Race Walking News
Cheboksary, Russia
Saturday 10th May 2008
THE Junior Men’s 10km, the first race of the 23rd IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary, Russia, went to form with Russia predictably opening the weekend with a win.
But the one blip, if you can call it that, was the home-gown athlete with the second-fastest time this year not only prevailed, but claimed a World junior record while he was at it.
Aleksey Bartsaykin had team-mate Edikt Khaybullin beaten long before the end, even though the latter had the fastest time of the year going into the race. In fact, 19-year-old Bartsaykin decided it was going to be his day with a lap-and-a-half to go when he snapped the string that joined him to a group of four.
The Russian then sprinted to open up a gap of 15 metres from team-mate Denis Strekov and Spaniard Luis Torla. The lead doubled by the bell, but it then looked as if Bartsaykin was happy to settle for just a glorious win in front of thousands of his countrymen.
He drunk in the applause going into the final turn, but he was also travelling at a tremendous pace. With a 100 metres to go he turned on the afterburners to crash through the line just under the magical 40:00 and claim the vacant World record.
The Chinese, Ding Chen thundered past Strelkov for silver, who in turn, was too quick for the Spaniard Torla. Early on, a group of eight enjoyed a relatively easy first 2km in around 8:02, with all the form walkers showing up front.
Indeed, such was the pushy pace, the field of 50-plus walkers was blown apart with large gaps from first to last. Even though most walkers in the race had PBs not exceeding 50:00, by the last lap of five around the lakeside setting, the backmarkers were already being lapped.
It was no surprise that Khaybullin was suffering, despite his superfast time in the Russian Championships and disappeared on the last lap. The only surprise to spectators was that Bartsaykin had time to wave to crowds, and still claim the fastest ratified time ever by a junior man.
The winner’s major concern wasn’t whether he would break the World record, but whether his pole position was in danger from a team-mate.
Bartsaykin said: “I didn’t think about the World record. However, I though another Russian might win. “I didn’t know which one, but certainly thought any threat would come from our team, with 200m left, I realised there was no-one behind me. But it was only 50m from the line I realised the World record was on.”
Great Britain’s Ben Wears finished 38th, this after he had made a positive start, passing 3km in 12.59 in 30th place. At the front the Russian duo of Strelkov and Bartsaykin lead a group of 6 through halfway in 20.21.
However, Wears bright start was threatened when he began to suffer from a major stitch at the 4 km point, and between 4 and 6km lost over a minute, as he passed halfway in 52nd position in 23.07.
Recovering from his stitch in the second half, he was able to get going again and began to move through the field. He came home in a creditable 38th place in a Seasons Best of 45.22.
Wears said after the race “I am very disappointed as I am in great shape at the moment. The stitch came on after 4km and I could do nothing for 2km. Fortunately I was able to get going again in the last 4km as it wore off”.
Report from the IAAF.
Saturday 10th may 2008
JASMINE NICHOLLS representing the Leicester Walking Club secured a bronze medal finish at the National Young Athletes Grand Prix Championships held at Victoria Park, London.
Nicholls recorded a time of 18mins 10secs in the Under-15 Girls' 3km in the race won by Ashford's Kelsey Howard in 16:42.
Chris Vesty was fifth in 29:26 in the Under-17 Boys 5km, whilst, Samantha Vesty was 13th in 15:58 in the Under-13 Girls 2km.
In the senior races, Mark Wall was eighth in the Men's 5km in 26:32 and fifth in the veterans 3km in 15:36.
Helen Middleton was second in the women vets 3km in 17:40, and fourth in the senior 5km in 30:14. Sue Rey was sixth in the vets 3km in 20:37 and eighth in the 5km in 34:24.
Full results are available on the following link: www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Saturday 19th April 2008
JASMINE NICHOLLS extended her unbeaten run to six races this year at Under-15 level with victory in the 2008 Jeff Ford Memorial Walks Young Athletes Grand Prix meeting in Sheffield.
The Leicester Walking Club junior won the 3km race in a time of 18mins 20secs to finish ahead of her nearest rival by more than two minutes on a new twisting course surrounding the Don Valley Stadium.
There were also bronze medals for club-mates Emma Achurch in the Under-13 Girls 2km in 13:06, Mark Wall in the Men's 5km in 31:26 and Helen Middleton in the Women's 10km in 60:49.
Leicester's Women's team captain Sue Rey set personal-best times over 5km and 10km with 32:18 in 11th and 66:00 taking fourth position respectively.
Full results are available on the following link: www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Thursday 10th April 2008
FIONA McGORUM representing the Leicester Walking Club claimed a fine silver medal on her debut at the National 20km Championships held at a cold and snow covered Earls Colne in Essex on Sunday 6th April.
The 19-year-old UWIC student clocked a time of 1hr 58mins 53secs to finish runner-up to Diane Bradbury representing Tonbridge AC (1:57.18).
McGorum's performance combined with Helen Middleton (fifth in 2:10.10) and Sue Rey (sixth in 2:17.58) ensured Leicester also won the team title.
Full results are available on the following link: www.racewalkuk.com/EventDetails.asp?id=1993&race=UKA/RWA_Championships
Tuesday 26th February 2008
BLABY STOKES STRIDERS race walking squad successfully retained the Chris Smith race walking league team title. This league format continues to be a runaway (or should that be “walkaway”!) success - a record 78 walkers from 40 schools competed during the 4 race series. With an impressive 25 of them achieving the gold standard, 23 the silver and 20 getting bronze indications are that schools race walking standards continue to rise.
Holly Smith (Cadbury College) notched up her second victory ahead of training partner Keera Rayment (City Tech.) with Jasmine Nicholls (Leysland, Leics) third quickest on the night. Antonio Cirillo (Neath) became the first male walker to win all four races in a season ahead of Mark Pratt (All Saints, Sheffield) and Matthew Duncan (Franklin College, Grimsby).
