Last updated 30
December 2003
Press Releases for
October, November & December 2003
30 December 2003
There was another good turn out for the Club's annual
Boxing Day paperchase at Hayes with many of those taking part in fancy dress.
The rankings for Senior athletes for the 2003 season have
recently been published with Club Members featuring prominently.
Top of the marathon and half marathon rankings is Mark
Steinle. He timed 2.15.41 for the full distance and 62.55 for the half. He needs
to dip under 2.15 to gain the Olympic A standard to qualify for the Games in
Athens, a target he is well capable of achieving as his best is 2.09.17, the 8th
fastest time by a Briton (to put this in perspective his best is quicker than
marathon legends Hugh Jones, Mike Gratton, and Eamonn Martin).
A number of others will be looking for selection for
Greece. In the sprints there are Julian Golding and Dwayne Grant who are 4th and
6th fastest in the 200 metres as well as former European Under 23 100 metre
champion Jonathan Barbour who, despite struggling with injury, is still placed
12th in the highly competitive 100 metres.
In the hurdles Mohammed Sillah Freckleton and Mensah
Elliott are placed 6th and 10th while in the field Liz Hughes is 5th in the pole
vault with 4 metres despite battling with injury.
Other top 10 ranked athletes are Sandra Alaneme who is 8th
in the triple jump with 12.55, a UK age 17 best; Mark Awanah who is 10th in the
long jump; and Michael Skinner who is 4th in the 1000 metres and 19th in the
mile.
23 December 2003
Mark Steinle celebrated Christmas early with a runaway
victory in the Hogs Back Road Race at Godalming in Surrey. The 29 year old
Blackheath and Bromley athlete led from start to finish and his time of 40.01
for the 8.1 mile race was a new course record.
The British Marathon number one has only been running
around 80 miles at week recently but aims to be upping this while away training
in South Africa. He flew out two days after the race and will stay out there for
eight weeks. This will give him the training background to help him achieve the
Olympic qualifying time for next years Games in Athens.
Former Commonwealth Games 4th placer in the marathon, Dave
Taylor showed that he is set to make a major impression on the veterans scene
next month when he finished 2nd in the latest Surrey League cross country race
at Reigate. Running for his 2nd claim club Herne Hill the 39 year old was only
beaten by Olympic 1500 metre runner Andrew Graffin timing 26.21 on the 5 mile
course.
Two of the Clubs top veterans were in fine form at the
SECTA Christmas throws Pentathlon. Throwing the shot, discus, javelin, hammer
and heavy weight Colin Brand won the over 65's competition and Gordon Hickey the
over 70's.
A group with ages ranging from 13 to 85 year old Alan
Brent were in action in the Club's annual Maryon Wilson Swimming Race which this
year took place at West Wickham baths. Over two lengths or 66 metres Nick
Bunclark was again the fastest in the field recording a swift 39.2 seconds for
victory. Darryl Hilliar took 2nd with 47.9 with 13 year old Anna-Louise Barrett
3rd in her debut in the event with 53.0.
Brian Smith got the better of the handicapper to win the
handicap competition with Anna Louise Barrett 2nd and another youngster,
Catherine Thomas, third.
Some of those who swam were in action again the following
day in the Club's Christmas Yacht Handicap race over a new course at Hayes.
First home was Clare Pallen who finished some way clear of
Tony Pontifex with sports journalist Andy Edwards in third.
Fastest of the afternoon was Andrew Rayner who jogged
round in 29.01 with Steve Smythe 2nd in 29.29 and Dave Ellison 3rd in 29.37.
Joint fastest in the women's race were Angela Cook and
Kate Pratten who both ran 35.30 with 14 year old Rebecca Taylor 3rd in 35.58
having set off 10 seconds behind her father Ian and stayed with him until the
finish.
She was in action again the following day in the Holly Run
races at Reigate where she finished in 4th place. Hannah Ware was 3rd in the
under 13 girls race with Rebecca's younger brother Oliver 13th in the under 11s
race. Andy Lawes was 8th veteran and 28th overall in the Senior Men's race.
Meanwhile a number of athletes travelled to Belgium to run
in the latest meeting in the Belgian Cross Cup series. Highlight of the day was
the close fought battle between World Marathon record holder Paul Tergat and
European Cross Country Champion Sergiy Libid, but the Club's interest lay in the
support races. Much money had passed hands in predicting the finishing order of
the Club's runners in the Gaston Roelants 10km and it was old warhorse Ken
Daniel who caused an upset.
Fuelled on a diet of sprouts, beans and Belgian beer, the
53 year old made many younger runner's eyes water as he blasted through the
field to finish first over 50 athlete and lead the Club's runners home. David
Griffin just pipped fellow junior Chris Daniel with Roy Smith 4th and Con
Griffin 5th. It was not a day for Jamie Atkinson to remember. Nicely positioned
early on in the Junior Men's cross country race, he placed his foot awkwardly
and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Fortunately the x-rays
showed no break but he will still have his foot in plaster until New Years Eve.
Club members of all ages and abilities will be out in
force on Boxing Day for the annual paperchase around Hayes Common. Starting at
11 - two hares will lay a trail that will be followed by a collections of
"hounds" many in fancy dress. The bar will be open from 12.
16 December 2003
Talented Junior Robert Bain continued his promising Winter
form beating all the Seniors by over two minutes at the Christmas Cup 5km walk
at Monks Hill. The Blackheath and Bromley athlete, who was featured in an
article in Athletics Weekly this week, timed 25.17 and would have gone quicker
had he been pushed.
