Tuesday 2nd March 2010

CHARNWOOD AC’s highly successful senior women’s squad defended their team title in style at the Saucony English National Cross Country Championships, whilst, the next generation of county talent also secured bronze in the Boys Under-13 race.

As the championships returned to the city of Leeds for the first time since 2004 the Charnwood senior women's team comprising of a quartet of British and English internationals led by World cross-country representatives from last year in Amman, Jane Potter, and making a welcome return to racing following long term injury problems Hannah Whitmore, finished 11th (28:54) and 12th (29:01) respectively over the muddy and hilly 8km Roundhay Park course as three time junior European champion Steph Twell claimed victory with a dominant performance in 27:52.

Reigning Midlands champion Gemma Steel, fresh from her Team England debut in Belgium at the LottoCrossCup, secured 16th position (29:28) and Sarah Gaunt in 34th place (30:40) completed the four-to-score team as the Loughborough-based club retained their title in fine style finishing ahead of their major rivals Aldershot, Farnham & District led by race winner Twell and third placed Bristol & West.

The green and gold’s also gained a bronze medal podium position in the Under-13 Boys race where over the 3km course George Duggan (Tonbridge) secured a six second victory ahead of Jack Crabtree (East Cheshire & Tameside) as the Charnwood team comprising of James Hutton (9th in 11:58), Ollie Spencer (19th in 12:05), Ewan Makepeace (36th in 12:20) and Zac Meakin (150th in 13:16) finished third behind Tonbridge and Chiltern Harriers.

Saturday 27th February 2010

ANDY VERNON and Steph Twell under lined the pre-race favourites tags to repeat their recent British Universities performances in some style securing the senior Saucony English national cross-country titles at Roundhay Park, Leeds.

Having won the BUCS title in Stirling earlier in the month UK 10,000m champion Andy Vernon (AFD) clocked a time of 38mins 01secs over the 12km course outpacing Moumin Geele (Newham) by a margin of nine seconds to win the men’s title as Steve Vernon (Stockport) finished third. in 38:20.

With reigning European cross-country champion Hayley Yelling-Higham opting to miss the event, the three time junior European gold medallist Steph Twell claimed the double victory for Aldershot, Farnham & District, as the 20-year-old dominated the senior women’s 8km race taking victory in a time of 27:52 to finish clear of a strong challenge by Loughborough University student Stevie Stockton (28:07) with Hatti Dean (Sheffield) securing the third podium place in 28:12.

Loughborough Alumni Sonia Samuels (Sale) finished 6th in 28:31 with current student Natalie Gray (Maidstone & Medway) also claiming a top-ten finish in 9th place with 28:46.

Charnwood’s World cross-country representatives from last year Jane Potter, and making a welcome return to racing Hannah Whitmore, finished 11th (28:54) and 12th (29:01) respectively, as clubmate and reigning Midlands champion Gemma Steel secured 16th position (29:28) as the Loughborough-based club won the team title.

Full results are available on the following link: www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=68

Saturday 20th February 2010

THE Leicestershire & Rutland men’s team selections for the McCain UK Cross Challenge Final incorporating the Inter-Counties Championships and IAAF World Cross Country Trials that take place on Saturday 13th March at Birmingham’s Cofton Park have been announced.

The event also includes the trials to represent Team GB at the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Sunday 28th March.
Full Team Selections:
Those marked * have already confirmed.
Under 13
James Hatton (Charnwood)
Sam Elliot Coritanian)
Ben Craig (Coritanian)
Ollie Spencer (Charnwood)
Ben Djistra (Coritanian)
Eaun Makepeace (Charnwood)
Luke Beeby (Coritanian)
Greg Jones (Nuneaton)
Subs
George Bell (Coritanian)
Robert Moulding (Coritanian)
Luke Jane (Charnwood)
Conor Moorland (Charnwood)
Under 15
Stefan Ashman (Coritanian)
James Nutt (Coritanian)
Xander Tansley (Coritanian)
Andrew Halliwell (Coritanian)
Sam Moore (Charnwood)
William Rawlinson (Coritanian)
Josh McTighe (Coritanian)
Matthew Kirby (Wreake Runners)
Jonathan Monk (Coritanian)
Two out of the three athletes listed above will be selected after the Saucony National Cross Country Championships that take place at Roundhay Park, Leeds, on Saturday 27th February.
Subs
Phillip Maddocks (Coritanian)
Jack Williams (Fleckney and Kibworth)
Harry Buttery (Charnwood)
Under 17
Jake Kench (Coritanian)
Ashley Chambers* (Owls)
Niall McSharry* (Owls)
Will Bourne* (Owls)
Jack Hall (Rugby and Northampton)
Loz Robinson (Stilton striders)
Jamie Short (Fleckney and Kibworth)
Harry Mullen (Coritanian)
Subs
Jake Boat* (Owls)
Luke Baxter (Charnwood)
Joe Wales (Charnwood)
Under 20
Josh Norman* (Owls)
Sam Stabler* (Owls)
Daniel Hallam* (Owls)
Liam Phelan (Coritanian)
Lewis Smart* (Owls)
Patrick Radley* (Owls)
Elliot Hart (Coritanian)
Sam Densham (Charnwood)
Subs
Stephen Maddocks (Coritanian)
Danny Callow (Coritanian)
George Buttery (Charnwood)
Senior Men
Gaz Davies (Owls)
Paul Miles (Owls)
Paul Richardson (Owls)
Mark Powell (Tipton)
Peter Swaine* (Charnwood)
Nigel Stirk (Tipton)
Jason Williams (Owls)
Tim Doran (Charnwood/AFD)
Alistair Watson (Hermitage)
Subs
Steve Mears (Charnwood)
Sean Fenwick (Harborough)
Geoff Bartram (Barrow)
Steve Platts (Owls)
Scott Baxter (Charnwood)
Important event information:
Dear athlete/ Team Manager

Could all athletes and Team managers/Parents etc confirm the availability of the athletes listed above. Please confirm asap (by February 27th) so I can ensure substitutes have sufficient time to prepare.
Substitutes

Each year we generally have a few drop out in each age group and it is therefore important that I know the availability of all substitutes listed.

I am dependant on club team managers contacting those athletes mentioned as I do not receive information about each athlete at the County AA Cross Country Champs or via the Schools League.

This years event is at COFTON PARK, BIRMINGHAM and athletes will need to make their own transport arrangements, however if anyone is experiencing problems with this then please get in touch and I will sort the problem out.

Finally may I offer congratulations to all those selected along with the coaches who have got them into good shape!

Wayne Walker - Team Manager

Tel: 07977111413

www.uka.org.uk/competitions/uk-cross-challenge/

Sunday 14th February 2010

ONESPHORE Nkunzimana and Almensch Belete claimed an impressive double victory for Africa at the latest round of the Iris Lotto CrossCup series held over a snow covered course in Hannut, Belgium.

In the women’s senior race Ethiopia’s Almensch Belete was a class apart taking victory in a time of 19mins 25secs with world cross country championship representative Hatti Dean leading the way for team England finishing fourth in 19:42.

Claire Hallisey in 10th (20:28) and making her international debut, Charnwood’s Gemma Steel 15th in 20:43 completed the England line-up.

Qatar’s Onesphore Nkunzimana prevailed in the men’s senior race in a time of 31mins 06secs where the Team England squad was led by Neilson Hall finishing fifth in 32:06 with compatriot John Pepper one place and one second behind in 32:07 as James Walsh claimed 12th in 32:40 and Rob Budgen 20th in 33:22.

In the junior races Ronnie Sparke and Kate Avery claimed fine individual victories as Team England dominated the events.

Sparke crossed the line in 21mins 13secs ahead of compatriot Ben Norris (21:24) with Karl Billington securing third in 21:28 and making his international debut the Owls Josh Norman finished 6th in 21:53.

