Saturday 22 December 2012

GB rankings

NORTH WALES ATHLETES GALORE IN UK RANKINGS


THE end-of-year rankings published in Athletics Weekly make encouraging reading for those involved in the North Wales athletics scene, with a very healthy number of young athletes featuring.

 Caernarfon-born Olympian Gareth Warburton (Cardiff) is placed third in the 800m, while Rob Samuel (Eryri) is 42nd in the half-marathon table with his 66.32 from Marrakech.

 Teenager Rachel Johncock (Colwyn Bay), though in the U20 class, is 16th in the senior ladies' 100m list and Hannah Thomas (Wrexham) is 40th. Former Wrexham athlete Faye Harding (Sale) is placed 10th in the 400m after clocking 52.95 in Geneva in June and is 16th for the 400m hudles, seven places ahead of junior Megan Rogers (Wrexham).

 Sally Peake (Birchfield) from Hawarden is placed fourth in the pole vault after a very good season in which she set a new Welsh record and Laura Douglas (Sale) is placed 10th in the hammer.

 The outstanding youngster is Adele Nicoll (Birchfield) from Welshpool, who tops the U17 lists in the shot and discus while Nathan Thomason (Colwyn Bay) makes the Top 10 in the U15 shot, discus and hammer.

 The North Wales placings include the following:-
Boys under 13. Discus: 7 Cliff Schwabauer (Menai).
Boys under 15. 100m: 7 Sion Roberts Wrex), 19 Shane Hughes (Wrex). 200m: 4 Roberts. 300m: 4 Roberts. 400m: 20 Cai Holdsworth (NE Wales Schools). Shot: 6 Nathan Thomason (Colwyn Bay). Discus: 4 Thomason. Hammer: 7 Thomason.
Men under 17. 400mH: 17 Rheon Jones (Menai). Shot: 5 Connor Laverty (Menai).
Men under 20. 400m: 9 Owen Smith (Deeside). 1,500m: 16 Charlie Hulson (Sale). 3,000m: 19 Hulson. Hammer: 6 Osian Jones (Liverpool H).
Girlsd under 15. 800m: 5 Cari Hughes (Menai). Long jump: 15 Chloe Hughes (Deeside). Shot: 3 Katy Whitley (Wrexham). Discus: 7 Whitley, 13 Amber Rimington (Deeside).
Ladies under 17. 200m: 18 Beth Sargent (Wrexham). 300mH: 8 Rhian Williams (Deeside). Shot: 1 Adele Nicoll (Birchfield). Discus: 1 Nicoll.
Women under 20. 100m: 4 Rachel Johncock (Colwyn Bay), 14 Hannah Thomas (Wrexham). 400m: 18 Megan Rogers (Wrexham). 1,500m: 7 Ffion Price (Brecon), 14 Rhianwedd Price (Brecon). 5,000m: 12 Sarah Livett (Menai). 400mH: 6 Rogers.

Thursday 20 December 2012

NW roads awards

MOUNTFORD PICKS UP ANOTHER AWARD

The honours continue to come thick and fast for Liverpool Harrier David Mountford.

 Two weeks ago he became Welsh inter-regional cross-country champion, last wek he won the Borders League fixture in Christleton and now he has been named by Paul Brooks, manager of the North Wales road-running squad, as the Best Male Athlete of 2012.

 It follows his performances in Caernarfon where he won the Welsh 10k and inter-regional championship in 32.43 and then clocked 31.58 in Birchwood.

 Jay Jennions (Deestriders) is the Best Female Athlete, having been the only woman to run in all three representative matches despite having struggled through injury.

 The winner of the award for Best Debut is veteran Lee Jones (Deeside), who won the M40 class in the Welsh championship in Caernarfon with a time of 33.57. His good form has continued into the winner on road and country.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Welsh stats

 CURRIES PROVIDE A PRE-CHRISTMAS TREAT


 ATHLETES and officials who have been around a few years and enjoy discussing the “good old days” have been served a pre-Christmas treat by super-statisticians Alan and Brenda Currie.