The individual leagues were closely contested as they are based on a handicapping system, which encourages all competitors to improve, or get close to their best performances, over the 4 race series. In a closely contested event, Rebecca Chambers (Greenhill, Sheffield) just held on to win the girl’s league by 3 points from Eleanor Mills (Grace Academy, Birmingham) with Katherine Jolley (Brantwood, Sheffield) just pipping Gwenan Jones (Blaby Stokes) for third place.
Similarly the outcome of the boy’s title was only decided in the final race. With another personal best time, Rory Chandler (Blaby Stokes, Leics) came out on top ahead of team-mate Dominic Bishop. Shaun Cohen (Handsworth Grange, Sheffield) squeezed out Antonio Cirillo (Neath) for third place overall.
Full Results:
Boys
1-Antonio Cirillo-Neath Port Talbot College-9:45; 2-Mark Pratt-All Saints, Sheffield-10:36; 3-Matthew Duncan-Franklin College, Grimsby-11:24; 4-Eddie Brebner-King Ecgberts, Sheffield-11:28; 5-Nathan Duncan-Hereford School, Grimsby-12:26; 6-Maks Orzal-Leicester Grammar-12:55; 7-Shaun Cohen-Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-13:43; 8-Rory Chandler-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:16; 9-Dominic Bishop-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:17; 10-Fergus Jeffs-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:36; 11-Harry Birch-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:15;12-Charlie Arnold-Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-15:33; 13-Peter Bilson-SHEAF-17:17; 14-Adam Timson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:45; 15-Ryan Horne-Alderman Smith-17:50; 16-Harry Stain-Market Drayton Junior-17:56; 17-Ben Timson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:15
League (points after 4 races)
1-Rory Chandler-168; 2-Dominic Bishop-163; 3-Shaun Cohen-158; 4-Antonio Cirillo-155; 5-Fergus Jeffs-150; 6-Maks Orzal-120; 7-Mark Pratt-96; 8-Nathan Duncan-94; 9-Andy Friend-93; 10-Tyler Bower-92
Girls
1-Holly Smith-Cadbury College-10:19; 2-Keera Rayment-City Tech College, Kingshurst-11:09; 3-Jasmine Nicholls-Leysland H.S., Leics-11:48; 4-Eleanor Mills-Grace Academy Chelmsley Wood-12:43; 5-Gabrielle Terry -Hull Collegiate-12:52; 6-Emma Achurch-Blaby Stokes, Leics -13:14; 7-Caitlyn Akers-H.S. Academy, Sheffield-13:40; 8-Cassandra Tingey-Sharlands Collegiate Academia, Smethwick-14:02; 9-Rebecca Chambers-Greenhill, Sheffield-14:37; 10-Chloe Pateman-Greenhill, Sheffield-14:57; 11-Katherine Jolley-Brantwood, Sheffield-15:03; 12-Jessica Warren-Burbage Junior-15:11; 13-Gwenan Jones-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:16; 14-Eve Stain-Heartshill HS, Nuneaton-15:25; =-Eden Backhouse-Market Drayton Junior-15:25; 16-Lisa Costelow-Blaby Stokes, Leics -15:42; 17-Laura-Jo Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:01; 18-Jessica Mills-Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-16:25; 19-Nikita Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:36; 20-Ellie Birch-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:53; 21-Sophie Naylor-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:08; 22-Kezia Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:08; =-Rosie Parsons-St Josephs Junior, Nuneaton-18:53; 24-Elisze Streton-Barwell Junior-18:53
League (points after 4 races)
1-Rebecca Chambers-170; 2-Eleanor Mills-167; 3-Katherine Jolley-147; 4-Gwenan Jones-145; 5-Holly Smith-138; 6-Jasmine Nicholls-136; 7-Chloe Pateman-134; 8-Laura-Jo Bazylinski-131; 9-Maria Walker-130; 10-Cassandra Tingey-129
Overall Team Standings:
1 Blaby Stokes “A”, Leics-358; 2 Blaby Stokes “B”-312; 3 Greenhill, Sheffield-304; 4 Blaby Stokes “C”-264; 5 Market Weighton, E. Yorks-227; 6 Blaby Stokes “D”-202; 7 Blaby Stokes “E”-175; 8 Grace Academy, Chelsley Wood-167; 9 University of Wales-162; 10 Michael Drayton “A”, Nuneaton-159; 11 Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-158; 12 Neath Port Talbot College-155; 13 Brantwood, Sheffield-147; 14 Cadbury College, W. Midlands-138; 15 Leysland High School, Leics-136; 16 Blaby Stokes “F”-134; 17 Sharlands Collegiate, Smethwick-129; 18 Burbage Junior-125; 19 Leicester Grammar-120; 20 HS Academy, Sheffield-113; 21 Blaby Stokes “G”-109; 22 King Ecgberts, Sheffield-106; 23 Franklin College, Grimsby-104; 24 All Saints, Sheffield –96; 25 Hereford School, Grimsby-94; 26 City School, Sheffield-92; 27 City Tech. Kingshurst-80; 28 Croft Junior-78; 29 Heartshill High, Nuneaton-78; 30 Rawlins College, Leics-72; 31 Michael Drayton “B”, Nuneaton-71; 32 Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-67; 33 Blaby Stokes “H”-65; 34 St Edmunds Campion, Erdington-61; 35 Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-60; 36 Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-57; 37 Kingstanding, Birmingham-51; 38 Hull Collegiate-36; 39 Thistly Meadow, Leics-31; 40 Blaby Stokes “I”-28; 41 cSilverdale School, Sheffield-22; 42 Hall Orchard, Leics-19; 43 Alderman Smith’s, Nuneaton-18; 44 Beauchamp College, Leics-16; 45 Barwell Junior-8; 46 St Joseph’s Junior, Nuneaton-7; 47 SHEAF-6; 48 Lacely’s Junior, Nuneaton-5; 49 Blaby Stokes “I”-5; 50 Nicholas Chamberlain, Nuneaton-2
2008 British Masters Indoor Championships
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, London
Sunday 24th February 2008
HARBOROUGH'S England international Toni Boa successfully defended her 3,000 metres race-walking title at the British Masters Indoor Championships held at London’s Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
The F45 veteran crossed the line in a time of 17mins 15.74secs to retain her title with ease. This was her first race-walk event since the 2007 World Masters Championships last September when she led Team GB team to the Gold medal, and followed her previous day's efforts when she was the second Senior women for Harborough over 8k in the Saucony English National Cross-Country Championships at Alton Towers.
