Telford Athletic Club

SAA Schools Cross Country Championships

2012-02-06T21:12:00.000Z

Shropshire Schools Cross Country Championships
At Oswestry School, Oswestry, Shropshire on Sat 4th February 2012.

Results now on TAC website:

http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/cross-country/shropshire-county-championships

Thanks to everyone who helped make these championships possible especially our new Championships Entries Secretary Allison Edwards.

To Darren Hollingsworth, Peter Jones, Dave Jones ( estates manager ) and their team from Oswestry School for help with the course. Thanks to Oswestry School and Marches School for the use of their facilities. To Teresa Reynolds, Trish Edwards, John Roberts, Peter Jones, Peter Edwards, Allison Edwards, Alison Tickner, Angela Mayes, Kathy Wray, Doreen Jebb and Colin Mattock for their help officiating. Also thanks to Tracy and Lauren Bathers for providing refreshments, especially those lovely hot drinks. Special mention to all the athletes, teachers and parents who contributed to an excellent cross country championships .

The first 6 in the Junior, Inter and Senior races will have been given a letter also selecting them for the English Schools in March. They are asked to confirm their availablility to Paul Sanderson by Monday 13th February at the latest. Anyone we have not heard from by that date we will assume that they are unavailable.

Contact by text or e mail preferred 0771 534 7587 or jpsanderson_tac@hotmail.com.

Spring Warm Up 2012

2012-02-01T08:14:00.001Z

SPRING WARM UP MEETING

To be held at Telford Athletics Stadium

At Oakengates Leisure Centre, New Road

Wrockwardine Wood. TF2 7AB

Wednesday 12th April 2012

More details on TAC website

http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/track-field/spring-warm-up

Bronze for TAC Ladies at Midland Champs

2012-01-28T23:30:00.003Z

2012 Midland Counties Cross Country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham.

Sarah, Nellie, Claire & Kim

More photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanthefish/sets/72157629073946553/

Cross Country Results

2012-01-14T19:01:00.003Z

Telford AC had a great day today taking part in both the Birmingham League Division 2, the Midland Womens League and organising the North Wales League at Lilleshall. In the 4 races concerned the club had 3 winners. Claire Martin won the Midland Womens League held on a multi terrain hilly course at Baggeridge and now leads the league after 3 out of the 4 races. Kim Fawke won the North wales League at Lilleshall and Paul Ward followed up his County Champs victory last week with a win in the Birmingham League race at Coventry. We had 25 runners on duty as well as a large number of helpers at Lilleshall, a brilliant all round team effort well done everyone.

Details of times and team results will be added when available, individual positions are

Midland Womens League
1 Claire Martin, 26 Michelle Clarke, 51 Nellie Saunders, 93 Lisa Blagden, 97 Cheralyn Evans and 147 Sharon Clayton.

Birmingham League Div 2.
1 Paul Ward, 13 Ryan Heath, 18 Greg Wilson, 53 Johnny Sanders, 70 Jamie Davies, 77 Dave Tatton, 102 Paul Williams.

Full Results at http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/newresults_reference_table.htm

North Wales League
1. Kim Fawke.

13 Dave Mansbridge, 24 Steve Jones, 30 Sam Garmson, 32 Chris Bagshaw, 36 John Garmson, 62 Spencer Davies, 86 Bruce Gregory, 90 Steve Cooper, 94 Mike Whitehead, 102 Daron Fincham, 114 Nigel Tatton and 124 Dave Davies.

Special mention to the helpers at Lilleshall
Margaret and Graham Kelcher, Margaret Cooper, Marie Garmson, Elaine Davies,Teresa and Shaun Reynolds, Peter Plant, Malcolm Dawes, Chris Talbot and daughters.

Great to see Chris Bagshaw back in action after 16 months on the sidelines, what a comeback as 4th scorer at Lilleshall. Also great to see Cheralyn back in action in the Midland Womens League.

Paul Sanderson

Shropshire A.A. Sportshall Championships 2012

2012-01-09T22:43:00.000Z

Sunday 4th March 2012 at Wenlock Sports

Start time 2.00pm Registration at 1.00pm

Entry Form on TAC web site

Events
Under 11 Boys & Girls:- 2 Lap Hurdles, 2 Laps, 4 Laps, Soft Javelin, Standing Long Jump
Under 13 Boys & Girls:- 2 Laps, 3 Laps, 5 Laps, Shot, Vertical Jump, Standing Long Jump
Under 15 Boys & Girls:- 2 Laps, 3 Laps, 5 Laps, Shot, Vertical Jump, Standing Triple jump
Entry fee is £2.00 per event

Maximum of three events
to be selected as 2 track and 1 field or 1 track and 2 field

Closing Date for Entries is Tuesday 20th February 2012

ALL ENTRIES TO
Mr P. Afford, 46 Hartshill Avenue, Oakengates, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 6AS Tel: 01952 419826

Late entries will not be accepted.
NO entries will be accepted on the day.
Entries will only be acknowledged if your entry form is accompanied
by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Club vests must be worn. All ages as at midnight 31st August/1st September 2011
U11’s must be 9 years of age or over on the day of the competition.