 The couple, who were formerly the official statisticians for Welsh Athletics, have launched a new website www.athleticsstatisticswales.co.uk containing results of Welsh championships and other major meetings on road, country and track and field from the very early days.

 Many of the details appeared in the twin volumes on the history of Welsh Athletics to which the Curries were among the contributors, but scanning the columns throws up many topics of conversation.

 North Wales athletes and clubs rarely feature among the very early results until some familiar names start appearing in the late-1950s.

 The cross-country results alone take one far down memory lane, with Roger Harrison-Jones popping up in second place in the senior men’s race in the Welsh championships in 1961. At that time he was with Liverpool Pembroke, but now runs for Prestatyn – and Wales – in the M75 class.

 The 1981 and ’83 champion was the incomparable Steve Jones, but second both times was Tony Blackwell (Wolverhampton, ex-Wrexham).

 In the ‘90s top three places were gained by Colin Jones (Eryri), Jamie Lewis (Swansea, ex-Wrexham) and Ian Pierce (Tipton, ex-Wrexham), all of them now lost to the sport.

 1994 was the golden year for North Wales in the U20 class, with  Jones, Ian Oliver (Colwyn Bay) and Pierce doing a 1-2-3.

  Also figuring in the “Where are they now?” quiz are the likes of Neil Emberton (Newtown), Roger Jones (Deeside), Matthew Jones (Stoke), Duncan Hughes (Wrexham) and Carl Prior (Deeside), all medal winners in the U13, U15 and U17 categories in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

 Lynn Maddison, who competed for Colwyn Bay, Sale, Prestatyn and Wrexham, was the outstanding woman cross-country runner of the past 30 years, winning the U17 class in 1984 and finishing third senior three times – in 1986 behind the Tooby twins Angela and Susan.

 Vanessa Jones (Wrexham), won the U17s’ race in 1989, with the evergreen Isabel Redfern (Colwyn Bay) third.  In 1987 Isabel was 2nd U15, with Vanessa Jones, but the Wrexham athlete took the title the following year.

 Others who shone over the period included Ruth Evans (Colwyn Bay), who was 2nd U17 in 1994 and 1995, Laura Jones (Wrexham), who won the U13 class in both those years, and Lisa Lanini (Wrexham), the 2000 U13 champion.

Log on - it'll keep you occupied for hours!

Paletta's 10k record

PALETTA SETS NEW NW BEST IN TELFORD

 Wrexham's Gina Paletta, home for Christmas from the United States, set a new North Wales regional record when she finished second lady in the Telford 10k.

 Her time of 35.07 was 18 seconds better than the previous best set by Lynn Maddison (Wrexham) in Manchester in 1998. Sixth lady overall and 1st L35 was Claire Martin (Telford) 35.26.

 The Telford race had a top-quality field and was won in 29.08 by GB international Andy Baddeley. In ninth place was Joe Brocklehurst (Shrewsbury), winner of the Wrexham race in the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League.

 Among other familiar names well-placed were: 11 Andrew Davies (Maldwyn) 30.41, 20 Matthew Roberts (Eryri) 31.25, 35 Paul Ward (Tel) 32.07, 36 Austin Davies (Brecon) 32.09, 53 Gwynant Jones (Maldwyn, U20) 33.21, 65 Paul Jones (Osw) 33.51, 108 Steven Hayes (Deestriders) 36.30, 119 Richard Jones (Maldwyn) 37.08.

Monday 17 December 2012

Borders League (3)

DEESIDE BIG GUNS OUT IN CHRISTLETON

With the Liverpool Harriers pair of David Mountford and Ricky Challinor boosting their numbers Deeside Ac dominated the third Borders Road-Running League fixture at Christleton.

 Claiming four of the first 10 finishers, they beat runners-up Chester Tri by 99 points, and although Wirral's men finished fourth on the day they are still 122 points ahead of their nearest challengers, Wallasey.