In other events at Lee Valley Boa’s club-mate Andy Wilkinson finished fourth in the M40 Pole Vault competition with an indoor best height of 3.30m.
Full results are available on the following link: www.bmaf.org.uk/results/
Saturday 23rd February 2008
JO JACKSON broke the eight-year-old British 20km race-walking record by a healthy margin with victory at the Australian Championships in Melbourne on Saturday (23rd February).
The 23-year-old Redcar athlete, competing as a guest, clocked a time of one hour 31 minutes 40 seconds - an Olympic Games 'A' qualifier - to smash Lisa Kehler's previous best of 1:33.57.
Jackson, who has developed into the country's first international-class walker for many years, decimated her previous fastest time of 1:36.28.
She finished well clear of Australia's Kellie Wapshott and Claire Woods, who also produced lifetime best marks of 1:32.57 and 1:33.02 in Fawkner Park.
It was Jackson's third and most important success since beginning a spell of warm-weather training and competition in Australia.
Jackson won a 3km walk in Canberra last month then, competing as a guest, claimed the New South Wales 5km title in Sydney.
Wednesday 20th February 2008
HELEN MIDDLETON representing Leicester Walking Club went within 14 seconds of winning the RWA National 10-mile title at Enfield after leading for nine-and-three-quarter miles.
Middleton, competing in her first national championship after less than a year in the sport, recorded a time of 97mins 51secs but was edged out into second place by Hillingdon's Anne Bellchambers (97:37).
Middleton, however, had the consolation of a team Gold as Leicester team-mate Sue Rey and Sarah Lightman finished in fifth (108.10) and seventh (113.19) respectively.
The Leicester Men's team of Mark Wall (13th in 87:53) and Chris Berwick (16th in 90:10) finished in sixth place overall.
www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Tuesday 12th February 2008
TEAM captain Mark Wall led the Leicester Walking Club to victory at the Midland 10km Championships held at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
In a race won by Tamworth's Mark Williams, Wall finished third in a time of 54mins 21secs, and there was strong back-up from Chris Berwick, fourth in 55:52, and Rod Dunne, 7th in 58:43.
In the Women's 5km, victory went to Olympian Lisa Kehler, of Wolverhampton, Leicester's Fiona McGorum took Silver in 27:04 and led her team to Bronze behind Wolverhampton and Birchfield.
Leicester's Helen Middleton was seventh in 29:41 and third scorer Sarah Lightman was 10th in 32:51, five seconds and one place ahead of team-mate Sue Rey.
www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Saturday 26th January 2008
DIFFICULT conditions affected times throughout the country in the third round of this popular postal 2km. Race Walking League. Holly Smith (Cadbury College, W.Midlands) secured her first Chris Smith League win after notching up runners up spots in the previous two races. Fiona McGorum (U.W.I.C.) and Kathryn Granger (King Ecgberts, Sheffield) took the other podium places.
In the Boys event Antonio Cirillo (Neath Port Talbot College) made it a hat trick of wins in this current series with Mark Pratt (All Saints, Sheffield) and Matthew Duncan (Franklin College, Grimsby) finishing in second and third respectively.
Although Market Weighton (E.Yorks) headed the team league on the night ahead of Michael Drayton School in Nuneaton and Leicestershire’s Blaby Stokes, it is the Stokes Striders team that takes a healthy lead into the final race of the series.
The individual leagues are closely contested as they are based on a handicapping system, which encourages all competitors to improve or get close to their best performances over the 4 race series. Rebecca Chambers (Greenhill, Sheffield) leads the Girl’s individual standings by 6 points from Eleanor Mills (Grace Academy, Birmingham) with Maria Walker (Market Weighton, E.Yorks) only two points further back.
Antonio Cirillo (Neath) leapfrogged over Rory Chandler (Blaby Stokes, Leics) to top the individual Boy’s league with Shaun Cohen (Handsworth Grange, Sheffield) just 3 points off the pace in third place.
