Mikitenko to face Yamauchi at Great North Run

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Thursday 2nd September 2010

TWO-time World Marathon Majors champion Irina Mikitenko has signed up for the Bupa 30th Great North Run on September 19th.

The German, who switched nationality from Kazakhstan in 1998, has a personal best half-marathon time of 68 minutes 51 seconds and is now fully fit after a series of injuries which ruled her out of the World Championships in Berlin last year.

The 30th racing of the half marathon in the north east has attracted a field of 54,000 and Mikitenko will face the likes of former world half marathon champion Berhane Adere, of Ethiopia, defending champion Jessica Augusto, of Portugal, as well as Briton Mara Yamauchi.

Andy Caine, the event's elite athletes manager, said: "You could say Mara has a score to settle with Mikitenko having lost to her in last year's London Marathon, and I'm sure she'll be looking to take a revenge win.

"But Mikitenko comes from a track background. She may now be established as a marathon runner but there's still plenty of speed in her legs which is always an advantage in the closing stages of a half marathon.

"But the others cannot be ruled out. Adere is an experienced campaigner over the distance while Augusto is a vastly improved athlete since winning the race in 2009."

The men's race will feature a high-profile clash between two of the world's greatest ever distance runners, Haile Gebrselassie and defending champion Martin Lel.

Gebrselassie, of Ethiopia, will be making his debut over the Newcastle to South Shields course, while Kenya's Lel will be chasing a third success.

World half marathon bronze medallist Dathan Ritzenhein will be eager to improve on his third place on his debut over the distance at the meeting in 2006, while Martin Fagan is expected to carry Irish hopes.

Kev & Mark’s ‘Crawl for CRY’

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Thursday 2nd September 2010

LOUGHBOROUGH students Kevin Deighton and Mark Vardy on Tuesday 14th September are going to begin a 6 day crawl through Lincolnshire to raise money for the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Every week at least 12 apparently ‘fit and healthy’ young people in the UK die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Thanks to a free heart-screening clinic provided by CRY at Loughborough, a previously undiagnosed heart abnormality was detected in Mark, potentially saving his life. Unfortunately, one of Kev’s schoolmates was not so lucky and passed away due to an undiagnosed heart condition in 2008 aged just 19.

Money raised will help CRY to continue to do the tremendous work they are doing in raising awareness of heart problems in young people and providing free screening clinics to the public to diagnose such problems. Money will also help CRY to continue research in this area and provide support for affected families.

They are pretty sure that this is the first time that ultra-endurance crawling has been used to raise money and we expect it to be a demanding, yet rewarding challenge. Judging from a practice crawl, they are expecting around 9 hours solid crawling a day to cover 6 miles. They aim to spend 5 days crawling around Lincolnshire, before spending the 6th day crawling around Lincoln city centre to try to get donations from the public.

They will allow themselves to stand but not walk a single step in the 6 days including time spent in shops and accommodation etc.

Any donations you can make would be much appreciated. You can donate online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/crawl-4-cry. Alternatively, you can donate in cash, which they will add to the money raised online.

9.78secs - Gay leaves Carter in his wake

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Wednesday 1st September 2010

TYSON Gay blew away the field and made light work of his anticipated duel with Nesta Carter to win the IAAF World Challenge 60th Anniversary edition of the Hanzekovic Memorial meeting in Zagreb.

Carter equalled Gay's season-best time of 9.78secs in Rieti last Sunday, but he was left in the American’s wake finishing 0.15secs adrift over the line.

Gay clocked a time of 9.92secs, into a slight headwind, with Jamaican Carter second and Mike Rodgers third.

Great Britain's Tom Lancashire and European champion Andy Turner were beaten into fourth place in the 800 metres and 110m hurdles respectively.

Lancashire clocked a time of one minute 46.28secs with countryman Mukhtar Mohammad sixth a further 0.7secs back as the American champion Nick Symmonds set a meeting record of 1:45.37 to secure victory.

In the sprint hurdles Andy Turner crossed in 13.50secs to finish just 0.09 ahead of his compatriot and fellow Loughborough graduate William Sharman as Dwight Thomas prevailed in a blanket finish. The Jamaican record-holder clocked 13.40 to take the victory just ahead of American Joel Brown (13.43) and Czech Petr Svoboda (13.45).

Full results are available on the following link: www.iaaf.org/iwc10/results/eventcode=4437/

African Violets shine at Cardiff Grand Final

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Wednesday 1st September 2010

LOUGHBOROUGH student athletes were on top form securing a fine set of individual victories both on the track and field at the 2010 McCain UK Challenge final that incorporated the Nike BMC Grand Prix Final in Cardiff (Saturday 28th August).