2012 Shropshire County XC Champs

2012-01-08T12:52:00.002Z

Results are now available on the TAC main website at
http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/cross-country/shropshire-county-championships

Some photos available at
http://www.johnnysanders.co.uk/2012/01/shropshire-county-xc-champs.html

Chris Carter also took some excellent photos with his new DSLR
available on Flickr Site :

Men
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shootsports/sets/72157628841542071/

Ladies
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shootsports/sets/72157628841506947/

Apley Estates & BCT Multi Terrain Run 10 or 4 Miles

2012-01-04T17:01:00.004Z

Apley Estates & BCT Multi Terrain Run 10 or 4 Miles

18th March 2012
More information and online entry here
http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?festivalID=230

Telford 10K Results

2011-12-18T19:53:00.000Z

Results from the 2011 Telford 10K now available on TAC web site

http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/races/telford-10k/telford-10k-2011

Photos and results can always be found on Brian Smith's Running Scene

Cardington Cracker 2011

2011-12-05T21:00:00.001Z

Results for the 2011 Cardington Cracker now available on the TAC web site
http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/races/cardington-cracker/cc2011

British and Irish Masters Cross Country Champs.

2011-11-28T21:36:00.003Z

It was great news for Telford AC as Claire Martin, Kim Fawke, Paul Ward and Greg Wilson were all selected to run for England in the British and Irish Cross Country Championships in Glasgow on Saturday. Claire led the way home as she retained the British and Irish womens over 35 title that she won last year in Dublin. In tough windy and wet conditions she came home first in 21.42, 9 seconds ahead of Caroline Betmead the over 40 winner from Blackpool, whilst Lesley Chisholm in 3rd was the 2nd over 35 in 22.02. Kim Fawke fresh from her 2.44 marathon in Dublin last month was 5th over 35 in 22.17 and theyw ere both part of the winning England team.

Paul was the 2nd over 45 to finish in 26.08 behind the Welsh winner Austin Davies, from Brecon who won the category in 25.24. Greg was also second in the over 55 category just 9 seconds adrift of his fellow Englishman, the category winner David Butler.

London Marathon

2011-11-23T22:26:00.001Z

London Marathon

Telford Athletic Club have 3 guaranteed places for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon. These are available for fully paid up club members 11/12, first priority will be given to those members who have applied for a marathon place for the 2012 London Marathon and have been rejected. If there are more than 3 names will be drawn 'from a hat'. If there are still places remaining they will be available for club members who have not already applied for a marathon place but would like to run. Again if there are more wanting a place than there are places available names will be drawn 'from a hat'.

Members who are interested should contact Paul Sanderson

( jpsanderson_tac@hotmail.com or 0771 534 7587 ) before Friday 9th December 2011. The draw if required will be held done by TAC officers on Saturday 10th December. Entries have to be sent to the Virgin London Marathon by 13th January 2012.

Birmingham XC Lge Div 2

2011-11-16T20:59:00.003Z

Chris Rimmer and Paul Ward, in their first cross country race of the season were an impressive 2nd and 3rd in the opening Birmingham and District Cross Country League Division Two race at Leamington on Saturday. The race was won by Leamington's Richard Harper in 36.44 with Chris Rimmer then second just 17 seconds behind with Paul Ward, who recently got married just a further 2 seconds behind in 3rd. Greg Wilson warmed up for his forthcoming international race finishing 27th in 40.22 just one place ahead of his team mate Ryan Heath celebrating his 18th birthday weekend still managed to finish 28th and 6th junior in 40.31. Johnny Sanders made a welcome return to cross country action finishing 69th with Paul Williams completing the scoring 6 in 90th and Dave Tatton not far behind in 101st. The club finished 6th on the day with 219 points, but only 28 points behind 3rd placed Dudley and Stourbridge who were 3rd. The top 3 get promoted to Division 1. Rugby won the team race with 129 pts, Wolverhampton and Bilston were 2nd with 146 pts, Worcester 4th with 206 pts, Severn 5th with 213 pts.

The team were split on Saturday as another team of TAC senior men, a slightly slower group went to the North Wales XC Lge at Deeside. The club had 16 men out at both venues, another great turn out.

N Wales Cross Country at Deeside

2011-11-15T22:13:00.002Z

It was a busy day for Telford AC with the club having to field teams at the North Wales League, the Birmingham League and the Midland Womens League all on the same day. A group of 9 senior men travelled to another new course this time at Glyndwr University, Northop organised by Deeside.

The race winner was again Rob Samuels from Eryri, with his team mate Richard Roberts second. John Garmson led the Telford squad home in 33rd, the same position as in the previous race at Llandudno, he was 4th over 45 in 35.22. Steve Jones was the next man home improving from 56th at the last race to 39th this time, in 35.43 and first over 55. sam Garmson was the next finisher in 87th, 39.39 just one place and 9 seconds ahead of Spencer Davies. Paul Sanderson was the 5th scorer, 111th in 41.42, with Mike Whitehead improving 10 places on his last race to complete the scoring 6 in 127th, 42.57. He was just ahead of Nigel Tatton, still on target for his 50th race this year, finishing 129th, 19 places higher than at Llandudno, in 43.12, with Darren Fincham 133rd, 43.28 and Dave Davies 151st in 48.07.