Full Results:
Boys
1-Antonio Cirillo-Neath Port Talbot College-9:02; 2-Mark Pratt-All Saints, Sheffield-10:29; 3-Matthew Duncan-Franklin College, Grimsby-11:29; 4-Tyler Bower-City School, Sheffield-11:33; =-Eddie Brebner-King Ecgberts, Sheffield-11:33; 6-Andy Friend-University of Wales Institute Cardiff-11:40; 7-Nathan Duncan-Hereford School, Grimsby-11:46; 8-Maks Orzal-Leicester Grammar-12:59; 9-Shaun Cohen-Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-13:37; 10-Thomas Wagg-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:38; 11-Rory Chandler-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:43; 12-Fergus Jeffs-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:44; 13-Dominic Bishop-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:53; 14-Harrison Stephen-Thistly Meadow, Leics-15:13; 15-Peter Bilson-SHEAF-16:54; 16-Ben Timson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:25; 17-Charlie Arnold-Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-18:26; =-Jacob Bowyer-Queen Elizabeth Primary, Atherstone-18:26; =-Harry Stain-Market Drayton Junior-18:26
League (points after 3 races)
1-Antonio Cirillo-139; 2-Rory Chandler-132; 3-Shaun Cohen-129; 4-Dominic Bishop-125; 5-Fergus Jeffs-116; 6-Maks Orzal-98; 7-Andy Friend-93; 8-Tyler Bower-92
Girls
1-Holly Smith-Cadbury College-10:30; 2-Fiona McGorum-University of Wales Institute Cardiff-10:36; 3-Kathryn Granger-King Ecgberts, Sheffield-11:06; 4-Jasmine Nicholls-Leysland H.S., Leics-12:01; 5-Keera Rayment-City Tech College, Kingshurst-12:06; 6-Gabrielle Terry -Hull Collegiate-12:21; 7-Emma Achurch-Blaby Stokes, Leics -12:54; 8-Maria Walker-Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire-12:58; 9-Eleanor Mills-Grace Academy, Chelmsley Wood-13:06; 10-Toni Webley-Kingstanding, Birmingham-13:20; 11-Chelsea Walker-Market Weighton, E.Yorks-13:21; 12-Caitlyn Akers-H.S. Academy, Sheffield-13:53; 13-Cassandra Tingey-Sharlands Collegiate Academia, Smethwick-14:16; 14-Lisa Costelow-Blaby Stokes, Leics -14:23; 15-Fiona Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:32; 16-Rebecca Chambers-Greenhill, Sheffield-14:43; 17-Eve Stain-Heartshill HS, Nuneaton-14:51; 18-Gwenan Jones-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:03; 19-Grace Tharrold-Market Drayton Junior-15:12; 20-Eden Backhouse-Market Drayton Junior-15:12; 21-Chloe Pateman-Greenhill, Sheffield-15:45; 22-Katherine Jolley-Brantwood, Sheffield-15:55; 23-Jessica Warren-Burbage Junior-15:56; 24-Jessica Mills-Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-16:08; 25-Nikita Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:28; 26-Amy Sanders-Croft Junior-16:49; 27-Sophie Naylor-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:37; 28-Laura-Jo Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:38; 29-Eva Maddison-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:24; 30-Kezia Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:24; =-Rosie Parsons-St Josephs Junior, Nuneaton-18:27; =-Elise Streton-Barwell Junior-18:27
League (points after 3 races)
1-Rebecca Chambers-138; 2-Eleanor Mills-132; 3-Maria Walker-130; 4-Gwenan Jones-120; 5-Cassandra Tingey-114; 6-Jasmine Nicholls-112; 7-Katherine Jolley-110; 8-Holly Smith-107
Overall Team Standings:
1 Blaby Stokes “A”, Leics-280; 2 Blaby Stokes “B”-242; 3 Greenhill, Sheffield-233; 4 Market Weighton, E. Yorks-227; 5 Blaby Stokes “C”-209; 6 Michael Drayton “A”, Nuneaton-197; 7 Blaby Stokes “D”-179; 8 University of Wales-162;9 Blaby Stokes “E”-152; 10 Neath Port Talbot College-139; 11 Grace Academy, Chelsley Wood-132; 12 Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-129; 13 Blaby Stokes “F”-115; 14 Sharlands Collegiate, Smethwick-114; 15 Leysland High School, Leics-112; 16 Brantwood, Sheffield-110; 17 Cadbury College-107; 18 Leicester Grammar-98; 19 Blaby Stokes “G”-94; 20 City School, Sheffield-92; 21 Franklin College, Grimsby-86; 22 Burbage Junior-84; 23 HS Academy, Sheffield-79; 24 King Ecgberts, Sheffield-79; 25 Croft Junior-78; 26 Hereford School, Grimsby-77; 27 All Saints, Sheffield -75; 28 Rawlins College, Leics-72; 29 St Edmunds Campion, Erdington-61; 30 Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-60; 31 Blaby Stokes “H”-60; 32 Heartshill High, Nuneaton-59; 33 City Tech. Kingshurst-52; 34 Kingstanding, Birmingham-51; 35 Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-47; 36 Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-42; 37 Thistly Meadow, Leics-31; 38 Hull Collegiate-30; 39 Blaby Stokes “I”-28; 40 Silverdale School, Sheffield-22; 41 Hall Orchard, Leics-19; 42 Beauchamp College, Leics-16; 43 Alderman Smith’s, Nuneaton-14; 44 Michael Drayton “B”, Nuneaton-7; 45 Lacely’s Junior, Nuneaton-5; 46 Blaby Stokes “I”-5; 47 SHEAF-5; 48 St Joseph’s Junior, Nuneaton-5; 49 Barwell Junior-5; 50 Nicholas Chamberlain, Nuneaton-2
Tuesday 22nd January 2008
IN a joint initiative to improve the level of international performances, the Swedish and British National Race Walking Squads joined forces for a squad camp staged at Leeds Metropolitan University.
The squads benefited from being able to train together as well as discuss training and coaching methods. Both squads were involved in sessions on strength and conditioning. Members of both squads hope the camp will assist in their preparations for the forthcoming IAAF World Cup of Race Walking in Cheboksary in Russia in May and the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The joint initiative was coordinated by Dr Ian Richards as Senior Lecture in the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education at Leeds Met and was made possible by the support of Malcolm Brown the Director of Sport at the University.
The Swedish squad also benefited from being able to tap into the expertise of Brian Hanley a Lecturer in Biomechanics. Brian is already working with both the Great Britain and Irish National Squads. Utilising the specialist equipment in the Carnegie Research Institute enables a number of tests to be conducted using force plates built into a treadmill, high speed cameras and EMG recorders.
This provides walkers with a full analysis of technique and the movement of their joints and muscles. Both squads also benefited from individual feedback from Brian Hanley on a study undertaken at the 2007 European Cup Race Walking in Leamington Spa which involved capturing all the competitors at various points during the 5 races.
This is the biggest and most comprehensive study of the biomechanics of race walking at a major event ever undertaken. The athletes and coaches from both Sweden and Great Britain enjoyed the experiences of working together and will benefit significantly from the feedback from the biomechanical analysis.
Both parties are keen to develop this partnership further as they prepare for Cheboksary and Beijing and in the long term to use the expertise and support of Leeds Met to assist British and Swedish race walkers develop into medal prospects for 2012.