Kate Avery led an impressive England 1-2-3 over the line finishing in 15:13 
followed by Grace Nicholls (15:31)
 and Hannah Walker (15:37) with 
Hannah Bateson taking fifth in 16:06.
Leading Results:
Senior Men (10600m)
1 Onesphore Nkunzimama (BDI) 31:06
5 Neilson Hall (ENG) 32:06
6 Jon Pepper (ENG) 32:07
12 James Walsh (ENG) 32:40
20 Rob Budgen (ENG) 33:22
Junior Men (6600m)
1 Ronnie Sparke (ENG) 21:13
2 Ben Norris (ENG) 21:24
3 Karl Billington (ENG) 21:28
6 Josh Norman (ENG) 21:53
Senior Women (10600m)
1 Almensch Belete (ETH) 19:25
4 Hatti Dean (ENG) 19:42
10 Claire Hallisey (ENG) 20:28
15 Gemma Steel (ENG) 20:43
Junior Women (4600m)
1 Kate Avery (ENG) 15:13
2 Grace Nicholls (ENG) 15:31
3 Hannah Walker (ENG) 15:37
5 Hannah Bateson (ENG) 16:06

Tuesday 16th February 2010

MARK Powell and Nicki Nealon were in dominant form as the duo claimed fine individual victories at the final Derby Runner Cross Country League meeting held at Market Bosworth on Sunday (14th February).

Tipton Harrier Mark Powell representing Wigston Phoenix was a class apart in the men’s race as the 31-year-old completed a twenty second victory over the 5.5 mile course ahead of Alastair Watson (Hermitage) in a time of 30mins 33secs.

Watson finished runner-up in 30:53 as Ashley Hurdman led the Staffordshire club Hatton Darts to the league championship title in third place (31:49).

British Masters international Nicki Nealon (Huncote Harriers) prevailed in the women’s race to under-line her dominance of the league this season as the 41-year-old, benefitted from the combined field run jointly with the men, crossed the line in 36:44 to take a third consecutive race victory ahead of Ivanhoe’s Laura Johnson (37:22) with former champion Emma Marvin (Desford) securing third in 37:50.

Overall in the team standing Hatton Darts won the league with Hinckley taking second, whilst, the Second Division title was won by Derby Tri with Hermitage Harriers second as all four teams qualified through to the National Final to be staged at Heanor on Sunday 21st March.

Full individual results are available on the results pages: www.athletics-leics.com/results.html

Saturday 13th February 2010

PAUL Richardson secured a four second victory for the Leicester Owls at the latest round of the Birmingham & District Cross-Country League Division One at Northampton’s Abingdon Park.

Richardson, having celebrated his 28th birthday in the week leading up to the race improved on his runners-up position at the previous fixture in Coventry by holding off the strong challenge of Josh Lilley (Severn) and Matt Lole (Coventry Godiva) to take victory in a time of 32mins 14secs.

With the Aviva World Trials & UK Indoor Championships taking place in Sheffield over the same weekend the Loughborough University squad was slightly depleted as Gary Bradbury (33:13) and Rob Hodges (33:18) were the highest placed finishers for the African Violets in 13th and 14th place respectively.

Full results are available on the following link: www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/ResultsDiv113Feb2010.pdf

Friday 5th February 2010

GEMMA STEEL is set to make her international debut representing Team England at the Iris Lotto Cross Cup Meeting that takes place in Hannut, Belgium, on Sunday 14th February.

The 24-year-old Charnwood athlete gains selection having won her first Midlands territorial senior cross-country title at Stafford Common last month.
Full Team England Squads:
Senior Men
James Walsh, Leeds City AC
Robert Bugden, Bristol & West AC
Neilson Hall, Bedford & County AC
Jon Pepper, Enfield & Haringey AC
Senior Women
Hatti Dean, Hallamshire H
Claire Hallissey, Bristol & West AC
Jessica Sparke, Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC
Gemma Steel, Charnwood AC
Junior Men
Ronnie Sparke, Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC
Karl Billington, Blackburn H & AC
Ben Norris, Notts AC
Josh Norman, OWLS
Junior Women
Kate Avery (Shildon)
Hannah Bateson ( Lancaster & Morecambe)
Grace Nicholls ( Tonbridge)
Hannah Walker ( (Dacorum & Tring)

www.sport.be/lottocrosscup/

Wednesday 3rd February 2010

BRITISH Masters international Nicki Nealon (Huncote Harriers) and Geoff Beetham (Barrow) claimed the senior victories at the latest fixture of the 2009/10 Derby Runner Cross Country League held in the picturesque surroundings of Grace Dieu Manor on Sunday (31st January).

For the Nealon family this was an especially successful event as Nicki, returning to racing following a bout of glandular fever over the winter months, finished clear of last year’s race winner Laura Johnson (Ivanhoe) in a time of 37mins 06secs with Desford’s Emma Marvin - a former league champion - third (37:36). This despite the leaders taking a wrong turn over the tough demanding five-mile course.

The championship decider for the women’s title will now go down to the last event at Bosworth later this month, where the trio of Nealon, Johnson and Marvin will be looking to challenge current standing leaders, Wreake Runners Zoe Smith and Sally Newman, for the crown.

In the junior races Chris and Rachel Nealon followed in their mum’s footsteps to secure the overall title in both the boy’s (Year 3-4) and girl’s (Year 1-2) sections completing their third consecutive victories.

In the men’s senior race Geoff Beetham representing Barrow completed victory in a time of 31mins 42secs - just a one-second ahead Beaumont’s Phil Chritchlow over the finish line.

Full individual results are available on the results pages: www.athletics-leics.com/results.html

2010 Midlands Territorial Cross Country Championships

Stafford Common

Saturday 30th January 2010

GEMMA STEEL secured the biggest and most impressive victory of her fledgling career to ensure that the Midlands territorial senior women’s cross-country title remains the firm property of Charnwood AC.

Steel, having retained the Leicestershire county title at the beginning of the month followed in the footsteps of the previous two winners of the crown, World cross representatives Jane Potter and Hannah Whitmore, by producing a sparkling performance at Stafford Common where the 24-year-old claimed a hard fought victory just three seconds ahead of Bristol’s Clare Hallissey and third placed Debbie Walters of Birchfield in a time of 31mins 35secs.

In the men’s senior race James Walsh representing Leeds City, the reigning Warwickshire County champion, was the clear winner finishing ahead of Bristol’s Rob Budgen in 40:25.
Leading Results:
Women’s senior race
1 Gemma Steel (Charnwood AC) 31:35
2 Claire Hallissey (Bristol & West AC) 31:38
3 Debbie Walters (Birchfield Harriers) 31:42
4 Imogen Ainsworth (Bristol & West AC) 32:08
5 Claire Martin (Telford AC) 32:26
6 Sarah Waldron (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers) 33:26
7 Gemma Hillier (Charnwood AC) 33:35
8 Frances Briscoe (Coventry Godiva Harriers) 33:36
9 Emma Jackson (City of Stoke AC) 34:07
10 Sian Edwards (Kettering Town Harriers) 34:22
Men’s senior race
1 James Walsh (Leeds City AC) 40:25
2 Rob Bugden (Bristol & West AC) 40:29
3 Billy Farquharson (Notts AC) 40:31
4 Tom Russell (Bristol & West AC) 40:39
5 Phil Nicholls (Tipton Harriers) 40:40
6 Bruce Raeside (Notts AC) 40:47
7 Paul Richardson (Owls Leicester) 41:07
8 Phil Hinch (Tipton Harriers) 41:10
9 Gaz Davies (Owls Leicster) 41:22
10 Matt Armstrong (Coventry Godiva Harriers) 41:27
Women’s under-20 race
1 Hayley Munn (Kettering Town Harriers) 20:41
2 Emily Merrick (Bristol & West) 20:44
3 Sara Johnson (Trentham AC) 21:23
Men’s under-20 race
1 Matt Clowes (Staffs Moorlands AC) 27:15
2 Ben Norris (Notts AC) 27:25
3 Josh Norman (Owls Leicester) 27:39
Women’s under-17 race
1 Annabel Gummow (Bristol & West AC) 19:08
2 Kate Holt (City of Stoke AC) 20:01
3 Imogen Wolsey (Team Bath AC) 20:06
Men’s under-17 race
1 Thomas Curr (Stroud & District AC) 23:34
2 Brett Halliwell (Westbury Harriers) 24:12
3 Rhys Park (Bristol & West AC) 24:16
Girls’ under-15 race
1 Sophie Coldwell (Charnwood AC) 15:56
2 Alice Wright (Worcester AC) 16:04
3 Amy Griffiths (Leicester Coritanian) 16:25
Boys’ under-15 race
1 Harvey Brown (Halesowen) 14:14
2 William Paulson (Stroud & District AC) 14:20
3 Zak Tobias (Bristol & West) 14:23
Girls’ under-13 race
1.Hannah Nuttall (Charnwood AC) 10:36
2 Mari Smith (Leicester Coritanian) 10:45
3 Lucy Holt (City of Stoke AC) 10:51

Above photo by Brian Smith.