Trailing in his wake were fellow Club members Peter
Hannell in 4th, Shaun Lightman 6th and Nolan Simmons 8th.
Julia Stacey returned to racing and winning form as she
took the under 15's 2.5km race in 15.47 with Jessica Bain second in 16.26.
Peter Tucker missed out on a hat trick of victories at the
Swanley Christmas Caper when he finished in third place. This meant that instead
of taking home a turkey which he has claimed as the first placed prize for the
last two years, he had to settle for a Christmas cake.
Training partner Paul Cavallo finished in 6th while others
in action included veteran Terry Brightwell and sprinter Abi Jacobs who
impressed over the last 100 metres.
Indoors
The Indoor Championships are fast approaching and a
number of Club members began their racing preparations at the Windsor Open
Meeting at Eton. Welsh International Fabian Collymore dipped under 7 seconds in
his first race of the year, his 6.98 clocking being the second fastest of the
day.
Duayne Bovell was 3rd fastest under 20 athlete with 7.2
with Lloyd Francis clocking 7.31.
Fastest in the both the Under 15 girls 60 metres flat and
60 metres hurdles was Serita Solomon with times of 8.21 and 9.41. New girl
Vanessa Nakangu was 3rd fastest of the day in the 60 metres with 8.43.
Rankings
A number of members appear in the under 13 boys track
and field for the 2003 season. Highest placed is St Olaves schoolboy Aston
Stockdale who is 4th fastest in the country over the 400 metres with a time of
60.5. Michael Thorpe also makes the 400 metre list in 11th with 63.0 and is the
same position in the 800 metres with 2.19.7.
In the field events the Club has two athletes in the
javelin rankings. James Sellick is 11th with 33.21 with Jo Nicoll 16th with
31.73
On the roads Mark Steinle is the fastest half marathoner
in the country with his 62.55 achieved at the Great North Run. He is also
fastest male over the full Marathon distance with the 2.15.41 achieved at
Chicago.
After three rounds of the Reebok Cross Challenge Michael
Skinner lies in joint second place.
9 December 2003
Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC athletes were out in
force for the Kent County at the South Of England Inter Counties match at Stowe
School. Best placed was Andrew Rayner who finished 3rd in the Men's Under 23
race timing 32.48 for the 10km course. Together with Peter Tucker in 16th he
helped Kent to runners up spot in the team race.
Eve Bugler was 16th in the under 20 women's race and was
part of the winning Kent team. For the Under 17s Ella Fisher was 27th in the
women's race with James Poole 57th in the men's race.
Strongest Club presence came in the under 15 girls race
where Rebecca Taylor was 12th, Katy Murray 26th and Sarah McLennan 28th and Kent
finished in 3rd place. Danny Brewer was 33rd for the boys while in the girls
under 15's age group Amy Smith was 20th and Rebecca Smith closed in 55th.
Kent Veterans & Clubman's races,
Swanley
The Club enjoyed both individual and team success at the Kent Veterans
& Clubman' races at Parkwood School in Swanley. Mike Cronin was the over
60's champion and also helped the over 50's to 3rd place in the team race with
Ken Daniel in 5th, Rob Brown 15th and Chris Pike 18th.
Neil Ayrton had an outstanding run in the over 40's race
finishing in 2nd. Scoring places were completed by Ian Taylor in 23rd, Mark
Ellison 24th and Mark Compton 43rd.
Darryl Hilliar was 9th in the Clubmans race but the Club
did not finish a team.
Walking
Three of the Club's walkers were in action at Blackheath. Competing in
the 9km handicap race Robert Bain was given the largest handicap setting off
21.45 minutes after the first group. After a slight problem at the 4km point
where he started to choke, he eventually crossed the line in 8th place which
gave him the fastest time of 45.08 a personal best for the distance. His sister
Jessica was first in the 2km race with Holly Williams winning the 4km. Their
strength and technique impressed the experienced walkers spectating.
Sportshall
A group of youngsters from the Club were in action at the latest Kent
Sportshall meeting. Rachel Blackie won the under 17 women's event and set a new
shot record in the process. There was an encouraging team result for the under
11 girls who were 7th out of 40 teams but most results were not available on the
day.
Rankings
More athletes from the Club feature in the recently published under 13
girls track and field rankings. Highest placed is Katrina Cosby who is 9th in
the long jump with 4.64. She is also equal 17th in the 75 metres with 10.3.
Amarah Taitt is 20th in the shot with a putt of 8.53.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
2 December 2003
Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC enjoyed another
successful Day at the latest Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League
fixture at Danson Park. Despite the wet and windy conditions the Club won four
team races and had two individual winners.
Most successful age group was the under 13's. Michael
Thorpe's brave front running nearly paid dividends in the boys race but he was
overhauled in the latter stages and had to settle for second. However, this was
compensated for in the team race as the fast improving Stephen Cavey finished in
6th and ever consistent Robert Evans placed 9th to secure victory.
It was a similar story in the girls race as Amy Smith was
also overtaken in the later stages having lead all the way. Danielle Barley had
an excellent run in 9th while Danielle Critchley, having only just turned 11,
made an outstanding debut to finish in 10th. Impressively Katie Gibbs was 11th ,
Hannah Garcia 12th and the Club had another 9 finishers.