The club finished 6th team on the day out of 8 in Division 1, but we are still 3rd overall with 2 races to go. Eryri lead with 249 pts, Meirionnydd are 2nd with 569 pts, TAC 3rd with 946 pts, Shrewsbury 4th, 1138 pts, Tattenhall 5th 1175 pts, Colwyn Bay 6th 1241 pts, Wrexham 7th 1419 pts and Menai 8th 1460 pts.

TAC were 6th on the day in Masters League and are 4th overall.

The next league race is hosted by TAC at Lilleshall on Saturday 14th January, which again clashes with the Birmingham and Midland Womens League. We will again aim to get teams in both leagues on the same day as well as organise a home fixture. Please support and run if you can if not please come and help.

Paul Sanderson

Midland Womens XC League

2011-11-13T17:02:00.005Z

Telford AC's senior ladies team took part in the first Midland Womens League of the season on the tough Leamington course on Saturday. Claire Martin, last years overall league and over 35 masters champion, led the way home in 4th and first over 35, in 28.13 behind the winner Sara Treacy of Birchfield. Michelle Clarke was 37th, in 31.11 and the 8th veteran, Denise Sanders 99th, in 34.40. Julie Kirby, making a welcome return to cross country was 131st, in 36.19, with Lisa Blagden 147th, 37.29. Sharon Clayton 188th in 40.15 and Sue Baker 242nd, in 45.24. The team were 8th out of 34 teams and were the first Vets team out of 26 teams. Well done girls a great start to the season. The next race is on 3rd December.

Paul Sanderson.

Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League - Oswestry 2011

2011-10-30T17:44:00.002Z

Record Turnout for Cross Country League.

Cross country has a reputation for wind and rain but it was another glorious sunny afternoon for the second round of the Shropshire Star sponsored Shropshire Young Athletes League. It was a record turn out with nearly 200 athletes taking part at Oswestry school fields and the dry weather had made the conditions really hard and fast.

The first race of the day was the Under 11 girls and although the start is uphill the forty runners set off very quickly indeed. The hilly course was just over a mile and the winner Jess Humphries completed the distance in 6 minutes and 8 seconds. She was caught up near the finish by Isobel Boden of Wenlock Olympians but pulled away to take the victory in the last 300 metres. Sadie Craig of Telford AC took third and was given the same time as fast finishing Lucy Elcock of Bridgnorth who looks to be an athlete for the future. Wenlock Olympians took a surprise team victory form Telford with Wrekin College Triathletes third,

The under 11 boys set off even faster over the same mile distance and it was local athlete Jacob Tidridge who took the honours finishing 7 seconds ahead of Harry Bower of Shrewsbury in 5 minutes 42 seconds. Harry’s team mate William Davies came in third with Alex Veitch of Wrekin College Triathlon fourth. Shrewsbury are fighting back in the team event in this age group beating Telford AC by the large margin of 27 points and making the team event wide open.

The under 15 ‘s and under 17’s start off together and its not until the first of the small laps that the field divides and you can see who is winning the younger age group. In the girls race last times winner Lauren Pestana of Telford AC rushed to the front hoping to build a good lead closely followed by Isabel Bradley of Telford AC. Isabel, an England international, took the lead once the course split and ran away very strongly from her younger rival and team mate Danni Rawlinson. The next two places were filled by Alex Cawthra and Chloe Evans of Maldwyn Harriers with Emma Clarke of Ludlow rapidly improving in fifth. Meanwhile two other Ludlow runners had caught Lauren and started to pull away on the last of the three laps in the Under 17 category. Megan Lloyd winning in 17-08 with Eilish Gilbert second Lauren third in 18-01 with Ellie Bryan making a welcome return in fourth.

The Under 15 and Under 17’s boys set off at a gentler pace as the older athletes know they had nearly 20 minutes of running in front of them. There was a turn round in places with Joe Morris of Oswestry beating Josh Burrows of Telford AC but Joe had to settle for second again as Jimmy Kershaw ran away on the last lap to win by 14 seconds. Triathlete Macauley Carline finished strongly in fourth. Oswestry won the team event easily form Telford and the team event looks very competitive moving into the third of four fixtures. The Under 15 race saw two Telford AC athletes dominate Alex Burrows and Jack Forrester. Jack seems to be getting closer with every race and on this occasion Alex won by 4 seconds. Telford took the team award but Ludlow runners are moving up with a strong team finish in second.

Freddie Fielding raced away from the start in the Under 13 boys race. He is a Telford AC runner but was running for his school in this race his time of 11-02 was exceptional and he was 39 seconds clear of Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers in second with Cameron Van Onselen of Oswestry third. Packwood finished 4 runners in the frost eleven and took the team, hosts Oswestry second and last meeting winners Telford back in 5^th .

The last race of the day was the Under 13 girls and with 42 runners it was the largest field of the day. Lasts year Eva Wade of Telford AC was directed off course, but this year there were no such problems and she covered the two lap course in exactly seven minutes to win from Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury and Ellie Sykes of Shrewsbury High School third. Telford AC claimed the team award with Shrewsbury High just ten points behind.

The next fixtureis hosted by Wenlock Olympians at William Brookes School on Sunday 13^th November.