Thursday 28th January 2010

JANE POTTER successfully retained the Nottinghamshire county cross-country championship senior title for an impressive third consecutive year with a fine breakaway performance to finish clear of Charnwood team mate Sarah Gaunt at Mansfield Berry Hill Park on Saturday 23rd January.

Potter completed a comfortable victory ahead of the field over the 8km course crossing the line in a time of 30mins 23secs and will now look forward to replicating her fine form of 2009 that witnessed the 28-year-old securing her first senior Team GB vest when representing Great Britain at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Amman where she finished in 51st place.

The 2007 British Universities 10,000m champion Sarah Gaunt (nee. Maude) competing her first race since celebrating getting married in Slovenia over the Christmas holidays secured second place over a minute adrift in a time of 31:25 as the Loughborough University graduate finished ahead of Redhill’s British Masters international Helen Burrell (33:37).

There was further success for the green and golds of Charnwood as Sophie Coldwell won the Under-15 girls 4km title in a time of 15:46.

Sunday 24th January 2010

SONIA Samuels (Sale) and Neilson Hall (Bedford) were the highest placed athletes competing in the colours of Team England at the LXVII Nazioarteko Krosa Cross International in the Spanish town of Elgoibar.

World cross-country representative and Loughborough graduate Sonia Samuels finished in 8th place in the senior women’s race with a time of 23:34 as Ethiopia’s Frehiwat Goshu claimed victory over the 6.624km course in 22:37, whilst, Neilson Hall clocked 33:46 securing a top-ten place in the men’s senior men’s 10km event as 22-year-old Kenyan Leonard Komon, a team gold medallist at the world championships in Amman last year, claimed victory in 32:44.

Charnwood’s British Masters international Tara Krzywicki finished in 11th place in a time of 23:53.

Jonathan Hay (Aldershot, Farnham & District) led home a fine 1-2 for England over the line in the Junior men’s event as the 17-year-old claimed the win in a time of 20:51, whilst, Emily Wallbank (Bedford) and Ruth Haynes (Aldershot, Farnham & District) gained well-deserved podium places in the Junior women’s race finishing in second and third positions respectively 16 seconds adrift of Italian race winner Federica Bevilacqua (16:09), with Melissa Courtney (Shaftesbury Barnet) securing fourth.
Leading Results:
Senior Men (10.796km)
1 Leonard Komon (KEN) 32:44; 10 Neilson Hall (ENG) 33:46; 19 Dave Norman (ENG) 34:31; 20 Phil Nicholls (ENG) 34:38; 23 Jonathan Mellor (ENG) 35:20
Senior Women (6.624km)
1 Frehiwat Goshu (ETH) 22:37; 8 Sonia Samuels (ENG) 23:34; 10 Rebecca Robinson (ENG) 23:51; 11 Tara Krzywicki (ENG) 23:53, 13 Julia Bleasdale (ENG) 24:02
Junior Men (6.624km)
1 Jonathan Hay (ENG) 20.51; 2 Richard Goodman (ENG) 20:54; 7 Harry Ellis (ENG) 21:20; 9 Tom Curr (ENG) 21:29
Junior Women (4.538km)
1 Federica Bevilacqua (ITA) 16:09; 2 Emily Wallbank (ENG) 16:25; 3 Ruth Haynes (ENG) 16:30; 4 Melissa Courtney (ENG) 16:48

The official event web-site is available on the following link: www.mintxeta.com/

Saturday 23rd January 2010

IRELAND’S Mary Cullen completed a convincing home victory at the Antrim International Cross Country.

After finishing a disappointing 12th at the European Cross Country Championships in Dublin last month, Cullen pre-race game plan was to sit in the pack and follow the pace of Hayley Yelling-Higham - the winner of the gold medal at Santry Park.

However, Cullen, the reigning European indoor 3,000 metres bronze medallist decided once the race was under way to press the pace easing to a comfortable win to earn some consolation for her defeat on home soil, where she was a genuine medal contender.

Cullen dominated the 5.4km race from start to finish to blow the opposition apart, with Aniko Kalovics of Hungary second and Jessica Sparke the first Briton home.

Her fine performance pushed Yelling-Higham into fifth position with Loughborough graduate Laura Kenney, coached by George Gandy, finishing 9th in 19:59.

Mike Kigen of Kenya dominated the men's 9km race, adapting well to the muddy conditions and finishing more than 200 metres ahead of Great Britain's Andy Vernon and Mexico's Juan Barrios in a time of 27:49.
Leading Results:
Senior Men (9km)
1 M Kigen (KEN), 27:49; 2 A Vernon (GBR), 28:40; 3 J Luis Barrios (MEX), 28:51; 4 T Mengisteab (ERI), 28:55; 5 M Skinner (GBR), 29:04; 6 M Goose (GBR), 29:24; 7 S Scullion (GBR), 29:43; 8 C Pfigul (AUS), 29:48; 9 D Hawkins (GBR), 29:52; 10 M Mulhare (IRE), 30:01
Women (5.4km)
1 M Cullen (IRE), 18:45; 2 A Kalovics (HUN), 19:16; 3 J Sparke (GBR), 19:26; 4 F Britton (IRE), 19:30; 5 H Yelling-Higham (GBR), 19:39; 6 D DiCrescenzo (USA), 19:41; 7 K Wootton (GBR), 19:42; 8 D Byrne (IRL), 19:54; 9 L Kenney (GBR), 19:59; 10 L Deadman (GBR) 20:03

Sunday 17th January 2010

ANDY Vernon (Aldershot Farnham & District) and Hatti Dean (Hallamshire) were the main senior winners at the latest round of the 2009/10 McCain UK Cross Challenge at Cardiff's Blackweir Fields.

Vernon led home the senior men’s field over the 10km course by a margin of almost half-a-minute in a time of 28mins 12secs clear of Tom Russell (South of England) and AAA 5,000m national champion Peter Riley (28:41) with Loughborough graduate Alex Haines (Cardiff AAC) fourth in 28:44.

World cross-country representative Hatti Dean completed victory to win the women’s title in the 6.5km race clocking 21:16 to finish ahead of Loughborough graduate Ava Hutchinson representing Cardiff (21:25).