Robbie Grabarz and Steph Pywell, both coached by Fuzz Ahmed, prevailed in the high jump with Grabarz setting a superb lifetime best of 2.28m on his third attempt, whilst, Commonwealth Games-bound Pywell won the women’s competition with a height of 1.81m.

Charlotte Best edged victory over fellow African Violet and Crawley team-mate Dani Christmas in the BMC women’s 800m final with both athletes given the same time of 2:03.9.

A similar story unfolded in the BMC 1500m final as Stevie Stockton prevailed ahead of Abbey McGhee 4:20.73 to 4:22.58 with Jordan Kinney fifth in 4:32.00. Nick Samuels finished third in the men’s event clocking 3:49.32.

The men’s 400m hurdles final also witnessed a Loughborough 1-2 over the line as Richard Davenport clocked 50.90secs to defeat Andy Blow (51.35).

Laura Wake and Savannah Echel-Thomson finished second and third respectively over the 400m flat with times of 55.09 and 55.28 as Kelly Massey won the title in 53.95. Glyn Hawkes claimed third in the men’s race in 48.64.

Sara McGreavy continued her solid return to competition in 2010 as the Sale Harrier won the women’s 100m hurdles in 13.60secs. Chloe Whalley finished 6th in 15.22.

Aidan Sayers finished runner-up in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.71secs as Tremayne Gilling won the title in 10.78.

Sonia Samuels set a lifetime best of 15:53.1 to finish third in the women’s 5,000m won by UK junior record-holder over 10,000m Charlotte Purdue who crossed the line in 15:23.4, the second fastest on the UK All-Time list for Under-20.

Ryan McLeod finished runner-up in the men’s 5,000m final with a time of 14:09.06 as the inform Bruce Raeside claimed victory in 14:25.49.

Alex Smith won the hammer competition with a best of 70.01m to secure his share of the McCain UK £5,000 Golden Challenge prize fund as he looks ahead to the Commonwealth’s.

Paul Walker warmed-up for his Commonwealth Games debut representing Wales by winning the men’s pole vault competition with a height of 5.16m, whilst, JJ Jegede having set a new lifetime best of 7.76m the previous weekend in Germany carried forward his fine form to win the long jump title producing a leap of 7.59 as reigning BUCS champion Matt Burton finished third with a best of 7.31.

Rebecca Peake who will represent England at the Commonwealth’s claimed a fine victory in the women’s shot with a throw of 15.36m, whilst, Chris Scott finished runner-up in the men’s discus to Brett Morse 60.62 to 53.92. BUCS champion Rosie Semenytsh finished 6th in the women’s javelin final with a best of 48.05m.

Report by Mark Woolley.

Full results are available on the following link: www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=34202

Makaza and Harrison win IAU World 50km titles

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sunday 29th August 2010

COLLEN Makaza of Zimbabwe and Sue Harrison representing Team England won the IAU World 50km individual titles in Galway, Ireland, this following very impressive performances.

The Radisson Blu Galway City Marathon (26.2 miles) was run in conjunction with the IAU World 50km (31 miles) Trophy Final.

The race consisted of two Half Marathon loops followed by four short loops around the centre of the city to complete the 50km. The course was undulating but with lengthy flat sections. The most challenging part of the course was the hill present at 13km (and again at 34km) that was a kilometre long.

Zimbabwean athlete Collen Makaza recorded a unique double by winning both the marathon and the World 50km crown, as Leamington’s Sue Harrison also doubled up successfully in the women’s category.

Makaza crossed the line in 2:47.21 to take victory ahead of South African Sandile Ngunuzza and Michael Wardian of the USA with the England team of Julian Rendall, 10th in 3:09:19, Paul Fernandez 13th in 3:13:00 and Tim Doran on his international debut finishing 18th in 3:20:17.

Harrison finished in an impressive 15th place overall in a time of 3:15:42 to secure the women’s title ahead of Italian Andrea Anselmi with compatriots Helen Taranowski finishing 22nd in 3:37:42 and Adela Salt 23rd in 3:40:09.

There were 13 selection races held from Canada and Argentina to Japan and Australia to select athletes for the World Trophy Final. The criteria for selection included a sub 3:20 (men) and sub 3:50 (women) run. The winners of the series races were automatically selected and following the preliminary selections the fastest finishers were invited until the selection pool was filled. In addition a few runners had invitations extended on the basis of their marathon times.

Report by Mark Woolley.