Colin Lancaster

Annual General Meeting

2011-10-30T17:41:00.003Z

All club members are invited to the Annual General Meeting of Telford Athletic Club on Thursday 3rd November at 8 pm at the White Horse , next to Oakengates Leisure Centre.

Presentation Evening 2011

2011-10-30T17:33:00.004Z

Telford Athletic Club staged its Annual Presentation Evening at the Park Inn, Telford, with long time club sprints coach Dave Drew honoured as the guest of honour to present the awards.

Jim Tipper and Alexis Newton - French took the best overall track and field awards. Jim finished 3rd in the World Masters Championships in Sacremento last summer whilst Alexis was 3rd in the AAA Under 15's 75 m hurdles at the national championships in Bedford. Isabel Bradley and Alex Burrows won the best overall cross country performance awards. Isabel finished 8th in the English Schools Junior Girls Championships and went onto represent England Schools in the Home Countries International. Alex another athlete who had a superb season finished an amazing 4th in the National Cross Country Championships in the under 13 boys age group at Alton Towers. Claire Martin took the senior womens award for her performance in winning the British Masters Cross Country Championships whilst Chris Davies won the mens award for several impressive performances over the winter. Greg Wilson won the best road performance for his win in the British Masters Championships winning the over 55 age group whilst the womens award went to the Telford AC team of Kim Fawke, Amanda Davies, Michelle Clarke and Claire Martin that won trhe British Road Relay Championships. Sophie Worrall and bemn Simons won the best indoor performances whilst Aimi Whitehouse and Haydn Finn won the best sports hall performances.

Complete list of award winners see below

Telford Athletic Club Presentation Evening

Friday 20^th October 2011 – Park Inn, Telford.

Guest of honour – Dave Drew

Cross Country

Club Champs (SYA Lge)

U/13 Girls	U/15 Girls	U/17 Women
1. Danni Rollinson	1. Isabel Bradley	1. Harriet Grandfield
2. Fian Sweeney	2. Ellie Bryan	2. Jo Fogarty
3. Robyn Vickers	3. Lauren Pestana	3. Chloe Murphy
U/13 Boys	U/15 Boys	U/17 Men
1 . Alex Burrows	1. Jack Forrester	1. Ryan Heath
2. Aidan Wade	2. Rhys Furlong	2. Luke Tatton
3. Freddie Fielding	3. Josh Burrows

SYA XC Lge Team Managers Award

Girls

Ellie Bryan

Boys

Daryl Coldicott

Sheila Norton Trophy ( Most points in the SYA XC Lge )

Isabel Bradley and Ryan Heath

English Schools Cross Country Champs – Nottingham - TAC athletes

Isabel Bradley	Maddie Wong	Danni Rollinson
Jack Forrester	Rhys Furlong	Chloe Murphy
Harriet Grandfield	Jo Fogarty	Alex Burrows
Ryan Heath	Molly Brown	Emily Grandfield
Haydn Gleave	Ellie Bryan	Josh Burrows

Kiwi Trophy ( Best TAC performance in the National XC Champs. )

Female

Isabel Bradley

Male

Alex Burrows

Battery Trophy ( points scored in all xc league and champs )

Female	Juliet Hoad	Male	Chris Davies
Female Veteran	Lisa Blagden	Male Veteran	Paul Williams

Most Improved Young Athlete

Girl

Danni Rollinson

Boy

Rhys Furlong

Most Improved Senior

Rob Hughes

Indoor / Sportshall

Club Champs( SYA League)

U/13 Girls	U/15 Girls	U/13 Boys	U/15 Boys
1. Chantelle Doyle	1. Shannon Reeves	1. Haydn Finn	1. Kyle Gladwin
2. Chloe Forrester	2. Amy Bowen	2= Rio Mitcham	2. Paul Jones
3. Sophie Bleazard	3. Emma Holl	2= Jack Brothers	3. Sam Johnson

SYA Sportshall League – Team Managers Award

Girls

Holly Bleazard

Boys

Haydn Finn

Road and multi – terrain.

Bollard Trophies ( Best TAC Performance in the 29^th Sexarathon )

Jun Women	xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx	Jun Men	Luke Tatton
Women	Claire Martin	Men	Chris Davies

Steve Burrage Trophies ( Best TAC Performance in the 29^th Sexarathon )

Vet Women

Michelle Clarke

Vet Men

Dale Wilkinson

Track and Field

Club Champs (SYA and NYALge)

U/13 Girls	U/15 Girls	U/13 Boys	U/15 Boys
1. Sophie Bleazard	1. Amy Bowen	1. Rio Mitcham	1. Haydn Finn
2. Charlie Weaver	2. Chantelle Doyle	2. Josh Davies	2. Kyle Gladwin
3. Francesca Garrot	3. Alexis Newton French	3. Jake Davies	3. Jack Brothers
U/17 Women	U/17 Men	U/20 Women (Jun Lge)	U/20 Men (Jun Lge)
1. Rhiann Davies	1. Nick Pearce	1. Sophie Worrall	1. Aidan Reynolds
2. Nancy Ndure	2. Andreas Vanezzi	2. Becky Fagan	2. Tobi Ogundipe
3. Ellie Bryan	3= Callum Rubery	3. Chloe Murphy	3. Ryan Heath
	3= Michael Goodall
Senior Women	Senior Men
1. Zoe Davies	1. Malcolm Dawes
2. Amelia Reynolds	2. Ian Taylor
3. Kim Davies	3. John Bradley