 Tattenhall look set for the drop, but could be saved if Eryri failed to field full teams, as has happened on occasions.

 Meanwhile West Cheshire already loom certain to take their place in Division 1 as they are 570 points clear of Prestatyn, who are also inconsistent.

 In the ladies' competition Chester Tri and Wirral are battling it out at the top of Division 1, with Wallasey clear favourites to replace Prestatyn ladies next season even though they were beaten by Wrexham at Christleton.

 RESULTS FROM CHRISTLETON

1 D Mountford (Dee) 29.21, 2 R Challinor (Dee) 29.59, 3 C Prior (Chester Tri) 30.13, 4 L Jones (Dee, M40) 30.31, 5 B Rothery (Eryri) 30.40, 6 D Weston (Wrex) 31.01, 7 J Donnelly (Wirral) 31.20, 8 D Kashi (Eryri) 31.22, 9 M Rose (Buck) 31.33, 10 P Edge (Dee) 31.54.
 U20: 1 W Sheridan (dee) 33.49, 2 K Morgan (Wirral) 35.12, 3 R Colclough (dee) 35.30.
 M40: 2 J Johnson (Wirral) 33.26, 3 D Blazier (Abergele) 33.50.
 M45: 1 D Harris (Chester Tri 33.00, 2 E Campbell (Buck) 33.22, 3 J McQueen (West Chesh) 34.49.
M50: 1 C Bishop (Helsby) 34.04, 2 C Palmer (Wall) 34.33, 3 T Barbat (Wall) 34.37.
 M55: 1 B Beecroft (Wirral) 36.08, 2 T Devoy (Wirral) 36.37, 3 R Freeman (West Chesh) 36.49.
 M60: 1 L Coathup (Buck) 36.31, 2 M Cortvriend (Prest) 37.00, 3 T McDevitt (Wirral) 37.45.
M65: 1 A Berry (Helsby) 41.15, 2 I Jones (Wrecsam Tri) 41.37, 3 J Morris (Buck) 42.16
M70: 1 P Roberts (Buck) 40.12, 2 L Brown (Birkenhead) 51.49, 3 N Thompson (Birkenhead) 52.10.

 Teams. Division 1: Deeside 284, Chester Tri 383, Wallasey 455, Wirral 460, Buckley 511, Eryri 895, Tattenhall 921. Division 2: West Cheshire 430, Helsby 595, Wrexham 699, Cybi 723, Ellesmere Port 800, Prestatyn 858, Deestriders 1,060, Abergele 1,109, Birkenhead 1,170, Wrecsam Tri 1,322

Ladies

1 S Kearney (Wirral, L35) 35.29, 2 G Mead (Chester Tri, L45) 35.44, 3 J Jennions (Deestriders) 37.07, 4 E Kearney (Wirral, U20) 37.16, 5 V Jones (Chester Tri) 37.41, 6 E Collins (Prest, L50) 38.11.
 U20: 2 A Bagnall (Prest) 45.41, 3 A Cheetham (Prest) 49.36
L35: 2 B Sutcliffe (Chester Tri) 39.17, 3 S Holt (Wall) 39.56
L40: 1 L Morley (Wrex) 39.42, 2 C Sutcliffe (Chester Tri) 40.06, 3 D Urgquhart (Buck) 41.57.
L45: 2 S Atkinson (att) 40.46, 3 A Mageean (Chester Tri) 41.03.
L50: 2 M Ludden (Buck) 41.29, 3 C Shaw (Helsby) 41.49
L55: 1 G Waring (Prest) 45.51, 2 M Bird (Ell Port) 47.38, 3 N Davies (Wall) 49.53.
L60: 1 C Birch (Abergele) 43.15, 2 P Martin (Birk) 50.09, L Bish (West Chesh) 63.27.

 Teams. Division 1: Chester Tri 26, Wirral 63, Helsby 95, Tattenhall 104, Buckley 109, Ellesmere Port 121, Prestatyn 137. Division 2: Wrexham 87, Wallasey 88, Abergele 119, Cybi 132, Deestriders 140, Birkenhead 191, West Cheshire 200, Eryri 300, Deeside 300, Wrecsam Tri 300.