Charnwood’s Tara Krzywicki finished in a creditable 6th place in 22:07 with Loughborough students Kirsty Milner (North of England) securing 7th in 22:14 and Scottish Under-20 1500m record-holder Abbey McGhee (Victoria Park City of Glasgow) 10th in 22:34.
Leading Results:
Senior Men (10km)
1-00:28:12-Andy Vernon-Aldershot Farnham & D
2-00:28:41-Tom Russell-South West of England
3-00:28:43-Peter Riley-North of England
4-00:28:44-Alex Haines-Cardiff AAC (Lough Uni)
5-00:28:45-Stephen Scullion-Aldershot Farnham & D
6-00:28:47-Kevin Heywood-South West of England
7-00:29:14-Alun Buckley-North of England
8-00:29:27-Rob Bugden-South West of England
9-00:29:28-Rob Samuel-Wales
10-00:29:33-Rowan Hooper-New Zealand
11-00:29:39-Andrew Rayner-Blackheath & Bromley
12-00:29:41-Craig Hopkins-Swansea Harriers
13-00:29:50-Owain Matthews-Wales
14-00:29:56-James Kelly-Belgrave Harriers
15-00:29:59-Andy Nixon-North of England
16-00:30:01-Matthew Dumigan-Worthing & District
17-00:30:02-Paddy Hamilton-Annadale Striders
18-00:30:05-Austin Davies-Wales
19-00:30:10-Owain Jones-Wales
20-00:30:28-Tom Cornthwaite-North of England
21-00:30:32-Andrew Hunt-Wales
22-00:30:43-Stephen Dawes-Guernsey AAC
23-00:30:52-Nat Lane-Wales
24-00:30:56-Rob Whittle-Basingstoke & Mid Hants (Lough Uni)
25-00:31:02-Mark Jenkin-South West of England
26-00:31:18-Daniel Woolford-Bristol & West AC
27-00:31:37-Ricky Challinor-Wales
28-00:31:45-Alan Rowe-Guernsey Island AC
29-00:32:16-Lee Ladd-Carmarthen Harriers
30-00:32:27-Phillip Parry-Bristol & West
31-00:32:48-Stephen Paterson-San Domenico RC
32-00:32:51-Lewys Winfield-Young-Cardiff AAC
33-00:33:04-Peter Ryder-Cardiff AAC
34-00:33:52-Chris Moore-Aldershot Farnham & D
35-00:34:06-Leigh Hiscox-Pontypirdd Roadents
36-00:34:42-Mark Palser-Les Croupiers AC
37-00:34:45-Daniel Thomas-Swansea Harriers
38-00:36:36-32-Simon Burley-Swindon Harriers
39-00:38:34-49-Frank Handy-New Forest Runners
40-00:41:23-38-Brendan Jones-Les Croupiers RC
41-00:42:24-45-John Magee-Les Croupiers RC
42-00:43:41-70-Angel Lopez-Spain
Senior Women (6.5km)
1-00:21:16-Hatti Dean-Hallamshire Harriers
2-00:21:25-Ava Hutchinson-Cardiff AAC (Lough Uni/Ireland)
3-00:21:36-Andrea Whitcombe-Swansea Harriers
4-00:21:48-Becky Penty-North of England
5-00:21:57-Claire Hallesey-South West of England
6-00:22:07-Tara Krzywicki-Charnwood AC (Lough Uni)
7-00:22:14-Kirsty Milner-North of England (Lough Uni)
8-00:22:32-Emily Adams-Aldershot Farnham & D
9-00:22:33-Bryony Proctor-Blackheath & Bromley
10-00:22:34-Abbey McGhee-Victoria Park City of Glasgow (Lough Uni)
11-00:22:39-Caryl Jones-Wales
12-00:22:57-Tracy Laws-North of England
13-00:23:03-Natasha Doel-Aldershot Farham & D
14-00:23:08-Kate Roberts-Wales
15-00:23:10-Sarah Waldron-Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers
16-00:23:15-Imogen Ainsworth-South West of England
17-00:23:21-Jane Mooney-North of England
18-00:23:51-Louisa Wood-North of England
19-00:23:54-Katherine Humphreys-South West of England
20-00:24:05-Laura Dunn-Edinburgh AC
21-00:24:09-Jenny Jagger-South West of England
22-00:24:11-Alaw Beynon-Thomas-Wales
23-00:24:15-Nicola Knapp-Wales
24-00:24:24-Gina Palletta-Wales
25-00:24:38-Angela Speight-UWIC AC
26-00:24:49-Julia Cooke-Cheltenham
27-00:25:18-Emily Brown-Cardiff AAC
28-00:25:37-Erica Golland-Bristol & West AC
29-00:27:39-Kathryn Davies-Cardiff AAC
30-00:27:49-Hannah Pretty-UWIC AC

Saturday 16th January 2010

GERAINT DAVIES produced a stellar performance to lead an impressive OWLS 1-2 over the line at the third fixture of the 2009/10 Birmingham & District League season at Coventry.

In what is widely regarded as the toughest domestic cross-country league in the United Kingdom 21-year-old Davies improved on his runner-up position to Rory Fraser at the previous weeks Leicestershire county championships by completing a fine individual victory over the Coundon Hall Park course clocking a time of 26mins 46secs ahead of team mate Paul Richardson (27:04) with Coventry Godiva Harrier Ryan Kenney securing third (27:08).

Adam Peers was the highest place athlete for the Loughborough Students as the 21-year-old Liverpool Harrier finished 14th in a time of 27:34 competing in his first race of 2010.

Above photo: Geraint Davies on his way to victory at Coventry.
Photo courtesy of Mick Hall http://mickhall-photos.com/

Wednesday 13th January 2010

GREAT Britain’s European Championships cross-country stars Mo Farah, Hayley Yelling, Nick Goolab, James Wilkinson, Jessica Sparke and Kate Avery are included in the nominations for the European Athlete of the Month Award.

The month of December witnessed the European elite descend on Dublin for the 2009 SPAR European Cross Country Championships.

The 16th edition of the championships on Sunday 13th December was followed by other cross-country races in Europe.

Following this, European Athletics is pleased to announce that athletes from 10 countries have been nominated for the European Athlete of the Month award for December.

At the end of each month, a panel of experts produces a shortlist of the outstanding athletes and performances achieved by European athletes during that month which is mailed to Europe's athletics media and thousands of fans who have already signed up to receive news from European Athletics.

The poll is situated in the Fan Zone of the European Athletics website and the public, the media and a group of expert statisticians will cast their votes with each category counting as 33.3 percent of the vote.

The winner of each poll will be awarded 10 points, second nine points, etc. and the athlete with the most points after the three different polls have been counted will be declared the winner. In the unlikely event of a tie, Hansjörg Wirz, the president of European Athletics, will have the casting vote.

The voting will close on Tuesday 19th January at noon CET.

The European Athlete of the Month initiative was launched in January 2007 and is designed to recognise outstanding performers at all levels of the sport in Europe.

No athlete who has previously served a two-year doping ban can be nominated for the European Athlete of the Month.

The winning male and female athletes of the monthly awards will be announced and profiled on the European Athletics website.

To vote click on the following link: www.european-athletics.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4760&Itemid=208

Saturday 9th January 2010

ETHIOPIA’s Kenenisa Bekele suffered a surprise defeat by Kenya’s Joseph Ebuya in the men's race as compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba was a class apart to win the women’s race at the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country.

Great Britain's Steph Twell may have not matched the awesome performance of Tirunesh Dibaba, the Olympic 5000 and 10000m champion, who over the final lap of the snow covered 5.8 kilometres course completed an easy victory in a time of 21mins 37secs.

However, Twell and fellow Brit Hayley Yelling-Higham, a place in front of her sharing the same time of 21mins 51secs, made Vivian Cheruiyot and Kalkidan Gezahegn fight every inch of the way before the Kenyan and Ethiopian claimed second and third.

It was a spirited display from the British pair particularly Yelling-Higham just a month after winning the European Cross Country crown for a second time only a few weeks after coming out of retirement.

However most eyes were on Twell particularly from a supportive crowd who were casting eyes on the world junior 1500m gold medallist for the first time since switching nationality from England to across the border last July.

While Ethiopia's Dibaba, regaining the title she clinched at the inaugural meeting six years ago, was in a class of her own, the race for second spot was always wide open.

The 20-year-old Aldershot athlete didn't disappoint them as she mixed it gamely with Dibaba, Cheruiyot winner of last summer's world 5000m title and Gezahegn who took silver when she won her global 1500m crown in 2008.

The host nation's stars gave it their very best shot trying to disrupt the race tempo, but ultimately the finishing speed of Cheruiyot and Gezahegn proved decisive in a thrilling last 400m.

Twell, whose track aspirations last summer were jolted when failing to progress past her heat at the World Championships, was also a disappointment when placing a disappointing 11th at the European Cross in Dublin.

However the London 2012 Olympic Games medal prospect, believes after finally seeing her training going in the right direction, that her career is back on track towards that task.

The three-time European junior champion, added: "I've never raced her before but hopefully she'll know who I am now."

While Dibaba's running on snow for the first time saw her reputation remain supreme, her even more high profile teammate Kenenisa Bekele saw his awesome credentials take a major denting.

The world's greatest-ever cross country runner was in fairness running over the terrain for the first time since scoring a sixth World Championships victory at the Holyrood Park venue in March 2008.

Bekele admitted he had undertaken some positive training sessions before coming to the Scottish capital via London where last Thursday he visited the Olympic Park in east London.

Loughborough graduate Chris Thompson was the first Briton home finishing seventh in 29min 52sec, a huge distance behind Ebuya who savoured his milestone success in 28min 41sec.

Mo Farah paid the price for going off too quickly in the domestic 4km when after opening what looked like being a winning lead, he fell to the swords of Ricky Stevenson and Steve Vernon.

Stevenson 21, the last Briton to run a sub four minute mile and Vernon runner-up 12 months ago, roped in the former EuroCross champion who was struggling from his early exertions, on the final circuit.

Farah tried desperately to stay in contact but faded when his opponents put in another testing surge before Stevenson scoring the biggest win of his career, outpaced Vernon by three seconds to win in 13min 20sec.