Rebecca Taylor led the under 15 girls team to victory. She
just prevailed in a close finish and with Katie Murray 3rd and Sarah McClennan
7th the Club comfortably won the team race. As with the under 13's there was
more strong back up from another 6 athletes led by Sarah Coombs in 9th.
Danny Brewer was first home for the boys with good back up
from Sam Simpson while Stephen Leach and Tom Beech ran well in the under 17s but
the Club didn't finish a team.
The under 17 girls team were a good 2nd with Ella Fisher
4th, Bryony Proctor 7th and Caroline McQuillan 19th. There was a clean sweep for
the under 20 men with a 1, 2, 3 for Terry Hawkey, Chris Daniel and Dan Ryan.
Diane Ballard made her debut for the Club in the Senior
Women's race and was first home in 15th while Kate Pratten, Angela Cook and
Clare Lodwig packed well in 17th , 18th and 21st to help the team finish 4th.
Martin Airey made a rare appearance in the Kent League to
show his track training is going well. He was 6th in the Senior Men's race just
ahead of Peter Tucker, Eamonn Prendergast and John Morland to help the team
finish third in the 4 to score. Unfortunately a calf injury forced Graham Coates
out of the race in the opening mile and so the Club didn't feature in the 12 to
score competition.
Elsewhere Gemma Viney was 7th for St Mary's in the latest
London Colleges Cross Country League race at Wimbledon Common.
The 2003 track and field rankings for the under 15 boys
have just been published. Highest placed is Alex Al Ameen who is ranked 2nd in
the Pentathlon with 2960 points. His 11.61 second Club Record breaking time in
the 80 metre hurdles ranks him 7th in the country and he is also equal 13th in
the high jump with 1.75. His brother Richard is 17th in the Hammer. On the track
AAA's bronze medallist Scott Blackwell is 8th in the 400 with 52.6 and also lies
17th in the 200 metres with 23.5. James Alaka is 19th in the 400.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
25 November 2003
Mike Winch is the new Vice President of UK Athletics. The
55 year old Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC member was elected in a postal
vote that was open to all Clubs affiliated to UK Athletics defeating three other
candidates, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Peter Matthews and Eric Shirley. Winch, who is
also a Vice President of the Club, has said that his "main focus at all
levels will be to enhance the status and resources of the club and coaching
structures within Athletics".
He is a former Commonwealth Games silver medallist, a
level 4 coach who has coached 30 Senior and Junior athletes, and Secretary of
the Athletics Coaches Association of the UK.
Michael Skinner's hopes of gaining a place in the Great
Britain team for the European Cross Country Championships were scuppered when he
went down with injury the week before the trial race which was incorporated into
the Reebok Cross Challenge race at Liverpool last Saturday.
Unable to train for most of the previous week his running
lacked its normal fluency and he decided to cut his losses when in 15th position
and pull out of the race. He will now concentrate on clearing up his injury
problems and getting some decent training under his belt.
One man who did finish at Liverpool was Andrew Rayner. He
continues to improve and finished in 48th place in a very strong field.
Another of the Club's top distance runners Dave Taylor was
in outstanding form in the Wolverton 5. Taylor turns 40 in January but age
proved no barrier to him as he finished 2nd in 23.54 just 8 seconds behind
former top International Keith Cullen in his comeback race.
Over 40 Club members braved the torrential rain in the
annual mob match against Orion Harriers at Epping Forest but they were heavily
outnumbered by the host Club and beaten in the 38 to score competitition.
First home for the Club was Peter Tucker in 2nd overall
with John Morland, shortly to be emigrating to Australia in 3rd, and Alex
Gibbins in 7th. They picked up the medals in the Club 7 and a half mile
championship which was incorporated into this event. Kate Pratten led the women
home in 72nd place with Anne Cilia 99th and Clare Lodwig 102nd.
More of the Club's youngsters appear in the National Track
And Field Rankings as the under 15 girls lists have just been released. Highest
placed is Flo Clark. The English Schools bronze medallist is 7th in the discus
with 32.39 with team mate Shaunagh Brown just behind in 9th with 31.91.
Elsewhere in the field Lauren Blackie is 13th in the pole vault with 2.30; Jade
Castell Thomas 17th in the long jump with 5.21 and Katie Murray 18th in the high
jump with 1.60.
On the track best ranked is Nina Akif with a wind assisted
11.64 which placed her 10th in the 75 metre hurdles. Rebecca Taylor is placed
14th and 25th in the 800 and 1500 in times of 2.16.90 and 4.50.0; and AAA's
indoor 60 metres bronze medallist Amy Gibbs is 16th in the 100 metres with 12.55
despite being injured for most of the Summer.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
18 November 2003
Cross Country/Road
Athletes from Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC were out in force for
the second of the Kent League fixtures of the season at Tunbridge Wells with a
number of team and individuals successes.
Particularly noteworthy were both the quality and numbers
in the under 13 and under 15 girls age groups. Amy Smith was 2nd in the under
13's race and with Rebecca Smith in 4th and Katie Gibbs 8th they won the team
race. Just as pleasing was the strength in depth of the squad with promising
runs from Danielle Bowles 13th, Amy DeMatos 14th, Maeve Kenny 16th, Emma Horne
21st, Grace Power 22nd, Jenny Linker 24th, Rebecca Cook 25th and Rose Power
27th.