Wednesday 23rd January 2008
LEICESTER WALKING CLUB athletes collected two Northamptonshire and four open titles at a meeting at Kettering.
Mark Wall won the Northamptonshire 10k in a time of 56mins 3secs and Helen Middleton claimed the women's title in 60:57.
Sue Rey won the Women's Open 5km in 34:26, whilst three juniors also won with Jasmine Nicholls in the Under-15 Girls 3km in 20:27, Emma Achurch in the Under-13 Girls 2km in 12:56, and Maks Orzel in the Under-15 Boys 2km in 12:59.
Midland Winter Race Walking League 2007/08
Tamworth
Saturday 24th November 2007
LEICESTER WALIKING CLUB won the overall 10k team handicap and were second in the 5k team handicap at the final Midland Winter League meeting held at Tamworth.
Men's captain Mark Wall won the overall mixed 10k handicap from Women's captain Sue Rey, who was second.
UWIC student Fiona McGorum claimed the individual title with victory on the day in 56mins 47secs.
Two juniors claimed Silver medals when Jasmine Nicholls, in the Under-15 Girls 3k, clocked 18:05, narrowly losing the league title by one second.
Emma Achurch was also second in the Under-13 Girls, smashing her personal-best for 2k with 12:22, the first time she had broken 13 minutes.
In the annual Midlands awards announced on the day, Jill Eve won the George & Beatrice Carr Trophy for the most-improved female walker.
Leicester Women were also awarded the Claire Powell Trophy, based on results achieved earlier in the season.
Leading Results:
Men 10k
4 Mark Wall (Leics) 55:05, 6 Paul Hayden (Nun) 61:31
Women 10k
4 Sue Rey (Leics) 66.17
Men 5k
5 Mark Wall (Leics) 27:57
Women 5k
6 Helen Middleton 29:57 (2nd overall handicap), 9 Sarah Lightman 33:12, 10 Sue Rey 34:06
Women Scratch Teams:
1 Wolverhampton, 2 Leicester
www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Chris Smith Race Walking League 2007/8
Saffron Lane Sports Centre, Leicester
Tuesday 13th November 2007
BLUSTERY conditions around the United Kingdom meant that only a handful of competitors in the second 2 km race of this popular postal Race Walking League beat their personal bests.
Antonio Cirillo (Neath Port Talbot College) took his second successive Chris Smith league win with a fine time of 9mins 8secs. Previous league champions Mark Pratt (All Saints, Sheffield) and Chris Vesty (Rawlins College, Leics) finished second and third respectively.
In the girls event Fiona McGorum (UWIC) took her total of wins in the Chris Smith League format to seven. With 6 runners-up spots and 4 thirds in her seventeen appearances she is the most successful walker the league has seen. Holly Smith (2nd - Cadbury College, West Midlands) and Kathryn Granger (3rd - King Ecgberts, Sheffield) retained the positions they achieved in the season’s opening event.
With 69 young walkers already registering times, this league format continues to flourish and indications are that competition will be fierce in all the categories when the league resumes early in 2008.
Both leaders of the individual leagues hold narrow two point leads. Currently, the promising Rory Chandler ((Blaby Stokes) tops the individual boy’s league over Antonio Cirillo. Shaun Cohen (Handsworth Grange) has two walkers from the Stokes squad (Fergus Jeffs and Dominic Bishop) challenging him for third place.
The girl’s league sees Cassandra Tingey (Sharlands Collegiate) leading training partner Eleanor Mills (Grace Academy) with Rebecca Chambers (Greenhill, Sheffield) and Jasmine Nicholls (Leysland HS, Leics) chasing hard.
Blaby Stokes Striders have their “A” and “B” teams at the top of the team league having stretched their lead over Greenhill School, Sheffield.
Full Results:
Boys
1-Antonio Cirillo-Neath Port Talbot College-9:08; 2-Mark Pratt-All Saints, Sheffield-10:31; 3-Christopher Vesty-Rawlins School, Leics-11:25; 4-Tyler Bower-City School, Sheffield-11:35; 5-Andy Friend-University of Wales Institute Cardiff-12:45; 6-Maks Orzal-Leicester Grammar-13:13; 7-Alex Thorne-Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-13:56; 8-Shaun Cohen-Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-14:05; 9-Rory Chandler-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:31; 10-Thomas Wagg-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:43; 11-Callum Naylor-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:44; 12-Fergus Jeffs-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:45; 13-Callum Bloxham-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:22; = Dominic Bishop-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:22; 15-Harrison Stephen-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:01; 16-Christopher Johnson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:04; 17-Harry Birch-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:12; 18-Alfie Martin-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:45; 19-Harry Sayers-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:58; 20-Charlie Arnold-Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-17:01; 21-Jon Athon-Alderman Smith’s, Nuneaton-17:01
Individual Standings (after 2 races)
1-Rory Chandler-102; 2-Antonio Cirillo-100; 3-Shaun Cohen-85; 4-Fergus Jeffs-79; 5-Dominic Bishop-79; 6-Maks Orzal-75; 7-Christopher Vesty-72; 8-Tyler Bower-63
Girls