Farah, keeping his chin up before going to Kenya for an altitude camp on Tuesday, said: "I went off too hard and at the end I had nothing left.

"I've got to put this to the back of my mind and come back positive. I promise you, I'll come back stronger."
Leading Results:
Men
4km
1 R Stevenson 13:20
2 S Vernon 13:23
3 M Farah 13:28
4 T Lancashire 13:43
5 M Goose 13:45
6 M Draper 13:47
7 A Baddeley 13:54
8 R Russell 14:08
9 B Raeside 14:11
10, M Barnes 14:14
9km
1 J Ebuya (Kenya) 28:41
2 T Mbishei (Kenya) 28:43
3 E Kipchoge (Kenya) 29:04
4 K Bekele (Ethiopia) 29:17
5 J-L Barrios (Mexico) 29:25
6 S Lebid (Ukraine) 29:51
7 C Thompson (GB) 29:52
8, M Skinner (GB) 30:01
9 R McLeod (GB) 30:19
10 L Merrien (GB) 30:22
Women
6km
1 T Dibaba (Ethiopia) 21:37
2 V Cheruiyot (Kenya) 21:47
3 K Gezahegn (Ethiopia) 21:48
4 H Yelling-Higham (GB) 21:51
5 S Twell (GB) 21:51
6 M Chemos (Kenya) 21:51
7 J Sparke (GB) 22:02
8 F Murray (GB) 22:19
9 J Augusto (Portugal) 22:54
10 L Deadman (GB) 22:568

Saturday 9th January 2010

UNIVERSITY of New Mexico student Rory Fraser and Charnwood’s Gemma Steel have won the senior titles at the 2010 Leicestershire County Cross Country Championships held over a snow covered Brocks Hill Park course.