Masters.

Buckley 278, Wirral 324, Wallasey 379, West Cheshire 413, Chester Tri 431, Deeside 502, Prestatyn 742, Ellesmere Port 843, Cybi 882, Helsby 900, Tattenhall 904, Birkenhead 1,064, Wrexham 1,095, Eryri 1,111, Abergele 1,177, Deestriders 1,311, Wrecsam Tri 1,352.

AGGREGATE AFTER 3 RACES

Men, Division 1: Wirral, 1,107, Wallasey 1,229, Chester Tri 1,287, Buckley 1,680, Deeside 1,846, Eryri 3,316, Tattenhall 3,405. Division 2: West Cheshire 1,211, Prestatyn 1,788, Ellesmere Port 1,836, Cybi 1,872, Helsby 2,010, Deestriders 2,299, Abergele 2,711,  Wrexham 2,917, Wrecsam Tri 4,586.

 Ladies, Division 1: Chester Tri 90, Wirral 98, Helsby 249, Tattenhall 339, Buckley 359, Ellesmere Port 367, Prestatyn 519. Division 2: Wallasey 193, Cybi 355, Wrexham 491, Abergele 510, Deestriders 519, West Cheshire 670, Nirkenhead 731, Eryri 853, Deeside 900, Wrecsam Tri 900.

Masters. Wirral 674, Buckley 827,  Wallasey 994, West Cheshire 1,104, Chester Tri 1,374, Prestatyn 1,820, Ellesmere Port 2,013, Deeside 2,277,  Helsby 2,445, Cybi 2,580, Tattenhall 2,883, Eryri 3,167, Wrexham 3,542, Abergele 3,637, Deestriders 3,806, Birkenhead 4,112, Wrecsam Tri 4,381.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Anglesey Half

£1,000 POT ON OFFER IN ANGLESEY HALF


Always Aim High Events launched their brand new event The Island Race to great acclaim in 2012, with the route hailed as "stunning" and "iconic" by runners who took part in the inaugural event. For 2013 the race moves to Sunday 3rd March in order to accomodate as many runners as possible, and act as a perfect warm-up for those looking to race Spring marathons such as London and Manchester. The race provides the perfect pre-London Marathon preparation event, for those lucky enough to have an entry.

Following the launch The Island Race Anglesey Half Marathon organisers Always Aim High Events have this week announced a significant cash prize-pot for next year's race which takes place on March 3, 2013.

The 13.1 mile event which starts on the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge on Anglesey and takes in World Heritage site Beaumaris Castle, will have a total cash prize fund of £1000, with the top 3 males and females receiving cash prizes of £150, £100 and £50 for first, second and third place respectively. The winner of the men's and women's races will not only pick up £150 in cash but also an additional £150 in product prizes. The event also boasts a largely traffic-free course, which this year saw almost 600 runners taking on the scenic route, which takes in views across the Menai Straits to the mountains of Snowdonia. 

Always Aim High Events director Nigel Kendrick anticipates 1000 runners on the start line next March and feels that the cash incentives will bolster the elite field and raise the general standard of racing at the sharp end, stating:

"At Always Aim High Events we are always mindful of the mass-participation at our events and cater for all standards, and of course we want to promote excellence, achievement and elite sport too. To encourage this we have produced what we feel is a healthy cash fund for the prize winners to entice even more elite athletes. The Island Race organisation is in full swing and we are pleased to see so many already entered this beautiful and iconic event.

Speaking about the planning and logistics for the 2013 event, Kendrick continued:

"We'll be holding the race a couple of months earlier in the season in 2013, but feel that if anything that will help in participant recruitment as it sits better in the running calendar. We were very pleased with how the event went last year and have been really encouraged with the reaction that we have received from runners on the date change."