1-Fiona McGorum-University of Wales Institute Cardiff-10:15; 2-Holly Smith-Cadbury College-10:26; 3-Kathryn Granger-King Ecgberts, Sheffield-10:37; 4-Jasmine Nicholls-Leysland H.S., Leics-11:29; 5-Keera Rayment-City Tech College, Kingshurst-11:35; 6-Gabrielle Terry -Hull Collegiate-11:59; 7-Danya Sarayreh-Silverdale School, Sheffield-12:04; 8-Eleanor Mills-Grace Academy, Chelmsley Wood-12:56; 9-Cassandra Tingey-Sharlands Collegiate Academia, Smethwick-13:07; 10-Emma Achurch-Blaby Stokes, Leics -13:31; 11-Maria Walker-Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire-13:56; 12-Lisa Costelow-Blaby Stokes, Leics -14:06; 13-Chelsea Walker-Market Weighton, E.Yorks-14:13; 14-Kara Sanders-Croft Junior-14:30; 15-Fiona Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:44; = Caitlyn Aker-H.S. Academy, Sheffield-14:44; 17-Rebecca Chambers-Greenhill, Sheffield-15:02; 18-Gwenan Jones-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:04; 19-Niamh Sculley-St Edmunds Campion, Erdington-15:24; = Aimee Holloway-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:24; 21-Eden Backhouse-Market Drayton Junior-15:25; 22-Katherine Jolley-Brantwood, Sheffield-15:38; 23-Jessica Mills-Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-15:57; 24-Jessica Warren-Burbage Junior-16:25; 25-Chloe Pateman-Greenhill, Sheffield-16:32; = Laura-Jo Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:00; 27-Sophie Naylor-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:00; 28-Sam Vesty-Hall Orchard, Barrow-17:51; = Imogen Nicholls-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:56; 30-Eva Maddison-Blaby Stokes, Leics-18:56; 31-Kezia Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-19:16
Individual Standings (after 2 races)
1-Cassandra Tingey-102; 2-Eleanor Mills-100; 3-Rebecca Chambers-95; 4-Jasmine Nicholls-91; 5-Gwenan Jones-84; 6-Katherine Jolley-83; 7-Maria Walker-81; 8-Laura-Jo Bazylinski-77
Team Standings:
1 Blaby Stokes “A”, Leics-193; 2 Blaby Stokes “B”-169; 3 Greenhill, Sheffield-156; 4 Blaby Stokes “C”-155; 5 Blaby Stokes “D”-137; 6 Market Weighton, E. Riding-128; 7 Blaby Stokes “E”-118; 8 Michael Drayton. Nuneaton-108; 9 Sharlands Collegiate, Smethwick-102; 10 Neath Port Talbot College-100; = Grace Academy, Chelsley Wood-100; 12 University of Wales-97; 13 Leysland High School, Leics-91; = Blaby Stokes “F”-91; 15 Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-85; 16 Brantwood, Sheffield-83; 17 Blaby Stokes “G”-76; 18 Leicester Grammar-75; 19 Cadbury College-74; 20 Rawlins College, Leics-72; 21 Franklin College, Grimsby-69; 22 City School, Sheffield-63; 23 St Edmunds Campion, Erdington-61; 24 Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-60; = Blaby Stokes “H”-60; 26 Croft Junior-52; 27 All Saints, Sheffield –50; 28 Burbage-46; 29 HS Academy, Sheffield-44; 30 Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-41; 31 City Tech. Kingshurst-39; 32 King Ecgberts, Sheffield-38; 33 Hereford School, Grimsby-32; 34 Blaby Stokes “I”-28; 35 Hull Collegiate-24; 36 Marston Green Junior, Birmingham-23; 37 Silverdale School, Sheffield-22; 38 Heartshill High, Nuneaton-19; = Hall Orchard, Leics-19; 40 Beauchamp College, Leics-16; 41 Alderman Smith’s, Nuneaton-14; 42 Lacely’s Junior, Nuneaton-5; = Blaby Stokes “I”-5; 44 SHEAF-4; 45 Nicholas Chamberlain, Nuneaton-2; 46 St Joseph’s Junior, Nuneaton-1; = Blaby Stokes “J”-1
Midland Race Walking League 2007/08
Perry Park, Birmingham
Saturday 10th November 2077
LEICESTER WALKING CLUB'S Jasmine Nicholls achieved her first Midland Winter League victory at Perry Park, Birmingham.
She crossed the line in 18 minutes to win the Under-15 Girl's 3km, slicing 48 seconds off her lifetime-best in the process and defeating Beth Jackson by five seconds, her first success over her Wolverhampton rival in competition.
In the Senior Women's 5km, all-three Leicester athletes set personal-bests.
Helen Middleton made her club debut, finishing fifth in 30mins 14secs, Sue Rey was eighth in 32:54 and Sarah Lightman 11th in 33:52. In the Women's 10k, junior British international and UWIC student Fiona McGorum claimed second place in 58:34.
In the Men's 10km, Mark Wall was third in 54:42 after finishing seventh in the 5km earlier in 26:46.
Other Leicestershire athletes in action in Birmingham over the 10km distance were Sue Rey (Leics W), 5th in 66:52, Paul Hayden (Nuneaton) 7th in 61:01 and Martin Oldfield (Leics W) 17th in 68:39.
www.racewalkuk.com/Results.asp
Thursday 8th November 2007
THE UK Athletics Race Walking Event Conference is being held on Sunday 9th December at 10am at the Headingley Campus of Leeds Metropolitan University.
The day will be led by Andi Drake - UK Event Coach (Race Walking) and speakers will include:
Andy Paul - (UK Athletics Head of Athletic Development)
Brian Hanley - (Biomechanist Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education)
Neil Holmes - (Carnegie Athletics Coach/XLR8 - Strength and Conditioning for Race Walkers)
Practical workshops will be included and the delegate fee is just £15, including lunch.
To book your place email contact either Andi Drake on a.drake@coventry.ac.uk, or Spencer Barden on sbarden@ukathletics.org.uk, or Ian Richards on i.richards@leedsmet.ac.uk
Tuesday 16th October 2007
FIONA McGORUM, the 18-year-old University of Wales Institute Cardiff student representing the Leicester Walking Club won the opening 2km race of the Chris Smith League recording a time of 10mins 15secs to finish ahead of Holly Smith.
Antonio Cirillo of Neath Port Talbot College won the Boys race in 9:17.