British U23 international Fraser outpaced OWLS team mate Gaz Davies to win the men’s title over 10k in a time of 33mins 19mins as Steel finished clear of Charnwood compatriot Gemma Hillier to retain the women’s crown with a mark of 25:43 in the 6k race.
Full Results:
Senior Men 10,000m
1-237-33:19-Rory Fraser-OWLS AC-sen
2-240-33:25-Geraint Davies-OWLS AC-sen
3-235-34:28-Tim Hartley-Notts AC-sen
4-247-34:29-Mark Powell-Tipton Harriers-sen
5-122-34:44-Daniel Hallam-OWLS AC-u20
6-242-35:34-Paul Miles-OWLS AC-sen
7-120-35:45-Josh Norman-OWLS AC-u20
8-123-35:46-Sam Stabler-OWLS AC-u20
9-208-35:49-Peter Swaine-Charnwood AC-sen
10-381-36:08-Jason Williams-OWLS AC-master
11-390-36:22-Nigel Stirk-Tipton Harriers-master
12-200-36:41-Tim Doran-Aldershot Farnham & District-sen
13-214-36:53-Alistair Watson-Hermitage Harriers-sen
14-209-37:05-Stephen Meers-Charnwood AC-sen
15-350-37:19-Sean Fenwick-Harborough AC-master
16-204-37:27-Geoff Bartrum-Barrow Runners-sen
17-112-37:43-Scott Baxter-Charnwood AC-u20
18-216-38:02-Chris Jordan-Hinckley RC-sen
19-380-38:06-Steve Platts-OWLS AC-master
20-116-38:16-Liam Phelan-Leicester Coritanian AC-u20
21-121-38:29-Lewis Smart-OWLS AC-u20
22-236-38:34-Tom Bell-OWLS AC-sen
23-222-38:41-Carl Sommer-Huncote Harriers-sen
24-228-38:59-Adam Taylor-Fleckney & Kibworth-sen
25-212-39:12-Mark Cauldwell-Charnwood AC-sen
26-374-39:21-Gareth Deacon-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
27-206-39:32-Richard Brown-Charnwood AC-sen
28-372-39:33-Rob Sheen-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
29-118-39:36-Paddy Radley-OWLS AC-u20
30-376-39:42-Dave Pearce-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
31-115-39:54-Elliott Hart-Leicester Coritanian AC-u20
32-391-39:56-Alex Webster-West End Runners-master
33-393-39:58-Jonathan Burch-Wigston Phoenix-master
34-114-40:11-Stephen Maddocks-Leicester Coritanian AC-u20
35-349-40:28-William Clapp-Harborough AC-master
36-442-40:57-Richard Bettsworth-Wreake Runners-master
37-387-40:59-Darren Glover-Stilton Striders-master
38-217-41:03-Dave Masser-Hinckley RC-sen
39-113-41:15-Sam Densham-Charnwood AC-u20
40-354-41:24-Martin Gore-Harborough AC-master
41-211-41:27-Tom Whitmore-Charnwood AC-sen
42-384-41:34-Lee Tomlinson-Hermitage Harriers-master
43-361-41:54-David Egginton-Huncote Harriers-master
44-202-42:03-Dave Battersby-Barrow Runners-sen
45-233-42:07-Dave Saunders-Leicester Coritanian AC-sen
46-215-42:09-Robert Hall-McNair-Hinckley RC-sen
47-437-42:21-Jim Ketteringham-Wreake Runners-master
48-383-42:23-Michael Davies-OWLS AC-master
49-368-42:33-Chris Talbot-Huncote Harriers-master
50-229-42:36-Steve Hollingsworth-Fleckney & Kibworth-sen
51-438-42:39-Mark Bush-Wreake Runners-master
52-363-42:40-Graeme Slight-Huncote Harriers-master
53-210-42:50-Alistair Parkin-Charnwood AC-sen
54-353-43:10-David Waddington-Harborough AC-master
55-373-43:31-Robin Brookes-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
56-234-43:51-Carl Voisey-Leicester Coritanian AC-sen
57-378-44:00-Nick Wilson-Nuneaton Harriers-master
58-346-44:07-Mark Whitmore-Charnwood AC-master
59-226-44:13-Mark Gregory-Huncote Harriers-sen
60-221-44:17-Adam Brooks-Harborough AC-sen
61-369-44:29-Andrew Woolley-Huncote Harriers-master
62-446-44:36-Andy Ball-Huncote Harriers-master
63-392-44:49-Colin Baxter-Wigston Phoenix-master
64-232-45:06-Michael Haynes-Leicester Coritanian AC-sen
65-223-45:09-Paul Guest-Huncote Harriers-sen
66-439-45:17-Mark Jelley-Wreake Runners-master
67-227-45:37-Noel Houlihan-Fleckney & Kibworth-sen
68-342-46:04-John Rees-Barrow Runners-master
69-397-46:09-Rob Gregory-Wigston Phoenix-master
70-365-46:13-Joe O'Flynn-Huncote Harriers-master
71-444-46:16-Chris Perry-Barrow Runners-master
72-443-46:29-Nick Dilkes-Wreake Runners-master
73-358-46:51-Shane Edge-Harborough AC-master
74-348-47:16-Dave Lawrie-Desford Striders-master
75-347-47:22-Duncan Dickie-Charnwood AC-master
76-388-47:24-Andy Robinson-Stilton Striders-master
77-219-47:40-Dave Smith-Hinckley RC-sen
78 399 47:44 Craig Baker Wigston Phoenix master
79 395 47:47 Les Chesterton Wigston Phoenix master
80-394-48:38-Mick Jordan-Wigston Phoenix-master
81-225-48:49-Mike Tansey-Huncote Harriers-sen
82-362-49:03-Phil Watts-Huncote Harriers-master
83-360-49:09-Alan Fordham-Harborough AC-master
84-203-49:41-Dean Tonks-Barrow Runners-sen
85-445-50:04-Nigel Hillier-Barrow Runners-master
86-218-50:24-Andy Lauder-Hinckley RC-sen
87-398-50:36-Nigel Ayres-Wigston Phoenix-master
88-224-50:42-Mick Walton-Huncote Harriers-sen
89-220-50:51-Neil Smith-Hinckley RC-sen
90-370-50:57-Colin Pickering-Huncote Harriers-master
91-440-51:26-Andy Steel-Wreake Runners-master
92-441-51:57-Phil McNeelance-Wreake Runners-master
93-343-52:53-Colin Rimmer-Birstall RC-master
94-340-54:19-Kevan Naylor-Barrow Runners-master
95-379-54:42-Michael McSharry-OWLS AC-master
96-245-63:52-Wayne Walker-OWLS AC-sen
97-359-65:50-David Oram-Harborough AC-master
Team:
The team result is the men’s race result.
Masters 10,000m
1-381-36:08-Jason Williams-OWLS AC-master
2-390-36:22-Nigel Stirk-Tipton Harriers-master
3-350-37:19-Sean Fenwick-Harborough AC-master
4-380-38:06-Steve Platts-OWLS AC-master
5-374-39:21-Gareth Deacon-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
6-372-39:33-Rob Sheen-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
7-376-39:42-Dave Pearce-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
8-391-39:56-Alex Webster-West End Runners-master
9-393-39:58-Jonathan Burch-Wigston Phoenix-master
10-349-40:28-William Clapp-Harborough AC-master
11-442-40:57-Richard Bettsworth-Wreake Runners-master
12-387-40:59-Darren Glover-Stilton Striders-master
13-354-41:24-Martin Gore-Harborough AC-master
14-384-41:34-Lee Tomlinson-Hermitage-master
15-361-41:54-David Egginton-Huncote Harriers-master
16-437-42:21-Jim Ketteringham-Wreake Runners-master
17-383-42:23-Michael Davies-OWLS AC-master
18-368-42:33-Chris Talbot-Huncote Harriers-master
19-438-42:39-Mark Bush-Wreake Runners-master
20-363-42:40-Graeme Slight-Huncote Harriers-master
21-353-43:10-David Waddington-Harborough AC-master
22-373-43:31-Robin Brookes-Leicester Coritanian AC-master
23-378-44:00-Nick Wilson-Nuneaton Harriers-master
24-346-44:07-Mark Whitmore-Charnwood AC-master
25-369-44:29-Andrew Woolley-Huncote Harriers-master
26-446-44:36-Andy Ball-Huncote Harriers-master
27-392-44:49-Colin Baxter-Wigston Phoenix-master
28-439-45:17-Mark Jelley-Wreake Runners-master
29-342-46:04-John Rees-Barrow Runners-master
30-397-46:09-Rob Gregory-Wigston Phoenix-master
31-365-46:13-Joe O'Flynn-Huncote Harriers-master
32-444-46:16-Chris Perry-Barrow Runners-master
33-443-46:29-Nick Dilkes-Wreake Runners-master
34-358-46:51-Shane Edge-Harborough AC-master
35-348-47:16-Dave Lawrie-Desford Striders-master
36-347-47:22-Duncan Dickie-Charnwood AC-master
37-388-47:24-Andy Robinson-Stilton Striders-master
38-399-47:44-Craig Baker-Wigston Phoenix-master
39-395-47:47-Les Chesterton-Wigston Phoenix-master
40-394-48:38-Mick Jordan-Wigston Phoenix-master
41-362-49:03-Phil Watts-Huncote Harriers-master
42-360-49:09-Alan Fordham-Harborough AC-master
43-445-50:04-Nigel Hillier-Barrow Runners-master
44-398-50:36-Nigel Ayres-Wigston Phoenix-master
45-370-50:57-Colin Pickering-Huncote Harriers-master
46-440-51:26-Andy Steel-Wreake Runners-master
47-441-51:57-Phil McNeelance-Wreake Runners-master
48-343-52:53-Colin Rimmer-Birstall RC-master
49-340-54:19-Kevan Naylor-Barrow Runners-master
50-379-54:42-Michael McSharry-OWLS AC-master
51-359-65:50-David Oram-Harborough AC-master
Team:
1-Leicester Coritanian AC-18 (5, 6, 7)-
2-OWLS AC-22 (1, 4, 17)
3-Harborough AC-26 (3, 10, 13)
4-Wreake Runners-46 (19, 28, 33)
5-Huncote Harriers-53 (15, 18, 20)
6-Wigston Phoenix-66 (9, 27, 30)
7-Barrow Runners-104 (29, 32, 43)
Under 20 Men 10,000m
1-122-34:44-Daniel Hallam-OWLS AC
2-120-35:45-Josh Norman-OWLS AC
3-123-35:46-Sam Stabler-OWLS AC
4-112-37:43-Scott Baxter-Charnwood AC
5-116-38:16-Liam Phelan-Leicester Coritanian AC
6-121-38:29-Lewis Smart-OWLS AC
7-118-39:36-Paddy Radley-OWLS AC
8-115-39:54-Elliott Hart-Leicester Coritanian AC
9-114-40:11-Stephen Maddocks-Leicester Coritanian AC
10-113-41:15-Sam Densham-Charnwood AC
Team:
1-OWLS AC-6 (1, 2, 3)
2-Leicester Coritanian AC-22 (5, 8, 9)
Under 17 Men 6,000km
1-136-25:13-Jacob Kench-Lutterworth College
2-137-25:35-Niall McSharry-OWLS AC
3-143-26:41-William Bourne-OWLS AC
4-145-27:00-Jack Hall-Rugby & Northampton AC
5-146-27:00-Loz Robinson-Stilton Striders
6-133-27:35-Jamie Short-Fleckney & Kibworth RC
7-135-28:10-Harry Mullen-Leicester Coritanian AC
8-141-28:10-Jake Boat-OWLS AC
9-134-28:21-Jake Watson-Harborough AC
10-130-28:26-Mark Freeman-Charnwood AC
11-132-28:43-Joe Wales-Charnwood AC
12-149-28:55-Josh Slingsby-Wreake Runners
13-150-29:47-Greg Webb-Wreake Runners
14-148-30:02-James Butcher-Stilton Striders
15-147-30:52-Jon Appleby-Stilton Striders
16-139-31:36-Adam Pinkowski-OWLS AC
17-154-32:08-Jim Payne-Wreake Runners
18-138-32:58-Rupert Radley-OWLS AC
19-131-34:15-Luke Baxter-Charnwood AC
20-151-38:02-Ellis Jones-Wreake Runners
Team:
1-OWLS AC-13 (2, 3, 8)
2-Stilton Striders-34 (5, 14, 15)
3-Charnwood AC-40 (10, 11, 19)
4-Wreake Runners-42 (12, 13, 17)
Under 15 Boys 4,000km
1-463-13:44-Stefan Ashman-Leicester Coritanian AC
2-458-14:26-James Nutt-Leicester Coritanian AC
3-461-14:32-Xander Tansey-Leicester Coritanian AC
4-465-15:16-Andrew Halliwell-Leicester Coritanian AC
5-452-15:23-Sam Moore-Charnwood AC
6-460-15:28-William Rawlinson-Leicester Coritanian AC
7-457-15:30-Phillip Maddocks-Leicester Coritanian AC
8-456-15:34-Jack Williams-Fleckney & Kibworth
9-471-15:46-Matt Kirby-Wreake Runners
10-450-15:59-Mathew Cox-Charnwood AC
11-459-16:12-Josha McTighe-Leicester Coritanian AC
12-467-16:23-Jack Barber-OWLS AC
13-451-16:32-Alec Dickie-Charnwood AC
14-455-16:45-Chris Parks Bowen-Fleckney & Kibworth
15-454-16:56-Luke Mathers-Fleckney & Kibworth
16-470-17:53-George Bettsworth-Wreake Runners
17-462-18:03-Zac Anderson-Leicester Coritanian AC
18-466-18:04-Harry Short-Fleckney & Kibworth
19-472-19:17-Rowan Thompson-Wreake Runners
20-474-19:22-Tom Johnson-Wreake Runners
Team:
1-Leicester Coritanian AC-6 (1, 2, 3)
2-Charnwood AC-28 (5, 10, 13)
3-Fleckney & Kibworth-37 (8, 14, 15)
4-Wreake Runners-44 (9, 16, 19)
Under 13 Boys 3,000m
1-301-14:53-James Hatton-Charnwood AC
2-321-15:05-Samuel Elliott-Leicester Coritanian AC
3-322-15:32-Ben Craig-Leicester Coritanian AC
4-304-15:44-Ollie Spencer-Charnwood AC
5-319-15:52-Ben Martijn Dijkstra-Leicester Coritanian AC
6-302-16:12-Euan Makepeace-Charnwood AC
7-317-16:18-Luke Beeby-Leicester Coritanian AC
8-320-16:25-George Bell-Leicester Coritanian AC
9-324-17:13-Gregory Jones-Nuneaton Harriers
10-305-17:23-Conor Moorland-Charnwood AC
11-303-17:34-Zac Meakin-Charnwood AC
12-318-17:46-Robbie Moulding-Leicester Coritanian AC
13-325-18:02-Robert Jones-Nuneaton Harriers
14-313-18:21-Nathan Lewis-Ivanhoe Robins
15-311-18:52-Oscar Trier-Fleckney & Kibworth
16-327-19:17-Ben Taylor-OWLS AC
17-312-19:39-Oliver Freer-Fleckney & Kibworth
18-315-19:41-Tom Riley-Ivanhoe Robins
19-309-20:00-Ben Sibson Flood-Charnwood AC
Team:
1-Leicester Coritanian AC-10 (2, 3, 5)
2-Charnwood AC-11 (1, 4, 6)
Senior Women 6,000km
1-406-25:43-Gemma Steel-Charnwood AC
2-405-26:59-Gemma Hillier-Charnwood AC
3-421-28:10-Nicola Roder-Leicester Tri Club
4-404-28:18-Katie Lomas-Charnwood AC
5-420-28:48-Helen Rollins-Kettering Town Harriers
6-422-30:10-Paris Williams-Loughborough University
7-416-31:59-Lorna Waters-Fleckney & Kibworth
8-413-32:59-Claire Quigley/Naing-Huncote Harriers
9-419-33:06-Nadia Ladak-Fleckney & Kibworth
10-409-33:34-Linda Whitelegg-Hinckley RC
11-418-34:09-Jody Ward-Fleckney & Kibworth
12-417-35:32-Claire Beech-Fleckney & Kibworth
13-401-35:49-Tracey Powell-Barrow Runners
14-414-39:35-Alison Adcock-Huncote Harriers
15-415-42:46-Seema Patel-Huncote Harriers
16-410-43:07-Wendy Nicholson-Hinckley RC
17-412-46:48-Rachel Smith-Hinckley RC
Team:
The team result is the women’s race result.
Masters 6,000km
1-11-29:13-Nicki Nealon-Huncote Harriers
2-8-29:58-Hannah Eveleigh-Harborough AC
3-12-31:03-Mary Hall-Nuneaton Harriers
4-1-31:10-Monique Raaijmakers-Barrow Runners
5-18-31:27-Julie Lamb-Wigston Phoenix
6-3-32:01-Kate Ramsey-Barrow Runners
7-7-33:50-Karen Brooks-Harborough AC
8-14-35:35-Simone Wilson-Nuneaton Harriers
9-10-36:03-Sue Gardner-Huncote Harriers
10-6-36:04-Julia Dickie-Charnwood AC
11-4-36:10-Heather North-Charnwood AC
12-13-36:23-Debbie Suffolk-Nuneaton Harriers
13-9-37:51-Bev Parry-Huncote Harriers
14-2-38:29-Cath Eastwood-Barrow Runners
15-20-41:41-Maria Payne-Wreake Runners
Team:
1-Nuneaton Harriers-23 (3, 8, 12)
2-Huncote Harriers-23 (1, 9, 13)
3-Barrow Runners-24 (4, 6, 14)
Under 20 Women 5,000km
1-102-28:26-Lucy Hall-Charnwood AC
2-101-29:34-Amber McGee-Charnwood AC
3-103-32:11-Katie North-Charnwood AC
4-109-32:55-Jenny Smith-Wreake Runners
5-107-35:11-Emma Brown-Leicester Coritanian AC
Team:
1-Charnwood AC-6 (1, 2, 3)
Under 17 Women 5,000m
1-436-23:05-Freya Vincent-Leicester Coritanian AC
2-426-24:29-Lizzie Mellor-Charnwood AC