2012 race winner Rob Samuel will be back to defend his crown and feels that the cash purse will add to the competition he can expect next March, commenting:

"This just adds to the excitement of this event for me really. I think in Wales we would like to see more 'raiders' from across the borders coming to challenge us in these races and In know that already one or two of the faster guys and girls from the North West of England will be lining-up. It's great for the race, and great for us local runners to pit ourselves against better quality runners to raise the overall standard of running in Wales and of course the North Wales area".

Entries to The Island Race 2013 are now open via The Island Race link and clicking on the Register Now button.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

World record in Wrexham

RILEY SETS WORLD BEST AT WREXHAM

Finishing 69th overall in the Helena Tipping 10k was an outstanding feat for Lee Riley - for the former Royal Marine was carrying a 40lb pack on his back.

 His time of 41.24 sliced 4m 40s off the world record for the feat and means that Lee, from the City of Stoke club, now holds the records for every distance from 400m to the marathon. He is the first person to hold all the records at the same time.

Monday 3 December 2012

Helena Tipping 10k

ROTHERY WINS IN WREXHAM

Eryri's "Mr Consistent" Brendan Rothery claimed yet another victory in the Helena Tipping 10k, holding off a challenge from Daniel Weston (Wrexham), who finishyed right behind him over the same course in the North Wales 10-mile championship in April.

 Emma Parry, who won the ladies' title in April, was again first, finishing over two minutes clear of runner-up Emily Dove (Whitchurch).

 RESULTS

1 B Rothery (Eryri) 33.19, 2 D Weston (Wrex) 33.40, 3 J Bowie (Trismart) 34.04, 4 G Norgrove (Wrecsam Tri, M45) 34.32, 5 I Lowe (Oswestry, M40) 35.28, 6 E Campbell (Buckley, M45) 35.30, 7 C Yorke (NWRR, M40) 35.47, 8 A Campbell (Wrecsam Tri, M35) 35.50, 9 D Harris (Chester Tri) 35.51, 10 R Jones (Wrex) 35.53.
U20: 1 B Paxton (ua) 36.14
U23: J Morris (Denbigh) 38.11
M35: 2 S Oliver (Chester Tri) 35.55, 3 M Green (NWRR) 36.07.
M40: 3 K Dickenson (Wirral) 36.00
M45: J Shepherd (Red Rose) 36.40
M50: 1 I James (Wrex) 36.10, 2  P Jones (ua) 36.10, 3 A Lewis (Eryri) 38.31
M55: 1 J Dillon (Whitchurch) 38.08, 2 R Freeman (N Vets) 39.53, 3 D Nalder (Ell Port) 40.25
M60: 1 J Woodcock (Menai) 38.12, 2 D Bewley (ua) 41.47
M65: 1 JG Evans (Aberystwyth) 45.50, 2 B Beattie (West Chesh) 50.00, 3 R Jardine (Eryri) 51.26
M70: 1 J Thomas (Buck) 50.40
M75: 1 Roger Harrison-Jones (Prestatyn) 50.41, 2 R Billington (Wrex) 62.12

LADIES
 1 E Parry (Wrex, L35) 37.18, 2 E Dove (Whitchurch)39.40, 3 L Morley (Wrex, L40) 41.54, 4 J Meadowcroft (Whitchurch, L40) 42.02, 5 S Wilson (Whitchurch) 44.09, 6 M Ludden (Buckley, L50) 44.25.
U17: A Cheetham (Prestatyn) 50.38
 L35: 2 C Page (Chester Tri) 44.50, 3 J Harnden (Wrex) 45.13
L40: 3 C Hall (Wirral) 45.25
L45: 1 S Plested (Ell Port) 47.08, 2 J Jefferys (Wrex) 47.50, 3 J Hislop (Wrex) 50.01
L50: 2 L Ebbrell (Wirral) 52.14, 3 L Jones (Cybi) 52.30
L55: 1 B Cole (Sh Shufflers) 48.49, 2 G Welsby (Sh Shufflers) 51.53, 3 S Taylor (Whitchurch) 59.17
 L65: C Birch (Abergele) 45.22