English Schools Track and Field Champs – Gateshead - TAC Athletes

Rhiann Davies	Danielle Lloyd	Alex Burrows	Sophie Worrall
Josh Burrows	Becky Fagan	Callum Rubery	Aidan Reynolds
Nancy Ndure	Hayley Rubery	Amy Bowen	Max Beeching
James Bell	David Edwards	Alexis Newton French	Isabel Bradley

Team Managers Awards

SYA	Robyn Vickers and Mark Richards
Mid Mens	Ali Dummett
Mid Womens Sen	Naomi Farquaharson
Vic Musgrove Award Jun	Kim Carter
Nat Junior -	Becky Fagan and Tobi Ogundipe
Mid Vets -	Theresa Reynolds and Dave Drew
Nat YA	Ellie Bryan and Andreas Vanezi

Most improved Awards U/11-U/17

Sprinter	Chantelle Doyle	Haydn Finn
Hurdler	Sophie Bleazard	Mark Richards
Distance	Danni Rollinson	Jack Forrester
Thrower	Francesca Garrot	Joseph Worrall
Jumper	Danni Langdale / Susie Fagan	Gregor Sukara Fielding

Athletes of the Year Awards (U/11 – U/17)

Sprinter	Amy Bowen	Rio Mitcham
Hurdler	Alexis Newton French	Josh Davies
Distance	Isabel Bradley	Alex Burrows
Thrower	Danielle Lloyd	Callum Rubery
Jumper	Rhiann Davies	Jake Watson
Combined Events	Nancy Ndure	Max Beeching
Seniors
Sprinter	Sinead Johnson	Jim Tipper
Hurdler	Sophie Worrall	Malcolm Dawes
Middle Distance	Jo and Sam Fogarty	Jamie Davies / Dale Wilkinson
Distance	Claire Martin	Ryan Heath
Thrower	Becky Fagan	James Hopley
Jumper	Hayley Rubery	Aidan Reynolds
Combined Events	Sophie Worrall	Aidan Reynolds

UK School Games Representatives

Callum Rubery and Danielle Lloyd

ESAA CE Champs – Exeter. TAC athletes.

Sophie Worrall and Max Beeching

The very best of the year awards

International Representatives Awards

England – Isabel Bradley. England – Claire Martin

Best Performance at the Inter Counties XC Champs – Birmingham

Alex Burrows

Best XC Performance

Female	Claire Martin	Male	Chris Davies
Girl	Isabel Bradley	Boy	Alex Burrows

Best Sportshall Performance

Girls

Aimi Whitehouse

Boys

Haydn Finn

Best Indoor Performance

Female

Sophie Worrall

Male

Ben Simons

Fell Runner of the Year ( Shropshire Winter and Summer Series )

Simon Daws

Best Road Running Performance of the year.

Greg Wilson

Masters Relay Team, Claire Martin, Kim Fawke, Amanda Davies and Michelle Clarke

Best male and female performance at the Shropshire AA Champs – Alexis Newton French and Rio Mitcham

Best performance at the Telford Games –

Junior ( Post Office Trophy) – Alexis Newton French Senior ( Malcolm Davies Trophy) – Hayley Rubery

Best Javelin Performance ( Vic Musgrove Trophy ) – James Hopley

Best Discus Performance ( Alvin French Trophy ) – Hayley Rubery

Best Shot Performance ( Jim Kerrigan ‘ cap ‘ Trophy ) – Becky Fagan

Best International Performance – Richard Rubenis and Jim Tipper

Hartshorne Trophy – Jamie Carter

Best Track and Field Performance of the Year – Alexis Newton French and Jim Tipper

North Wales Cross Country at Llandudno.

2011-10-30T16:40:00.003Z

Telford AC had a large mens team on duty at the second North Wales Cross Country League race of the season over a tough 2 lap course at a new venue, St David's College, Llandudno. The Telford AC turn out masterminded by team manager Jamie Davies, included 3 father and son partnerships from the Garmson, McDonald and Tatton families.

Dan Young made his cross country debut for the club and led the team home in 12th, 31.17 out of a field of 166 finishers, behind the race winner Rob Samuels from Eryri, in 28.44. Following up his impressive run in the recent Breidden Hills Race Dan was running his first cross country race since primary school. Ryan Heath had another impressive run as the second finisher and 4th under 20 in 18th, 31.38. Sam Garmson improved on his first league race depsite their being more runners finishing 27th and 6th under 20 in 33.14. His dad John was the next club finisher, 9 places higher than at Bangor, in 33rd, 33.40 and the second over 45. It was terrific to have Ben McDonald back and he was delighted to finish 44th, 34.17 his first race finish for some 5 years. Steve Jones, club treasurer, was the 6th scorer in 56th and second over 50 in 34.46.