3-428-25:06-Catya Blackledge-Charnwood AC
4-433-25:46-Catherine Robertson-Leicester Coritanian AC
5-434-26:09-Georgina Brooks-Leicester Coritanian AC
6-430-26:33-Lucy Arkinstall-Charnwood AC
7-297-26:45-Emily Taylor-Harborough AC
8-431-27:10-Emma Nutt-Charnwood AC
9-432-28:08-Sarah Ward-Harborough AC
Team:
1-Leicester Coritanian AC-10 (1, 4, 5)
2-Charnwood AC-11 (2, 3, 6)
Under 15 Girls 4,000km
1-280-15:47-Megan Fairbrother-Leicester Coritanian AC
2-282-16:07-Amy Griffiths-Leicester Coritanian AC
3-271-17:04-Kim Jalland-Charnwood AC
4-286-17:12-April Beeby-Leicester Coritanian AC
5-278-17:20-Tilly Abraham-Leicester Coritanian AC
6-270-17:25-Joni Ashford-Charnwood AC
7-279-17:38-Emily Orton-Leicester Coritanian AC
8-291-18:16-Jasmin Southam-Stilton Striders
9-283-18:27-Rachel Borrows-Leicester Coritanian AC
10-293-18:57-Ellen McNeelance-Wreake Runners
11-288-19:20-Chloe Tillin-Nuneaton Harriers
12-275-20:36-Vada Jalland-Charnwood AC
13-273-21:33-Megan Lewis-Charnwood AC
14-295-21:55-Claire Withers-Wreake Runners
Team:
1-Leicester Coritanian AC-7 (1, 2, 4)
2-Charnwood AC-21 (3, 6, 12)
Under 13 Girls 3,000km
1-42-15:59-Hannah Nuttall-Charnwood AC
2-86-16:28-Mari Smith-Leicester Coritanian AC
3-41-16:33-Hannah Cox-Charnwood AC
4-40-16:44-Georgia Gartside-Charnwood AC
5-74-16:46-Helena Keenan-Manor High School
6-43-16:53-Emily Hollis-Charnwood AC
7-70-17:05-Jemima Green-Leicester Coritanian AC
8-73-17:13-Georgia Bevins-Manor High School
9-67-17:21-India Mitchell-Jarvis-Leicester Coritanian AC
10-72-17:25-Holly Bevins-Manor High School
11-59-17:33-Bethany Ellis-Harborough AC
12-60-17:46-Martha Clapp-Harborough AC
13-44-17:49-Lucy Jones-Charnwood AC
14-68-18:02-Rebecca Orton-Leicester Coritanian AC
15-45-18:45-Eliza Dickie-Charnwood AC
16-88-18:53-Beth Scott-Wreake Runners
17-52-19:03-Ioni Ashford-Charnwood AC
18-65-19:17-Beth Taylor-Leicester Coritanian AC
19-75-19:18-Yasmin Gibson-Manor High School
20-71-19:25-Shannon Anderson-Leicester Coritanian AC
21-46-19:49-Karyn Lewis-Charnwood AC
22-47-19:57-Rebekah Stretton-Charnwood AC
23-57-20:00-Tegan Allen-Fleckney & Kibworth
24-63-20:35-Zoe Harris-Ivanhoe Robins
25-58-20:39-Lucy Collier-Fleckney & Kibworth
26-66-20:42-Lucy Whitehead-Leicester Coritanian AC
27-48-21:04-Lauren Cooledge-Charnwood AC
28-53-21:05-Saskia Sharpe-Charnwood AC
29-64-21:38-Abby Williamson-Ivanhoe Robins
30-84-21:43-Charlotte Heaps-Wreake Runners
31-49-21:48-Chandini Stensel-Charnwood AC
32-85-21:59-Gabrielle McNeelance-Wreake Runners
33-50-22:02-Paris Alexander-Charnwood AC
34-54-24:27-Sophie Edwards-Charnwood AC
Team:
1-Charnwood AC-8 (1, 3, 4)
2-Leicester Coritanian AC-18 (2, 7, 9)
3-Manor High School-23 (5, 8, 10)
4-Wreake Runners-78 (16, 30, 32)

Friday 8th January 2010

WITH freezing conditions and snow blighting the whole of Great Britain, the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country, the first IAAF Permit race of the year, is set to take place on Saturday (9th January).

In the women's race competing over the 6km course in Holyrood Park will be Berlin 2009 1500m silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey. The 26-year-old Loughborough-based athlete will be running competitively for the first time since marrying fellow international athlete Ricky Soos a month ago. Steph Twell will compete on home soil. The three-time European junior champion has recently switched nationalities from English to Scottish and will compete in a Scottish vest for the second time this winter.