It was another 2nd place and a team victory in the under
15's age group with Rebecca Taylor taking the runners up spot and Katie Murray
3rd. Sarah McLellan took 7th to secure the team win with Sarah Coombs 9th,
Venessa Evans 15th, Lauren Smith 16th, Claire McNamara 21st and Louise Smith
27th.
There was a runner up spot also for Eve Bugler in the
under 20s race while Bryony Proctor was 10th in the under 17s with Caroline
McQuillan in the 20's. The Club didn't complete teams in these two age groups
but they did in the Seniors where with Hannah Leach 7th, Kate Pratten 20th and
Clare Lodwig 23rd they finished an excellent 3rd.
Joe Mills was first home for the Senior Men in 9th and
with Peter Tucker 12th, Terry Hawkey 16th and Alex Gibbins 18th the team were
4th. They were 2nd in the 12 to score which included two fathers, Ian Taylor and
Gary Cook, who had been supporting their daughters earlier.
James Poole repeated his third place from the first match
in the under 17's race from last month and with Tom Beech 9th and Stephen Leach
in 10th the team were 2nd. Danny Brewer led home the under 15s in 3rd place and
with Sam Simpson 13th, Robert D'Angelo 22nd and James Summersby 27th they were
5th in the team race.
Stephen Cavey continues to improve in the under 13's age
group finishing in 11th ahead of Robert Evans, 14th, Oliver Robinson 21st and
Cameron Ward 23rd.
Missing from the Kent League were four athletes who were
in action in the latest of the Reebok Cross Challenge races at Margate.
Andrew Rayner finished a useful 16th in the Senior Men's
race representing the South Of England against athletes from France, Ireland and
the Combined Services. Jamie Atkinson was 14th in the under 20's race, with Ella
Fisher 55th for the under 17 girls and Michael Thorpe an excellent 7th for the
under 13 boys.
Last week Rayner won his second London Colleges League
race of the season at Kingston. The Brunel University captain finished 4 seconds
clear. In the women's race Gemma Viney finished 5th for St Mary's. Jamie
Atkinson was also in action finishing 3rd in the Kent Fitness League for his 2nd
claim Club Sevenoaks with Neil Ayrton 12th.
On the roads Robert Bain travelled to Nuneaton to take
part in the UKA Norwich Union Star Track One Minute Race. He finished 2nd with
259 metres 14 behind Nick Ball of Steyning who set a new World Record of 272
metres. Bill Clapham was first over 70 in Crystal Palace Canter 5km and down in
the West Country Chris Woodcock was 26th overall and first over 60 runner in the
Children In Need Colyton 10km. His time beat the current over 65's National 10km
track champion, John Perratt, by over a minute and a half.
Rankings
More Club Members appear in the 2003 rankings for the under 17 boys.
AAA's champion Stuart Harvey is 2nd in the javelin with a throw of 61.50 while
English Schools International Amir Williamson lies 3rd in the hammer with 60.58.
Both distances are Club Records and Harvey still has one more year in the age
group. Williamson is 8th in the discus with 45.42 and his brother Alistair
Tawanaee is 14th in the Hammer with 51.39. Alex Worley is 16th in the 400
hurdles with 56.8
Club Dinner
The Club annual Dinner took place last Friday with members of all ages in
attendance. Among those present were Olympians Myrtle Augee, Julian Golding and
Tawanda Chiwira plus most of the youngsters who won medals in National
Championships over the last year. Pictures from the Dinner
are now on the Club website.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
This weekend Michael Skinner and Andrew Rayner travel to
Liverpool for the Great Britain Trials for the European Cross Country
Championships which take place at Edinburgh next month. Skinner is one of those
in contention for one of the three automatic places in the team but will be
against some of the top runners in the country
22nd Nov. Reebok Cross Challenge incorporating the GB
Trials race for the European Cross Country Championships
22nd Nov. Orion Mob Match, Chingford
29th Nov Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League, Danson Park
6th Dec Kent Masters and Clubman's Championships, Swanley
11 November 2003
Cross Country/Road
It was an afternoon of mixed emotions for Blackheath & Bromley
Harriers AC at the National Cross Country Relays at Mansfield. Michael Skinner
had another outstanding run moving up from 20th to 5th on leg two of the 4 stage
race. His time of 14.39 was just outside the previous course record which was
broken on the day by two other athletes. He was the third fastest runner of the
day against some of the top athletes in the country. Andrew Rayner had another
good run on the opening stage timing 15.36 but after Skinner's outstanding run
the Club's Challenge halted as they ran out of runners! What had looked like a
useful team the day before had disintegrated due to illness, injury and work
commitments.
There was a similarly poor showing at the South Of The
Thames Junior Race at Coulsdon were John Taylor finished in 56th and Graham
Coates 68th which meant again the Club did not finish a team.
It was left to the Club's Under 13 Boys to give an example
of fine individual and team running. They travelled to the Phoenix Cross Country
Races at Brighton to record an emphatic victory and see Michael Thorpe win the
1800 metre race in 6.41, a new course record by 5 seconds. His reward was £20
of Sports Vouchers. Edward Martin was 5th in 7.04, Stephen Cavey 7th in 7.29 and
Cameron Ward 9th in 7.46.
There was a combined under 15's and under 17's race with
Tom Beech 9th, Richard Daniel 22nd, Sam Simpson 24th and Doran Morgan 25th, but
the age group race positions are not yet available.
Finally Ken Daniel set a new over 50's course record by a
second on the four lap course.
New member Ciaran Osborn has just returned from running
the New York Marathon finishing 240th out of a field of 34,703 in 2.53.17.