Other TAC finishers were
59th Paul Williams 35.03
65th David Tatton 35.26
69th Peter Plant 35.47
97th Spencer Davies 38.01
116th Paul Sanderson 39.05
123rd Alan MacDonald 39.41 2nd over 60.
136th Mike Whitehead 41.10
148th Nigel Tatton 42.11
150th Darren Fincham 42.35
156th Dave Davies 43.34

The team finished 3rd in Division 1 on the day with 190 pts, just 5 points behind 2nd placed Meirionnydd based in Dolgellau, much better than compared to the 271 pts at the opening fixture at Bangor and are 3rd overall after 2 races. The vets team were 4th on the day but just 5 points behind leaders Shrewsbury AC and are 4th overall.

Division 1 positions and points
1. Eryri 61 ( 173 overall )
2. Meirionnydd 185 ( 376 )
3. Telford AC 190 ( 461 )
4. Menai 338 ( 823 )
5. Tattenhall 354 ( 874 )
6. Colwyn Bay 383 ( 738 )
7. Shrewsbury 397 ( 745 )
8. Wrexham 496 ( 1079 )

Divison 2 - local highlights
3 Oswestry 293 ( 476 )
6. Whitchurch Whippets 525 ( 987 )
10 Maldwyn 676 ( 1363 )
13. Bridgnorth 1021 ( 1851 )

The next race is at Deeside AC, Glyndwr University, Northop, Nr Chester CH7 6AA on Saturday 12th November. This race clashes with the first Birmingham League and Midland Womens League at Leamington. We will need as many runners as possible to be able to field teams at both venues.

Paul Sanderson

Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League

2011-10-12T21:54:00.002+01:00

Burrows boys start well.

The first round of the Shropshire Star sponsored Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country was held at Longford Hall Newport. The rain held off all afternoon and the ground was very hard and the times fast. 20 more athletes competed than in the same fixture last year with a team entry of 10.

This year the Under 17’s race is wide open as all last year’s leading runners have left the age group. Both Under 15’s and Under 17’s start at the same time but after only a mile the field split to leave a leading group of just 4 in the older age group. Joe Morris of Oswestry, the only one of the leading group at the top of the age group followed closely by Josh Burrows and Rhys Furlong of hosts Telford with Ryan Cullen, Shrewsbury, also in contention. At the end of the second lap, the leading group was down to just two as Joe and Josh pushed on. Josh was unexpectedly left on his own as Joe dropped out as they started the third and final lap. He held on easily to win by 20 seconds with his club mate Rhys outsprinting Jamie Beebee of Wrekin College Triathlon in third. Josh’s younger brother is a cross country specialist and the William Brookes student came 4^th in last year’s National cross country. Being pre-race favourite doesn’t seem to bother him though and his time of 11 minutes 45 seconds for the 3500m course was exceptionally fast but he didn’t have it all his own way as his rapidly improving team mate Jack Forrester was just 11 seconds behind. Wenlock Olympian Arthur Charlesworth ran his usual even pace to finish third.

Another triathlete to do well was Lauren Pestana. Lauren is a member of the West Midlands triathlon development squad and was running for Telford Athletic Club. She used her increasing speed to win ahead of last year’s county schools champion Megan Turner of Ludlow. Zoe Partridge finished in third. The most competitive age group is likely to be the Under 15 girls where the county has the first two medallists in the Midland Championships 3000m. England international and midland champion Isabel Bradley hung on to finish three seconds in front of team mate Dani Rawlinson. They were nearly a minute in front of third placed Alex Cawlhra from Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers with Wrekin College triathlete Holly Barnett in fourth.

The biggest race of the day was in the Under 13 girls where 39 girls finished the 2000m course. Last year’s Under 11 Champion, Eva Wade, moved up to this age group and carried on where she left off, dominating to win the race in 6 minutes 11 seconds followed in by Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury 21 seconds later. The race for the third position was very close with 7 athletes arriving at the finish within 15 seconds. Georgie Benbow of Wenlock Olympians claimed third place from Ellie Sykes of Shrewsbury High School. The Under 11 girls race is always fast and furious, and over the 1500m course it is usually the one who slows down the least that wins. But this time there was a sprint for the line with Wrekin College triathlete Jess Humphries completing the course in 6-09 closely followed by Sadie Craig of Telford and Isobel Boden of Wenlock. The last finisher was over the line in 8-36 so this new generation seem very fit.

Freddie Fielding looks set to dominate the Under 13 boys races. He is a Telford AC athlete but this time was running for his school Packwood Haugh, first time entrants in the league. He led his team home to win by 23 seconds from Joseph Critchley of Maldwyn second and the diminutive Joel Roura of Telford third. Telford came in second team with Maldwyn a close third.

Shrewsbury claimed their only winner of the day in the Under 11 boys race over 1500m with William Davies first home in exactly 6 minutes. He was followed into the finish by Jack Benson of Telford and Greg Jones of Wenlock just one second behind. It was an amazing finish as these three just ran behind one another for all of the last 200m of the race with the small distance between them never changing. Telford took the team with the Olympians, Wenlock holding second place and Oswestry third.

In the individual competition runners it is only three races to count but in the team events all four races have to count. Telford look set to dominate, winning all the team events, except the Under 13 boys. The results were very close and the other teams will be training hard to overtake them in the four weeks before the next fixture at Oswestry School fields on Sunday 16^th October.