After a fourth place finish in Italy on Wednesday, the 20-year-old Twell will line up alongside an impressive field which includes Olympic 5000m and 10000m gold medallist Tirunesh Dibaba and Vivian Cheruiyot, winner of the world 5000m crown at last year's World Championships.

Hayley Yelling, who came out of retirement to win a second SPAR European Cross Country Championships last month in Dublin, will also be competing.

The 36-year-old British school teacher reclaimed the title she first won in 2004 having only started training again seriously in November 2009.

The men's 9km race is set to feature Kenenisa Bekele, making his fifth visit to the city, reigning world Cross Country champion Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia and Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, the 2005 Great Edinburgh International winner.

Britain's Mo Farah and Andy Baddeley will compete in a domestic 4km race.

Thursday 7th January 2010

STEPH Twell, just three days before competing at the Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country, finished fourth at the Campaccio meeting in Italy on Wednesday.

The three-times former European Junior champion figured prominently in the early stages of the six kilometres race leading through the halfway distance ahead of Russia's Irina Sergeeva, Aniko Kalovics of Hungary and the host nation's Elena Romagnolo.

However she could not respond when Kalovics raised the tempo with a sustained burst a kilometre later to score a third victory at the snow covered San Giorgio su Legnano venue.

Kalovics crossed the line in 20 minutes 17 seconds, a healthy eight seconds ahead of Romagnolo with Kenyan Federica Dal Ri moving through the field to finish third in 20min 27sec.

Twell, who posted a time of 20 min 37 sec will now be hoping for a quick recovery before her Edinburgh outing where she faces some awesome opposition including Tirunesh Dibaba and Vivian Cheruiyot.

Dibaba of Ethiopia is a three-times World Cross gold medallist and reigning Olympic 5000m and 10000m champion while her Kenyan rival won last summer's World 5000m crown in Berlin.

Eliud Kipchoge, who is also competing in the Scottish capital, failed to repeat his victory of last year losing out in a sprint finish to Abreheam Cherkos Feleke.

The Ethiopian clinched the 10km contest by a second from Kipchoge in 28min 52sec with Moses Masai following home his Kenyan teammate in 28min 56sec.

Saturday 14th November 2009

STEPH Twell celebrated her debut for Scotland with a runaway victory at the Gateshead International Cross Country on Saturday.

The three-time European junior champion, who switched allegiance across the border from England in July, won for the second successive year with another impeccable performance.

Twell was initially happy to stay with the leading group of four opponents for the first lap before powering away to take the eight-kilometre race in a time of 28 minutes 25 seconds.

The 20-year-old athlete broke clear on the second circuit, quickly establishing a four-second advantage which she increased to 15 seconds on the penultimate lap.

The world junior 1,500 metres gold medallist pushed herself even harder on the final transit of the Riverside Bowl and was rewarded by going even further ahead.

The Aldershot athlete was in a class of her own and crossed the line 22 seconds ahead of Helen Clitheroe, with Loughborough University graduate Sonia Samuels finishing third in 29 minutes.

Twell commented afterwards: "It was a really tough course but that's the sort I enjoy racing over and although there was one big hill I thoroughly enjoyed its inclusion this year.

"But I really had to concentrate and continue making the sustained effort because it is difficult once you are away and running on your own.

"It was also a nice surprise to see I am in such good shape and I was also really proud to put on a Scottish vest for the first time."

Twell will now concentrate on qualifying for the British team at the European Cross Country trials, which are being held in Liverpool in a fortnight's time.

The men's one-lap international race over two kilometres produced a local victory for Ricky Stephenson of New Marske Harriers, who pulled clear to win in five minutes 58 seconds.
Leading Results:
Senior Men
1 5:58 Ricky Stevenson U23 M 21 14.11.88 New Marske/Teeside Uni
2 6:04 Tsegai Tewelde U20 M 19 08.12.89 Shettleston/Glasgow City/Eritrea
3 6:12 Chris Parr SEN M 25 13.11.84 Gateshead/Loughborough Uni
4 6:18 Andy Wiles U23 M 21 26.04.88 New Marske
5 6:19 Lewis Moses U23 M 22 09.01.87 Darlington/Loughborough Uni/Gateshead
6 6:23 James Thie SEN M 31 27.06.78 Cardiff
7 6:25 Matthew Nicholson SEN M 27 26.05.82 Morpeth
8 6:28 Nick Samuels SEN M 28 13.06.81 Sale Harriers Manchester/Loughborough Uni
9 6:32 Ryan Stephenson SEN M 23 06.08.86 Gateshead
10 6:35 Danny Barkes U23 M 23 02.10.86 Mansfield
11 6:54 Andrew Friend U23 M 22 02.08.87 Cardiff/UWIC
12 6:58 Michael Kershaw U20 M 19 03.11.90 Cwmbran
13 7:54 Sam Annagui SEN M iD
14 8:27 Andrew Featherstone SEN M 27 10.06.82 Billingham
Senior Women
1 28:25 53 Stephanie Twell U23 W 20 17.08.89 Aldershot, Farnham & District/St. Mary's Uni
2 28:47 52 Helen Clitheroe V35 W 35 02.01.74 Preston
3 29:00 51 Sonia Samuels SEN W 30 16.05.79 Sale Harriers Manchester/Loughborough Uni
4 29:03 50 Faye Fullerton SEN W 25 31.05.84 Havering Mayesbrook
5 29:07 49 Gemma Miles SEN W 29 27.10.80 Kendal
6 29:17 48 Hatti Dean SEN W 27 02.02.82 Hallamshire/Sheffield Uni
7 29:19 47 Stevie Stockton U23 W 20 23.08.89 Vale Royal/Loughborough Uni
8 29:26 46 Tara Krzywicki V35 W 35 09.03.74 Charnwood
9 29:28 45 Lauren Deadman SEN W 25 27.03.84 Havering Mayesbrook
10 29:32 44 Kirsty Milner U23 W 20 07.04.89 Trafford/Loughborough Uni
11 29:36 43 Morag MacLarty SEN W 23 10.02.86 Central
12 29:52 42 Rebecca Robinson SEN W 27 28.10.82 Kendal
13 29:54 41 Natalie Gray U23 W 21 17.02.88 Medway & Maidstone/Loughborough Uni
14 30:11 40 Hannah Whitmore SEN W 25 24.02.84 Charnwood
15 30:18 39 Nicola Rogers SEN W 26 28.05.83 Basildon
16 30:22 38 Elspeth Curran U23 W 20 27.07.89 Kilbarchan/Team West
17 30:25 37 Lizzie Adams SEN W 23 19.05.86 Hallamshire/Knavesmire
18 30:42 36 Tina Brown SEN W 33 22.08.76 Coventry
19 30:45 35 Rosie Smith SEN W 24 28.06.85 Durham/Hunters Bog Trotters
20 31:03 Brigitta Tusai SEN W Hungary iD
21 31:12 34 Caryl Jones U23 W 22 04.04.87 Carmarthen/Taf Running & Orienteering (TROTS)
22 31:22 33 Amy Campbell SEN W 26 06.09.83 Southampton RC/Shaftesbury Barnet
23 31:24 32 Jane Mooney SEN W 28 26.06.81 Morpeth
24 31:26 31 Becky Howarth U23 W 20 18.12.88 Leigh/Durham Uni
25 31:33 30 Carolyn Summersgill SEN W 28 10.12.80 Middlesbrough & Cleveland
26 31:34 29 Sian Edwards U23 W 20 24.11.88 Kettering/Loughborough Uni
27 31:49 28 Victoria Barcello SEN W 24 03.09.85 Cardiff/Glamorgan Uni
28 31:54 27 Elaine Murty U23 W 22 25.06.87 Blackheath & Bromley/Brunel Uni
29 32:12 26 Mary Ferrier U23 W 21 26.01.88 Gateshead/Leeds Uni
30 32:18 25 Karen Alexander SEN W 32 14.10.77 Sperrin
31 32:32 24 Abby Wilson U23 W 20 03.01.89 Darlington/Loughborough Uni
32 33:32 23 Alex Snook U23 W 22 19.10.87 Shildon/Loughborough Uni
33 33:43 22 Gemma Hillier U23 W 21 19.06.88 Charnwood/Loughborough Uni
34 49:19 21 Rachel Syed SEN W 30 21.10.79 Preston
35 49:57 20 Julie Edwards SEN W Unknown