Sportshall
There was another enthusiastic turn out for the second of the Kent
Sportshall series at Tunbridge Wells with a number of high points for the Club.
Aston Stockdale was the overall winner in the under 13 boys competition while
Lauren Blackie was 4th for the under 15 girls. The under 13 girls team finished
in 2nd place and the Club closed three teams in the under 11's competition in
7th, 14th and 18th positions.
Track And Field Rankings
The National under 17 Women's track and field rankings have just been
published and contain a number of the Club's athletes. Highest place is Harriet
Robinson who is 2nd in the 80 metre hurdles with 11.25 with Clare Cooper 7th in
11.50. Both ran the 100 hurdles once at the end of the year and were rewarded
with 5th and 6th in the rankings. Cooper was also 9th in the 300 hurdles in 44.8
in her only race over the distance and she still has another year in the age
group.
Also with another year is Victoria Thomas who is 6th in
the Hammer with her Club Record breaking throw of 40.71. She is also 30th in the
shot while Rachel Blackie is 15th in the Hammer with 35.44 and 26th in the
discus with 33.69. Clare Silvester is 24th in the javelin with 34.98 and Layla
Hawkins 15th in the Heptathlon with 4071 points.
On the track Ella Fisher is 20th in the 800 with 2.13.78.
Recent deaths
The Club is sad to report the deaths of three of its older members who
have amounted nearly 200 years of membership of the Club between them. John
Furniss who joined in 1933 was one of the runners in the handicap race in 1938
in which Past President Sydney Wooderson brought the World Half Mile record back
to Britain for the first time in 50 years also annexing the 800 metre record in
the process.
Furniss was set off 8 yards ahead of Wooderson and the
Club Gazette records "To Furniss fell the honour of the initial pace
making, for he had been one of our most consistent runners and was good for a 56
second quarter which was estimated to get Sydney round the first lap in about
54." In fact he went faster than expected and the opening lap was covered
in 52.6. Wooderson went on to clock 1.49.2 for the half mile and 1.48.4 for the
800, (faster than anyone in the Club in 2003)
Sydney was unable to attend the Memorial Service for
Furniss but his younger brother Stanley, aged 88, who also ran in the 1938 race
was there, albeit in a wheelchair having recently suffered a heart attack.
Furniss was himself a talented athlete and after the 2nd
World War placed 8th in the AAA's steeplechase final.
Leslie Cornish joined in 1931 and was a former Southern
champion over the sprint hurdles.
Dennis Bentley who died suddenly at the age of 73 had been
a Club member since 1952 and would regularly support the Club's youngsters at
the Parkwood Cross Country League near his home at Canterbury.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
15th Nov. Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League,
Tunbridge Wells
16th Nov. SEAA International, Margate
22nd Nov. Orion Mob Match, Chingford
29th Nov Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League, Danson Park
6th Dec Kent Masters and Clubman's Championships, Swanley
4 November 2003
Reebok Cross Challenge, Senneleys
Park, Birmingham
Michael Skinner leads the 2003-4 Reebok Cross Challenge after the 2nd of
the 6 race series at Senneleys Park, Birmingham. Runner up in the first race at
Falkirk in October, the Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC athlete finished
8th overall in Birmingham and 5th Briton which leaves him top of the overall
rankings.
Skinner went with the leaders at the start before starting
to feel the early fast pace. He slipped back to 10th before rallying to finish
in 8th place timing 33.41 for the 10km course ahead of a number of the country's
top distance runners.
The next race in the series takes place at Liverpool in
three weeks time and serves as the trial race for the Great Britain team for the
European Championships.
Andrew Rayner led by example at the London Colleges Cross
Country League race at Parliament Hill. The Brunel University captain held on to
win by 2 seconds on the 5 mile course in 26.10. Andrew Moreton representing
Surrey University finished in 20th place in 29.20.
The Club's athletes were out in force for the Bromley
Veterans cross country race at Sparrows Den filling the leading 4 positions.
John Morland, a veteran, won the event 5 mile race in 31.50 ahead of Seniors
Eamonn Prendergast (32.11) and Paul Cavallo (32.38) with another veteran Neil
Ayrton in fourth.
First woman home for the Club was Kate Pratten who was
16th in the race and 2nd woman overall. She was followed by Clare Lodwig in 26th
and Anne Cilia 30th.
On the roads
Robert Bain showed he is making a smooth transition to Junior and Senior
race walking finishing 3rd overall in the Mark Easton Addington Vase race at
Monks Hill. The 7 mile distance was the furthest he has raced and should put him
in line for an International vest. He missed out on a Junior International in
Austria over 10km recently as he had not competed over 10km before, but now,
with a useful time of 57 minutes recorded, he will be aiming for a place in the
British Under 20s team for the Race Walking World Cup in Naumberg, Germany next
May.
Winner at Monks Hill was Mark Easton, who the race was
named after as he has won it 22 times! Bain had a batttle for 2nd place with Tim
Watts, Editor of Race Walking Record, just missing out when the stronger and
more experienced Watts got away up up the final testing hill.
The Club has a number of talented young walkers and train
under coach Peter Selby from 6pm at Norman Park track most Thursdays. Newcomers
are very welcome.
Running wise a number of Club members have been in action
in local road races in the last couple of weeks. Peter Tucker and Joe Mills took
3rd and 4th places in the Wilmington 10km despite being misdirected. Tucker
timed 33.42 with Mills two seconds behind.