Sexarathon

2011-10-12T21:47:00.003+01:00

The final race in this years Up and Running Sexarathon saw Claire Martin and Chris Davies, win the final race, the Madeley Matchmaker 5k and the 29th Sexarathon Series, remaining unbeaten throughout the summer. Claire was winning her 7th title, more than anyone in the 29 year history of this popular midweek series. Chris was winning his second Sexarathon title having previously won back in 1997. The Telford AC pair were winners all six races including the final race held over the 5 kilometre multi terrain Madeley Matchmaker. Chris came home first overall in 15.47 with Oswestry's Peter Butler runner up in 16.16, with Dave Mansbridge another Telford AC man in third in 16.34 and first over 45 veteran. Chris Carter back at home from university was 4th in 16.43, just 3 seconds ahead of Ryan Heath from Wellington with Wolverhampton's Daniel Brazier taking 6th in 16.55. Jamie Davies, TAC's new senior mens team manager, had his highest finish of the series to take 7th, which moved him from = 6th to 4th overall in the final standings.

Claire Martin from Aqueduct was first lady but also 11th overall in 17.39. Shrewsbury's Claire Burgoyne has improved throughout the season and has combined an excellent season on the track with impressive sexarathon performances was second on the day and second overall in the Series in 18.16, with Michelle Clarke last years overall winner 3rd on the night and 3rd in the Series overall in 19.00 as 256 runners finished the race.

The Sexarathon organisers Telford AC are delighted with the support from all Shropshire Clubs, with Newport & District Runners, Telford Harriers, Wrekin Road Runners, Shrewsbury AC, Oswestry, Market Drayton Runners, Shropshire Shufflers and Whitchurch Whippets in particular were all well represented as were West Midlands clubs especially Wolverhampton and Bilston and Dudley Kingswinford.

Mo Hill, from Up and Running, Shrewsbury the Sexarathon sponsors was on hand to present the prizes.

Overall Sexarathon leading finishers were ;

Overall Ladies 1st Claire Martin V35, TAC 600 pts. 2nd Claire Burgoyne, SAC 594 pts. 3rd Michelle Clarke V35, TAC 588 pts.
Vet 35 Ladies 1st Deborah Scotcher, Market Drayton 581 pts, 2nd Lorraine Blythe, Tel H 553 pts, 3rd Michelle Evans, Tel H 542 pts
Vet 40 Ladies 1st Lisa Blagden, TAC 600 pts, 2nd Sarah Aston, Wrekin RR 593 pts, 3rd Lisa Millar, Newport 587 pts
Vet 45 Ladies 1st Cheralyn Evans, TAC 600 pts, Julie Allen, Dudley Kings 585 pts, Sara Rex, Tel H 580 pts.
Vet 50 Ladies 1st Wendy Scott, Wrekin RR 600 pts, 2nd Sally McConville, Dudley Kings 593 pts, 3rd Deb Sandeman, Wrekin RR, 585 pts.
Vet 55 Ladies 1st Barbara Ward, Oswestry, 600 pts, 2nd Hilary Hollington, Sneyd Striders, 584 pts, Ursula Elwell, Cobra 581 pts.
Vet 60 Ladies 1st Anne Strowger, Newport, 600 pts, Cynthia Lewis, Tel H, 592 pts, 3rd Naomi Wrighton, Tel H, 198 pts.

Overall Men 1st Chris Davies, TAC 600 pts, 2nd Daniel Brazier, Wolves & Bil 582 pts, 3rd Steve Cunningham, V45, Wolves & Bil 568 pts, 4th Jamie Davies, TAC 560 pts, 5th Dale Wilkinson, V35, TAC 557 pts, 6th Dave Smith, V40, Wolves & Bil 553 pts.
Vet 35 Men 1st Dean Blythe, Tel H 594 pts, 2nd Grant Lloyd, SAC 579 pts, 3rd Kevin Evans, Wenlock 568 pts
Vet 40 Men 1st Gary Vickers, TAC 590 pts, 2nd Paul Tabor, Wolves & Bil 571 pts, 3rd Paul Beckett, Market Drayton 570 pts.
Vet 45 Men 1st Kevin Francis, SAC 592 pts, 2nd Paul Williams, TAC 587 pts, 3rd Richard Bailey, TAC 572 pts
Vet 50 Men 1st Keith Silvester, Shrop Shuff, 594 pts, 2nd Steve Jones, TAC 590 pts, 3rd Mike Deeley, 577 pts
Vet 55 Men 1st Jonathan Morgan, Whitchurch W 588 pts, 2nd Stephen Loundes, Chase H 587 pts, Greg Perkins, TAC 577 pts.
Vet 60 Men 1st Glen Lock, Wolves & Bil 590 pts, 2nd Rick Tyrer, 583 pts, 3rd Brian Russell, DK, 580 pts
Vet 65 Men 1st Ian Emery, Wrekin RR 581 pts, 2nd Peter Davies, Birchfield 500 pts, 3rd Alan Hodgkiss, TAC, 494 pts.
Vet 70 Men 1st James Bibb, DK 600 pts, 2nd John Buckby, West Brom 494 pts, 3rd Mick Ward, Oswestry 394 pts.