Full Results:
Boys
1-Antonio Cirillo-Neath Port Talbot College-9:17
2-Mark Pratt-All Saints, Sheffield-10:33
3-Tyler Bower-City School, Sheffield-11:21
4-Matthew Duncan-Franklin College, Grimsby-11:26
5-Christopher Vesty-Rawlins School, Leics-11:30
6-Ben Frary-Franklin College, Grimsby-11:52
7-Nathan Duncan-Hereford School, Grimsby-12:17
8-Maks Orzal-Leicester Grammar-12:44
9-Alex Thorne-Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-13:50
10-Shaun Cohen-Handsworth Grange, Sheffield-14:00
11-Andy Friend-University of Wales Institute Cardiff-14:03
12-Christopher Johnson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:43
13-Fergus Jeffs-Blaby Stokes, Leics-14:48
14-Charlie Arnold-Queen Elizabeth, Atherstone-15:01
15-Ben Dunlin-Wolfreton School, E. Yorks-15:10
16-Rory Chandler-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:12
17-Dominic Bishop-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:30
18-Joshua Thornton-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:31
19-Harrison Stephen-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:32
20-Peter Bilson-SHEAF-15:44
21-Adam Timson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:24
22-Ben Timson-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:25
23-Harry Sayers-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:36
24-Ryan Horn-Alderman Smith’s, Nuneaton-16:45
25-Ben Phelan-Nicholas Chamberlin, Nuneaton-17:07
26-Harry Stain-Market Drayton Junior-19:06
27-Jack Knight-Lacely’s Junior, Nuneaton-19:06
Girls
1-Fiona McGorum-University of Wales Institute Cardiff/Leics-10:15
2-Holly Smith-Cadbury College-10:21
3-Kathryn Granger-King Ecgberts, Sheffield-10:37
4-Lauren Gimson-Beauchamp College-11:10
5-Keera Rayment-City Tech College, Kingshurst-11:40
6-Gabrielle Terry -Hull Collegiate-11:59
7-Jasmine Nicholls-Leysland H.S., Leics-12:06
8-Emma Achurch-Blaby Stokes, Leics -13:16
9-Eleanor Mills-Grace Academy, Chelmsley Wood-13:17
10-Cassandra Tingey-Sharlands Collegiate Academia, Smethwick-13:43
11-Maria Walker-Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire-13:48
12-Caitlyn Akers-H.S. Academy, Sheffield-14:00
13-Lisa Costelow-Blaby Stokes, Leics -14:08
14-Niamh Sculley-St Edmunds Campion, Erdington-14:15
15-Gwenan Jones-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:02
16-Georgia Cooper-Michael Drayton, Nuneaton-15:03
17-Aimee Holloway-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:08
18-Fiona Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-15:09
19-Rebecca Chambers-Greenhill, Sheffield-15:30
20-Chloe Pateman-Greenhill, Sheffield-15:37
21-Katherine Jolley-Brantwood, Sheffield-15:43
22-Jessica Warren-Burbage Junior School-16:38
23-Imogen Nicholls-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:39
24-Eve Stain-Heartshill High School, Nuneaton-16:43
25-Laura-Jo Bazylinski-Blaby Stokes, Leics-16:44
26-Becky Cooper-Heartshill High School, Nuneaton-16:45
27-Kezia Brown-Blaby Stokes, Leics-17:19
28-Sam Vesty-Hall Orchard, Barrow-17:46
29-Rosie Parson-St. Joseph’s Junior, Nuneaton-18:44
30-Sophie Naylor-Blaby Stokes, Leics-19:25
Tuesday 16th October 2007
THE 7th European Cup of Race Walking which was staged in May in Royal Leamington Spa was recognised as an outstanding World Class Event at the recent Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport Awards.
The awards ceremony was staged at the Ricoh Arena, home of Coventry City FC. The event staged by Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport was hosted by former World 5,000 metres record-holder Dave Moorcroft.
Competition Director Ian Richards said: "It is fantastic that all the hard work of the LOC has been recognised by those involved in sport across the sub region."
Norton Handicap 10km Trophy 2007
Haynes Road, Leicester
Saturday 6th October 2007
COLIN VESTY won the Norton Handicap 10km Trophy event after a narrow finish that was held at Haynes Road in Leicester following a narrow finish.
Vesty finished ahead of team mate John Sturgess (69:57) in a time of 60mins 43secs as Lionel Humphreys, a recent new member of Leicester Walking Club, claimed third place in 66:18.
Fastest overall walker was Chris Berwick in 57:39 as he finished in fourth place, Sue Rey recorded 71:45 as the only women competitor in the race.
Full Results:
1 Colin Vesty 60:43; 2 John Sturgess 69:57; 3 Lionel Humphreys 66:18; 4 Chris Berwick 57:39; 5 Mark Wall 63:53; 6 Sue Rey (W) 41:45; 7 Tony Kent 78:52
2007 IAAF Race Walking World Challenge Final
Saransk, Russia
Saturday 29th September 2007
VLADIMIR KANAYKIN sensationally chipped five seconds of the World record for the men’s 20km Race Walk and surprised everybody including himself at the final of the 2007 IAAF Race Walking World Challenge in Saransk, Russia. The women’s 20km was won by Olga Kaniskina, the Osaka World champion, in a race which she dominated with a world season lead of 1:26:47.
Everyone enjoyed an opening ceremony the night before which filled the town’s stadium. Yes, more than 5000 turned up for the flag waving and speeches for a race walk championship. No wonder, the town makes a proud claim as the walking capital of the world.
Thousands of spectators standing 2 or 3 deep in places also thronged the sides of the 2km loop course to cheer on the competitors.
Not even coach Victor Gegin thought an eclipse of Jefferson Perez’s four-year old mark was on the cards until the last 400 metres, and then it became increasingly clear the 22-year-old was about to delight his home town following on a perfect course.
Kanaykin had already posted a super fast 1:17:36 in winning the Russian Championships in June, but this race was at the end of a long season including 50k at last month’s World Championships in Osaka, where he failed to finish.
It helped that he had the help of three countrymen for all but the last 2k lap. But such was the speed the quartet were travelling it said much for Kanaykin’s technique and strength he was the only one of the four to survive the judge’s red disc.