First man home at the Croydon 10km was Andy Lawes in 26th
in 39.05 with Gary Cook 28th in 39.17 and Dave Carton 3rd in 43.12. Carolyna
Jones Baldock was the first woman from the Club to finish in 162nd place in
47.17
Under 20 rankings 2003
A number of the Club's athletes feature in the end of year rankings for
the under 20 age group. Highest placed for the women is Sandra Alaneme who set
an age 17 best of 12.55 for the triple jump. She is placed 3rd in the event
against athletes two years her senior.
Montell Douglas also has two years remaining in the age
group. The AAA's indoor 60 metre champion has spent most of the Summer
struggling with injury and had she had even half a season of competition she
would undoubtedly have gone quicker than the 11.98 which ranked her 14th in the
100 metres.
Another with two years left in the age group is Christine
Lawrence who is placed 17th in the javelin with a throw of 40.22 the same
position as English Schools silver medallist Katy Benneworth is in the long jump
with her leap of 5.73.
First year under 17 Victoria Thomas places 18th in the
Hammer with 40.71 and another first year under 17 features in the men's
rankings. Stuart Harvey is 13th in the javelin with his throw of 55.42.
Amir Williamson, another under 17, places 15th in the 6kg
Hammer with 50.14 and Fabian Collymore is 16th in the 200 with 21.87. Highest
placed are two new members. Former Croydon Harrier Bernard Yeboah is 5th in the
long jump with 7.41while ex Guildford And Godalming athlete Michael Whitehouse
is 7th in the high jump having made substantial improvement in the Summer under
coach Shirley Poole to clear 2.05.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday at 6pm. Road and cross country
enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way, Hayes again from 6.30.
Forthcomng Events
8th Nov. ECCA Cross Country Relays, Mansfield
8th Nov. South Of The Thames Junior, Coulsdon
9th Nov. Kent County Sportshall Competition, Tunbridge Wells
15th Nov. Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League, Tunbridge Wells
16th Nov. SEAA International, Margate
22nd Nov. Orion Mob Match, Chingford
29th Nov Kent Men's Women's and Young Athletes League, Danson Park
28 October 2003
Nike Men's 6 stage and Women's 4
stage relay, Sutton Coldfield
A delayed flight cost the Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC men's team
dearly in the Nike National 6 Stage Road Relays at Sutton Coldfield. The team
had moved into 8th place after 4 legs but International Dave Heath was unable to
get to the venue in time as his business flight was delayed from France. The
team eventually finished in 26th.
Andrew Rayner put the team in 27th on an ultra competitive
opening stage just 46 seconds down on the leaders timing 18.04 before 45 year
old Bill Foster (19.13) slipped to 37th on the second stage.
Michael Skinner continued his run of good form as his time
of 17.21 was the fastest on leg three moving the team up 20 places to 17th. It
was also the 7th equal fastest time of the day. From there Mark Steinle
catapulted the team into the top 10 with a 17.32 clocking that left the Club in
8th place.
Junior Jamie Atkinson slipped to 10th on leg 5 with 19.20
before late replacement 53 year old warhorse Ken Daniel (21.48) dropped to 26th
place. Had Heath's flight been on time the Club would have finished in the top
10.
The women's team finished in 52nd place in the 4 stage
event and while this was slightly down on the previous couple of years it
demonstrated the increasing depth of talent at the Club. Hannah Leach brought
the Club in 47th on the opening stage in 16.30, significantly quicker than last
year. She had also travelled from France for the race, but by train.
It was heartening to see Brunel University student Gemma
Viney in action following three years of injury problems. However, she struggled
with a chest complaint on the 2nd leg and slipped to 54th with 17.55. The
remaining two legs were from athletes who started as more recreational runners
on the Wednesday evening Clubnights before graduating to become vital members of
the Club's Senior teams. Kate Pratten had a useful third leg bringing the team
in 55th in 18.39 before Clare Lodwig completed proceedings in 52nd in 18.31.
Great show by prep girls - Bromley
High School Cross Country races
In a fitting tribute to Tony James, a long time servant to Bromley AC,
Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC staged a girl's cross-country competition at
Bromley High School for years 4, 5 and 6.
Nine schools sent 200 girls to take part in the
competition which was set on a demanding course. Girls from Year 4 started the
action with a fine display of running. Hannah Kallend from St David's College
was first home with Alice Gallop from Bromley High second and Carla Madden from
Alleyns School taking the bronze medal.
The main event of the day followed where the combined
teams from Years 5 and 6 competed for the Tony James Trophy.
Hannah Edwards from Alleyns lead the field and was
outright winner and assisted her school Alleyns taking the trophy this year.
James Allen Prep School took send team prize with their lead runner Fola Evans-Akinebola
finishing third. Fola who won the year 4 race last year is now a member of
Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC. Last years winners Colfe's took third place
and Caroline Ford, their first girl home was second in the individual race.
Bromley High were edged into fourth place.
KCAA Sportshall competition, Swanley
A number of the Club's youngsters were in action in the first of the
Winters Kent Sportshall competitions at Swanley. On a noisy and exciting days
sport, the Club fielded 4 under 11's teams with one of the teams of Emma
Armstrong, Sian Hurlock, Georgie Gregory and Sam Jeal performing so well that
they won bronze medals.
Aston Stockdale won the under13 boys event, an outstanding
individual performance.