Full Results (Mixed):
1 Collen Makaza (ZIM) 2:47:21.89
2 Sandile Ngunuzza (RSA) 2:53:05.71
3 Michael Wardian (USA) 2:54:56.45
4 Kaito Iwayama 2:56:19.03
5 Lucas Nonyana 2:56:56.85
6 Malcom Campbell 2:58:18.59
7 Joseph Mphuthi 3:02:40.09
8 Marco Boffo 3:06:53.65
9 Evgenii Glyva 3:09:10.51
10 Julian Rendall (ENG) 3:09:19.42
11 Daniel Oralek 3:10:15.50
12 Ben Nephew 3:10:18.99
13 Paul Fernandez (ENG) 3:13:00.79
14 Ralf Preibish 3:13:09.89
15 Susan Harrison (ENG) 3:15:42.91
16 Andrea Anselmi 3:17:14.22
17 John Byrne 3:19:00.23
18 Tim Doran (ENG) 3:20:17.36
19 Daniel Verrington 3:21:14.64
20 Mary Coordt 3:28:30.58
21 Irene Kalter 3:34:21.44
22 Helen Taranowski (ENG) 3:37:42.92
23 Adela Salt (ENG) 3:40:09.31
24 Karen Ruston 3:41:46.58
25 June Petrie 3:42:18.12
26 Lesley Train 3:45:25.04
27 Paola Sanna 3:46:09.58
28 Malcolm Gamble 3:47:07.17
29 Michael O'Loughlin 3:49:04.77
30 Tressa Lindberg 3:55:15.18
31 Colman Greene 4:05:02.37
32 Jen Salter 4:12:52.82
33 Peter Osbourne 4:22:15.09
34 Aidan Blake 4:39:23.36
35 Roy Pirrung 4:43:00.0

Rudisha improves 800m world record in Rieti

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sunday 29th August 2010

DAVID Rudisha has broken his own 800 metres world-record for the second time in eight days in Rieti, Italy.

The Kenyan set a new mark of one minute 41.09 seconds in Berlin last Sunday and surpassed this by clocking a time of 1:41.01.

Last weekend's effort broke the previous best for two laps set by Denmark's Wilson Kipketer 13 years ago.

Great Britain's European silver medallist Michael Rimmer finished fourth in a new lifetime best of 1:43.89 moving to 6th place on the UK all-time list.

David Oliver of the USA won the men’s 110 hurdles in a time of 13.01secs outside of Dayron Robles world-record of 12.87, but fast enough to shave 0.06 seconds off Colin Jackson's meeting record set in 1994.

Oliver, who has run under 13 seconds five times this season, hit two hurdles midway through the race. Great Britain’s world finalist William Sharman was fourth in 13.50.

There was an impressive display in the men’s 100 metres as Jamaican Nesta Carter equalled Tyson Gay's fastest time of the year clocking 9.78secs to take victory ahead of American Ryan Bailey, second in 9.88 with fellow Jamaican Mario Forsythe third in 9.95.

David Rudisha of Kenya lowers his own world 800m record in Rieti with a time of 1:41.01.

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Gay and Vlasic sparkle at Brussels Diamond league finale

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 Samsung Diamond League - Belgacom Memorial Ivo Van Damme

Stade Roi Baudouin, Brussels

Friday 27th August 2010

TYSON GAY (100m) and Blanka Vlasic (high jump) dominated their respective events to win the Diamond trophies lighting-up a cold night in Brussels with the staging of the final of this season’s inaugural Samsung Diamond League series the Belgacom Ivo Van Damme Memorial meeting.

After 14 meetings spanning the globe beginning in Doha back in May, the IAAF’s brave new world has sparkled throughout the summer with packed stadiums and a host of top quality performances as the world’s best without a major championships this year turned their attention to the race for the Diamond Trophies and the $40,000 prize on offer for winning their individual events.

A sell-out crowd of 50,000 at the Stade Roi Baudouin gave the 2010 Diamond league a splendid finale in Brussels, as Tyson Gay was just one hundredth outside his own world-leading time as he ran 9.79secs to secure the men's 100m title.

Gay arrived in the Belgium capital level on points with Richard Thompson, however, the Trinidad and Tobago athlete could only finish fifth on the night in a disappointing 10.11. Thompson, though, held onto second place overall, a point ahead of Jamaican Yohan Blake.

European champion Blanka Vlasic completed a clean sweep of Diamond League high jump victories this season by clearing two metres as the tall elegant Croatain having already secured the Diamond trophy event became the only athlete in any event to go through the series unbeaten as she edged out Italy's Antonietta Di Martino and Emma Green of Sweden, who both cleared 1.98m.

Great Britain’s European champion Dai Greene produced one of his best performances of the season to finish second in the men’s 400m hurdles clocking 48.26secs as former world champion Bershawn Jackson held on to remain unbeaten in the Diamond League with a time of 47.85.

Kenya’s David Rudisha fresh from his 800m world-record breaking performance in Berlin the previous weekend cruised to victory ahead of Sudan’s Abubaker Kaki in a time of 1:43.50.

