & Running Winter Walking League

The final round (5) of the Up & Running sponsored Winter Walking League took place on Sunday 1st February at 10am at the NSC Perimeter Road. Results here (including top overal league positions) Thanks to Steve Taylor

Complete results from series:

Round 1 Results   &  Photos by Murray Lambden     Round 2 Results and Report    Round 3 Results and Photos    Round 4 Results    Round 5 Results &  Photos by Murray Lambden


Isle of Man Cross Country League and IOM Championships

Congratulations to IOM Cross Country Champions 2015 Alan Corlett and Rachael Franklin after victories at round 4 of the Microgaming sponsored Isle of Man Cross Country League and Isle of Man Cross Country Championships on Sunday 18th January 2015 at Ballanette, Lonan, hosted by Manx Harriers. Provisional results at IOMAA Website click here Photos and video coverage by Murray Lambden click here

Photos (Facebook) by Glen Quayle click here


Lancashire Cross Country Championships

A large party of Manx Harriers athletes competed at the Lancashire Cross Country Championships held on Saturday 3rd January 2015 at Witton Park, Blackburn, Full details Results here Rachael Franklin retained her County Championship title winning Gold in the Ladies race and leading the Manx Harriers team to team Gold with Gail Griffiths finishing 7th, Karen Shimmin 15th and Caroline Mayers 19th. Gail Griffiths also won a Gold medal in the Ladies Veteran 45 category. Katie Astin won Silver medal, finishing 2nd in the U17 Women’s race. The Men’s Team won Bronze medal with Ollie Lockley 4th, Alan Corlett 10th, Kevin Loundes 14th, Michael Garrett 24th, Ed Gumbley 46th and Stephen Garrett 49th. Michael Garrett also won a Silver medal in the Men’s 45 Veteran class. Report by Andy Fox


Muddy Marvels at Witton Park.
Manx Harriers sent a party of 21 to compete in the Lancashire Cross Country Championships at Witton Park, Blackburn on Saturday 3rd January. The weather in the morning was cold and wet with the day improving from noon. However, the damage was done and the course was very muddy in places so adding to the test of the infamous saucer.

The Senior ladies took centre stage as last year. Defending Champion Rachael Franklin not only retained her crown but did so in commanding style. In the first mile she sat in the pack behind Tessa Walker of Salford Harriers (eventually second place) . She took the lead on the first of the 3 climbs of the saucer and gradually stretched away to an emphatic 20 second victory margin. One has to say that Rachael is fast becoming a top Cross Country runner and not just the track specialist of the past. Behind her Gail Griffiths came home in a hard fought and excellent 7th place so retaining her vets over 45 title. Closing the team was Karen Shimmin who has improved greatly this year. She was an excellent 15th place in her debit so bringing the team home 2 points clear of Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde AC. Caroline Mayers also ran well to finish in 19th position and also third in the over 40 category. She added to the points score for all other teams apart from Blackpool so aiding the team victory and also helped the club gain 4 medals in one race!

The senior men also had a successful day if not quite at the level of the ladies. The team won a deserved bronze medal with Ollie Lockley being the start performer over the 9.8km 4 laps of the course. He finished in 4th. Place which was a fantastic run against some very experienced Cross Country specialists. Alan Corlett was next over the line in 10th place. This is a major step forward for this athlete bringing the possibility of county selection for the Inter Counties Champs in March. Kevin Loundes came home in 14th place. This is the first time he has been out of the top 10 for a while but just shows in sport things do not always go to plan. Mike Garrett finished in 24th place and second over 45 year old on the day, indeed third vet on the day overall. The is another great performance from a very consistent athlete. Indeed many on the island do not realise how good Mike is – now being one of the top vets over 45 years in the UK! Ed Gumbley came home in 46th place prior to his big move to Hong Kong and Stephen Garrett was 8th under 20 and 49th overall. Stephen closed in the team on 147 points in a clear third place. Richard Highfield provided excellent cover and finished 56th on the day while Andy Fox finished 90th and 5th over 55 on the day out of the field of 145 Finishers.

In the Junior age groups Katie Astin ran well to come second in the under 17 girls event. She has an excellent record in these championships and succeeded in her target of gaining Lancashire selection. Josh O’Neill was first to compete making his debut in the event. He came home in a fine 4th place having been involved in a real battle for third place. Jodie Vaughan ran on well in the under 11 girls event to finish in 15th. Place. The under 13s saw Holly Burgess finish in 14th and Sinead Cox in 26th both making their debuts in the event. The Dickinson twins Laura and George ran well in the under 15 events coming 9th and 11th respectively. David Mullarkey of NAC also ran in this age group running a very sensible and well judged race against some excellent opposition. He came second only 4 seconds off the gold medal position.

The Manx Harriers squad came home with 7 medals and the island 8 overall – 3 Golds, 3 Silver and 2 bronzes.

Others competing at Witton Park were Alex Bell of WAC who came 8th in the under 15 event and so is in consideration for county selection and Jayden Fayle who was 26th. Also in the under 11s was T.J. Phair of NAC who was 5th. Harry Read was 13th in the under 13 boys race and Lorna Spiers 4th and Lydia Morris 25th in the girls event. In the under girls 15s Ashlee Lachenicht of NAC ran very well to finish in 4th place. The result of all this effort for all the island athletes in Blackburn was some great experience, great competition and 9 athletes with the chance to compete in the Inter Counties Championships in March.

All will now target the IOM Cross Country Championships at Ballannette on the 18th. January while Manx Harriers also have the English National Championships as a target at Parliament Hill, London on 21st. February – rest assured the Manx Independent will carry full results and reports. Thanks Andy Fox


 

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