Paul Sanderson

North Wales Cross Country at Bangor. October 2011

2011-10-05T21:57:00.003+01:00

Telford AC opened the senior cross country season with some good results at the first North Wales Cross Country League races at Bangor. Claire Martin last years overall champion opened her season with a victory in 18.05, 35 seconds ahead of her nearest rival Marilyn Kitching from Tattenhall. Lisa Blagden the only other TAC girl in action was 28th in 22.59.
Ryan Heath in his first ever senior North Wales League race was delighted with his 8th and 2nd Under 20, placing in 30.28, behind winner Rob Samuel from host club Eryri. Sam Garmson also making his senior debut was next home in 31st and 6th under 20. New team manager and driving force behind the senior men this season was Jamie Davies in 34th, 33.11 whilst John Garmson was 42nd, 33.20 with Spencer Davies 65th, 35.54 as Paul Sanderson completed the scoring 6 in 91st, 38.28, just ahead of Alan MacDonald 98th, 39.14 and Dave Davies 120th, 43.22.
The mens team finished 3rd in Division 1 with 271 pts behind winners Eryri with 112, whilst Meirionnydd were 2nd with 191 whilst Shrewsbury were 4th with 348, Colwyn Bay 5th with 355, Menai 6th with 485, Tattenhall 7th, 520 and Wrexham 8th, 583.
Oswestry won Division 2 with 183 pts.
The next race is at St Davids College, Llandudno (LL30 1RD ) on Saturday 22nd October.

Telford Games 2011

2011-09-26T23:38:00.003+01:00

Results now available on TAC main web site

Stretton Skyline 2011

2011-09-26T21:47:00.003+01:00

Steven Cale and Val Swingler retained their titles in the 30th Stretton Skyline Fell Race organised by Telford Athletic Club. Cale, from Shrewsbury, running for Mercia Fell Runners, came home in 2 hours 26 minutes and 35 minutes just under 4 minutes quicker than when he won last year. This is the 5th fastest time over the 19 mile course with 4450 feet of climbing including Pole Bank, Ragleth, Caer Caradoc, Lawley and the Long Mynd. The fastest mens time was set in 1986 when Ken West, who used to live in Shrewsbury ran the course in 2 hours 17 minutes and 16 seconds. The fastest since 2000 is held by Mike James from Shrewsbury AC who ran the 3rd fastest time of 2.18.22 in 2008. This year Steven Cale, the 31 year old Wrekin College teacher had over 2 minutes to spare over his nearest rival Andrew Davies,from Church Stretton, a former Long Mynd Hike champion who thrives on the longer races and knows the Stretton Hills like the back of his hand. He moved through from 4th during the last climb from Gogbatch as the runners crossed the A49 to Motts Road on the Long Mynd to be a clear 2nd in 2.38.45. Pete Vale gave Mercia Fell Runners a clean sweep of the first 3 places as he came 3rd in 2.39.20.

Val Swingler, from Shropshire Shufflers, won her 3rd consecutive Skyline crossing the finish line in 2.55.36, 23 minutes ahead of her nearest rival and 5th overall in the race, just 16 seconds slower than last year which was the 4th fastest time ever, behind the womens course record of 2.46.42, held by Ruth Pickvance from Cardiff set in 2005. Phoebe Webster from Aberystwyth was second in 3.18.01 whilst Naomi Watson of Mercia Fell Runners was 3rd in 3.24.11 the 46th fastest time ever.

The leading veteran finishers were Mens over 40, Conner Carson from Kenilworth in 2.55.53, mens over 45 Steve Long from Tring in 2.57.27, mens over 50 Andy Staveley from Burnden, Lancs in 2.58.09, mens over 55 Simon Daws from Telford AC in 3.14.06 and mens over 60 Graham Lawrence from Solihull in 3.26.45. The womens veterans awards went to over 50's Gill Evans Shepshed 3.34.58, over 45 Celia Mills, Calder Valley, 3.51.02 and over 40 Maria Spurling, Shropshire Shufflers 4.03.16.

Other local leading finishers were 4th Jon Hedger 2.51.24, 13th Mark Agnew 3.06.48, 15th Andrew Primrose 3.10.35, 22nd Noel Hogan 3.14.51 and 30th John Taylor 3.19.00.

Paul Sanderson

Stretton Skyline 2011

2011-09-18T16:13:00.002+01:00

Results for the 2011 Stretton Skyline now available
http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/races/stretton-skyline/skyline-2011

Photos too
http://www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk/strettonskyline2011.html

XC Fixtures 2011/2012

2011-09-15T22:56:00.001+01:00

Birmingham and North Wales.
1st October Bangor (North Wales)
22nd October Llandudno (North Wales)
12th November Leamington (Birmingham)
12th November Northop Deeside (North Wales)
3rd December Rugby (Birmingham)
14th January Sphinx (Birmingham)
14th January Telford (North Wales)
4th February Oswestry (North Wales)
11th February Wolves (Birmingham)

North Staffs:
8 Oct: Winsford
29 Oct: Park Hall
19 Nov: Stafford Common
10 Dec: Westwood High