Beach Head Marathon
A number of Club members took part in the Beach Head Marathon a 26 mile
cross country race around the Seven Sisters. First home for the Club was Terry
Brightwell in 28th 3.36 with Dave Ellison 30th in 3.37 and Chris Pike 112th in
4.08. First woman for the Club was Terri Shotton in 6.40 with Shirley Poole
closing in 6.48.
Pictures from the race and results can be viewed on the
Club website at www.bandbhac.org.uk
The site has been named website of the week by the website www.athletics-results.co.uk
which descibes it as "an impressive site - up to date and well
designed" It now contains 418 pages and over 900,000 words.
21 October 2003
Reebok Falkirk Cross Challenge,
Callendar Park, Falkirk
Michael Skinner opened his cross country season in fine style as he
finished 2nd in the first of the Reebok Cross Challenge races at Callendar Park
in Falkirk. The Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC athlete was beaten by
Trafford's Peter Riley but trailing in his wake in 5th was Spencer Barden who
represented Great Britain at the European Cross Country Championships last year.
A place in the British team for this years Championships
is Skinner's aim and if he continues in this form he may well achieve his goal
at the Trials race which takes place on the 22nd of November, the day after his
24th birthday.
Kent Men's, Women's and Young
Athletes League, Capstone Park
A former Kent Under 13's cross country champion, Skinner would no doubt
have been pleased with many of the performances at the opening fixture of the
Kent Men's, Women's and Young Athletes League at Capstone Park.
Pride of place went to the under 13 girls age group where
Amy Smith won the race and with Rebecca Smith in 4th and Katy Gibbs 8th a team
victory was ensured. Michael Thorpe was 2nd in the Boys race helping the team to
2nd with the help of Edward Martin, Cameron Ward and Robert Evans.
Katy Murray continued her fine start to the Winter season
taking 2nd place in the under 15 girls race and helping secure team victory with
the support of Rebecca Taylor in 4th, Sarah McLennan 7th and Sarah Coombs 8th.
The boys were 4th with Jonathan Vintner 11th, Sam Simpson 13th and Robert
D'Angelo 30th.
James Poole burst onto the Kent League scene with an
excellent 3rd place in the under 17 boys race and with Tom Beech 9th and Stephen
Leach 10th the team took a welcome 2nd place. Illness prevented the girls from
completing a team but there were, nevertheless, useful runs from Bryony Proctor
in 10th and Caroline McQuillan in 12th. Eve Bugler had an encouraging win in the
Junior Women's race but no Club finished a team.
Jonathan Murray, another who has progressed from the under
13's age group, led the Senior Men home in 5th place. Backed by Joe Mills,
returning to fitness in 12th place, Anthony Draper 15th and Jamie Atkinson 16th
the team finished in 2nd place.
First in for the women was Kate Pratten in 16th with the
promising Angela Cook in 20th and Clare Lodwig 21st while Carolyna Jones Baldock
who missed the start by three minutes worked her way through to 39th. The team
finished 6th.
Sarah Olney
Sarah Olney has been a valuable member of the Club's Young Athletes Team
all Summer and she came into her own at the recent National Championships for
athletes with a Moderate Learning Disability. She retained her javelin title
throwing over 20 metres an improvement of over 8 metres on last year. She also
won the shot putt title.
Her reward is an England International vest and an
invitation to a training weekend in Rugby.
The club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities
for cross country, road, track and field. For further details about the Club
visit the website at www.bandbhac.org.uk
This weekend Michael Skinner leads the Senior Men's
challenge at the Nike National 6 stage road relay at Sutton Coldfield in a team
that also includes Internationals Spencer Newport and Dave Heath. The women will
be in action in the 4 stage event and will be looking to continue their
improvement at National level.
Sat 25th October. Nike National 6 Stage Road Relays for
men and 4 stage for women.
Sat 25th October. Beachy Head Marathon, Eastbourne
Sat 25th October. British Masters Cross Country Relays, Millfield School.
Sat Nov 1st. Bromley Vets Cross Country Races, Sparrows Den
Sat Nov 8th. ECCA Cross Country Relays, Mansfield
Sat Nov 8th. South Of The Thames Junior Cross Country race, Coulsdon.
14 October 2003
Chicago Marathon
Mark Steinle finished in 16th place in a field of thousands at the La
Salle Bank Chicago Marathon. Unfortunately for the Blackheath & Bromley
Harriers AC athlete his time of 2.15.41 was outside the Olympic qualifying time
of 2.12 and so he will have to have another attempt at the distance if he wants
to qualify for Athens next year.
At the half marathon point the 28 year old had looked like
he would obtain the required standard. He went through 13.1 miles in 63.39 which
was just over half a minute slower that his finishing time at the Great North
Run. At this point he was just behind the leaders but he suffered in the 2nd
part of the race in particular in the last 6 miles.
Club 5 Mile Championships
Andrew Rayner took the Club 5 Mile Cross Country race winning on a bone
hard but testing course at Hayes. The fine weather attracted a good turn out of
72 runners for a race that was first contested in 1880 and is widely believed to
be the oldest cross country race in the world.
Rayner was possibly the favourite to win and did so by a
minute but there were some surprises behind. Jonathan Murray, in his first race
for months took 2nd with Peter Tucker just holding off veteran John Morland for
3rd. First junior was Terry Hawkey with David Griffin getting the better of
Chris Daniel to take 2nd place.
Kate Pratten showed a good return of form to win the
women's race with Diane Ballard 2nd and Angela Cook in 3rd.