The weather was also as perfect as the course. Starting at 10am local time, it was overcast, with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees. More to the point there was no wind, but the 2k loop was as straight as a dye, except for the turns at either end. The local organizing committee were also congratulating themselves on forking out some of their $800,000 race budget by re-surfacing the entire course.
Kanaykin built up a eight-second lead at 5k reached in 19:25, but was then quickly joined by Valeriy Borchin, Igor Yerokhin and junior champion Sergey Morozov making his debut.
At 10k the four shot through in 38:28, with the rest of the field trailing in their wake.
Luke Adams from Australia was more than a minute back, and Norway’s Erik Tysse was struggling with a hip injury a minute further back. Both were vying for the top $30,000 Challenge prize, but on the next lap Tysse called it a day unable to shug off a hip injury sustained in Osaka.
At the sharp end, Kanaykin was shrugging off the opposition like a worn out coat.
Yerokhin was first to see the red disc, and a tiring Morozov, making his debut at the distance, had already fallen off the pace by the time he was removed as he attempted to start the final lap.
Kanaykin must have sensed something was on as he hammered down the final straight, and coach Gegin shouted a warning even though the talented Russian had yet to post a card.
Breaking the tape five seconds ahead of Perez’s mark set at the World Championships in Paris in 2003, Kanaykin looked as if he could do another three laps at the same pace.
“I realised with one lap to go I could break the world record, but my coach warned me about being DQ’d,” said Vladimir Kanyakin. “It’s amazing, and I can’t really take it all in right now. I never thought I could break the record. The course was impressive, but not as much as the people cheering for me. “I knew I had to walk hard for them – after all, most of them are neighbours.”
Kanaykin’s coach Victor Gegin said: ‘This was never expected. It’s beyond my dreams. But he (Kanaykin) is a wonderful athlete. He can walk 50km, 20 any distance you want – and has the capability to win them all.”
Adams moved through from fifth to second having passed just Vladimir Stankin, but the real story of the day went to a man, whose name translated into English means ‘the whole world’.
“The course was perfect but it seemed long because of the long straight. My PB is 1:19:19 so 1:21:03 is not so good for me,” confirmed Luke Adams. “I was hoping to get 5th place and I feel very lucky to have finished second. I was hoping for a fast time here as I trained hard for Osaka. I am tired with all the travelling and only trained once a day. There were a lot of problems getting here but once we did, the course, food and organization have been perfect.”
Erik Tysse who did not finish the race commented: “My hip flexor has been a problem since Osaka and bearing that in mind did not think that it was worth it to hurt himself further bearing in mind I have to start training for Beijing (Olympics) next week.”
She always wears a pained expression even from the gun – but Olga Kaniskina made light work of the Race Walking Challenge final in her home town.
Osaka’s World Champion was never headed, and after a season in which she has ably stepped into the shoes of former champions like Olympiada Ivanova, the latest from the Russian champions production line must now be considered favourite for Olympic gold in Beijing next year.
The 22-year-old had company for 16k, and then shook off final challenger Anisya Kornikova to come home just 44 seconds outside her best.
Kornikova, at just 17, gamely kept up the chase and was rewarded with 1:27:59 for a sparkling debut at the distance.
Third went to Tatyana Korotkova, a veritable veteran at 27, who was nonetheless rewarded with a season’s best of 1:28:45.
The sun came out for the start of the race turning up the heat for the field of 23. Not that seemed to make much difference to Kaniskina, Tatyana Shemyakina and Kornikova.
They bore numbers, one, two, and three and were determined to make it much the same on the podium.
At 4k they already had nearly a minute lead over a distant group of 12 that included Kjersti Platzer, Romanian Claudia Stef, and Greek Athina Papayianni plus a throng of promising Russians.
The leading two then lost Shemyakina after four 2k laps and then increased the difference over the rest to reach 10k in 43:17.
Thereafter, it was one way to the finish line for the first two, although there were rewards for those that battled the red tape to get to Saransk in the first place.
Norwegian Platzer dropped out at 9k as a back problem flared up: “The pain was in my left leg today, but it’s a result of my back injury. I’m pleased to have finished so high up the Challenge.”
“This race was more difficult than the World Championships, because there was more responsibility to perform for my coach and the people here,” said Olga Kaniskina. “The weather was not a problem, but I was not concerned about a PB. It’s also too early to worry about Beijing.”
Leading Results:
Men
1 Vladimir Kanaykin (RUS) 1:17:16 (WR); 2 Luke Adams (AUS) 1:21:01; 3 Vladimir Stankin (RUS) 1:21:26; 4 Sergey Sergachev (RUS) 1:21:56; 5 Aleksandr Prokhorov (RUS) 1:22:13; 6 Ivan Trotsky (BLR) 1:23:13; 7 Antaloly Kukushkin (RUS) 1:23:38; 8 Aleksandr Yargunkin (RUS) 1:24:49
Women
1 Olga Kaniskina (RUS) 1:26:47; 2 Anisya Kornikova (RUS) 1:28:00; 3 Tatyana Kortokova (RUS) 1:28:46; 4 Lyudmila Arkhipova (RUS) 1:29:20; 5 Tatyana Sibileva (RUS) 1:29:53; 6 Olga Mikhaylova (RUS) 1:31:46; 7 Sabine Zimmer (GER) 1:32:19; 8 Athina Papayaánni (GRE) 1:32:34
Report by the IAAF.
Fiona McGorum
2006 AAA 5,000m Bronze medallist - Leicester Walking Club
Photo by Tim Watt.
-- back to top --
BBC Sport | Athletics
Shop online at Bizrate.
Compare prices on running shoes, sports trousers, Nike sports bags and treadmill running machines.
Powered by Leicestershire Community Portals.
Page generated in 0.4731 seconds.
Website hosted by MC Webs Ltd - Websites without the hassle!