This was also the 2nd of the 9 Bennett Cup handicap races
and 76 year old Club Treasurer Peter Long caught the handicapper out to win.
24 Hour track race, Tooting
Ultra distance runner John Turner took part in one of the ultimate
endurance races when he ran in the 24 hour track race at Tooting Bec track. The
race went from 12 noon on the Saturday through to 12 on the Sunday and 29
athletes completed the event.
One of the main points of interest occurs each 4 hours
when in order to prevent injuries and reduce the boredom the athletes turn
around and run the other way! Turner finished in 22nd place overall with a
distance of 123.043 kilometres which works out at 76 mile, 801 yards, nearly
three marathons. He had warmed up for Tooting by running the London to Brighton
race the previous weekend a mere 54 miles, 198 yards. He finished the race
comfortably and even jogged back down the course to cheer on team mate Bernie
Bater who was delighted to complete the course having been forced to drop out
last year.
Club members also stepped in to help with the marshalling
of the race at two vital junctions thus saving the 53rd race from possible
cancellation.
Dulwich 10km
A number of Club members were in action in the Dulwich 10km with pride of
place going to Russell Bentley who finished in 2nd place in 32.22. Len Crowder
was 10th in 35.42 with Alex Gibbins 24th and Trevor Llewelyn, Head of Geography
at Dulwich College, 45th in 38.47.
Kate Pratten was in action for the 2nd day in a row.
Having won the women's Club 5 title the day before she finished in 164th place
in 45.47.
John "Kipper" Herring
The Club are sad to announce the death from cancer of Vice President John
"Kipper" Herring at the age of 68. Herring was one of the top runners
in the country in the 1960's and represented Great Britain in the 5,000 metres
at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. His Club record of 13.51.4 for 5,000 metres
survived from 1964 through to 1987 and is faster than any Club member ran in
2003! He was assistant director of the Crystal Palace Sports Centre from 1970 to
1987 and worked for the London Marathon organisation for many years before
moving to Sudbury in Suffolk. He had been a Club member for over 50 years.
Coming Up
Sat 18th October. Kent Men's, Women's and Young Athletes League. Capstone
Park
Sat 25th October. National 6 Stage Road Relays for men and 4 stage for women.
Sat 25th October. Beachy Head Marathon, Eastbourne
Sat 25th October. British Masters Cross Country Relays, Millfield School.
Sat Nov 1st. Bromley Vets Cross Country Races, Sparrows Den
Sat Nov 8th. ECCA Cross Country Relays, Mansfield
Sat Nov 8th. South Of The Thames Junior Cross Country race, Coulsdon
7 October 2003
Walks
Four members of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC represented the
South Of England in the Inter Area walks match at the Moorways Stadium in Derby.
Best performance came from Robert Bain who was just a second outside his
personal best in the Under 17's 5km race as he won in 25.06.9. He didn't have
things all his own way as he was put under pressure from Hayden representing the
Midlands. However, with two and a half laps to go Bain made his move and pulled
away to give himself a nine second victory by the finish.
Holly Wiliams finished in 5th place in the under 15 girls
3km race in 19.39.5 the first Southern representative home.It was first home for
the South too for Julia Stacey in the under 13 girls 2km race as she finished
5th in 12.04.1 with Jessica Bain just behind in 6th place in 12.16.0. Robert
Bain was back in action again last weekend at Dartford in the Southern Area
Challenge, a one hour race. This was his first race in the under 20 age group
and he celebrated by winning the under 23 event as well. He walked exactly 11km
an excellent performance.
Sister Jessica was also in action finishing 2nd in the 15
minute race. In the under 15's race Holly Williams led from the start to the end
of the quarter of an hour.
National 10km Championship, Bourton
On The Water
Spencer Newport returned to racing in the National 10km road race
championships at Bourton On The Water. In a high class field he finished in 24th
place in 30.56. He will now be preparing himself for the Nike National 6 stage
road relays at the end of the month.
Veterans' weights pentathlon
Gordon Hickey celebrated his 70th birthday in the best possible style as
he travelled to Burton On Trent to win the British Veterans' Weights Pentathlon
with a new National record. The Pentathlon is the shot, discus, javelin, hammer
and heavy weight and the former British Record holder for the over 60's shot
never looked challenged.
It was a triple celebration for the Club with Colin Brand
winning the men's over 65's competition just outside his own National record and
Beatrice Simpson the women's over 45's again in a new National record.
Most of the Club's athletes are about to start back
training knowing the key to the personal bests of next Summer is in the hard
work they do over the Winter months.
The Club caters for all ages and abilities across the full
range of disciplines from track and field, walking, road and cross country. All
this is supported by an Active Social Programme. Those over 11 interested in
track and field should visit Norman Park on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from
6.30 and ask for Heather Williamson. Under 11s should attend on a Wednesday.
Road and cross country enthusiasts should visit the Clubhouse at 56 Bourne Way,
Hayes again from 6.30.
Forthcoming events
Sat 11th Oct Club 5 Mile Championships, Hayes. Start 2.30. register at
Clubhouse from 1.30
Sat 18th Oct Kent Men's League and Kent Women's and Young Athletes League,
Capstone Park
Sat 25th Oct National Men's 6 Stage and Women's 4 Stage road relays, Sutton
Coldfield
Beach Head Marathon, Eastbourne
British Masters Cross Country Relays, Millfield School