Canada's Priscilla Lopes-Schliep claimed the women's 100m hurdles title with victory as American rival Lolo Jones, the reigning world indoor champion, was beaten into fifth after fading in the closing stages.

In the women’s Commonwealth champion 800m Janeth Jepkosgei was a class apart clocking 1:58.82 to defeat the European gold medallist Mariya Savinova (1:59.82) as world champion Caster Semenya ran a tactically poor race leaving her final sprint to late but managed to secure third in a season’s best of 1:59.65.

The British duo of Jenny Meadows and Jemma Simpson finished fifth (1:59.93) and ninth (2:01.13) respectively with neither athlete set to compete in October’s Commonwealth’s.

Tom Lancashire, having warmed-up for the men’s 1500m by chasing a mobile phone thief through the streets of Brussels in the morning, felt no ill-affects as the Brit set a new personal best of 3:33.96 to finish fifth in the race won by Kenya’s Asbel Kiprop.

Vivian Cheruiyot overturned a three-point deficit to Sentayehu Ejigu to take the women's 5,000m title by a margin of 18 points to 15. Cheruiyot clocked 14:34.13 to take victory. European 1500m finalist Steph Twell set a lifetime best of 14:54.08 to finish in 11th place.

Allyson Felix won the women’s 200m to add to her 400m crown, which was secured the previous week in Zurich. Felix, who seemed easy in the race despite Shalonda Solomon being close up to the last five metres, crossed the line in 22.62secs; Solomon was second in 22.70 as Bianca Knight completed the American 1-2-3 over the line with 23.01.

American Reese Hoffa defeated compatriot Christian Cantwell taking the victory with a 22.16m throw in the final round of the men’s shot breaking Adam Nelson’s 21.58 meeting record set a decade ago.

Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen produced the second longest throw of the year as the double Olympic champion launched the javelin out to a massive 89.88m to take victory ahead of his main rival Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki, the winner in Stockholm, second with an 83.36.

France’s Teddy Tamgho produced a winning leap of 17.52m in the men’s triple jump to secure the title ahead of Alexis Copello and Christian Olsson as Yargelis Savigne won the women's title courtesy of her better overall results compared to Kazakhstan's Olga Rypakova, who beat her into second place on the night to finish level on points overall.

Report by Mark Woolley.

Ivo Van Damme  (February 21st 1954 – December 29th 1976)

Ivo Van Damme was a brilliant Belgian middle-distance runner born in Brussels. He played football until he was 16, but then switched to athletics. His breakthrough came in 1973, when he placed fourth in the IAAF Junior World Championships in the 800m.

In 1976, he won the European indoor title over 800m, and was one of the favourites for a medal at 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. There, he placed second in both the 800m and 1500m, finishing behind Alberto Juantorena and John Walker, respectively. They were his last successes, as Van Damme was tragically killed in a car accident while travelling home from Southern France, he was only 22-years-old.

Since 1977, a memorial competition has been held in Brussels to remember him, the Ivo Van Damme Memorial meeting.

Full results are available on the following link: www.diamondleague-brussels.com/en/Live-StartlistsResults/Overview/

2011 runbritain Grand Prix series launched

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Friday 27th August 2010

RUNBRITAIN have announced the launch of the 2011 runbritain Grand Prix series linking five of Britain's leading road races for a total prize purse in excess of £55,000.

The prize fund announced for the Grand prix series will be available for athletes eligible to compete for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and will be awarded on a points-for-places system.

Athletes finishing in the top 250 male or female finishers in any of the series' races will receive points with their best four performances out of five scoring opportunities counting towards the final standings.
The races involved in the 2011 Grand Prix series are:
Reading Half Marathon – Sunday 20th March
Bristol 10k – Sunday 15th May
BUPA London 10,000 – Monday 30th May
Admiral Swansea Bay 10k - Sunday 25th September
EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon – Sunday 23rd October

runbritain MD, Geoff Wightman said "This is a pilot format and in future years we will aim to extend the width and depth of the runbritain grand prix series. We want to raise the standards of domestic race fields and put in the incentives and quality racing opportunities that will enable Brits to step up.

"All of these are very well organised races, with PB opportunities. As well as currently backing home-grown runners, they have been strong supporters of all runbritain initiatives so far this year and have agreed to hold back places for grand prix scorers.

More information on the series including the structure of time bonuses can we seen at www.runbritain.com/grandprix/

Loughborough University experts help create online Olympic tool

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Friday 27th August 2010

SPORTS experts at Loughborough University have helped create a new online tool designed to inspire couch potatoes in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

With the countdown to the London Olympics 2012 under way, anyone wanting to become more active can log on to the new NHS website and find out which sport best suits them.

The new tool at www.nhs.uk/olympics launches today (Tuesday, August 24) and matches people to the sports which best suit them by creating a personalised profile of the user’s sporting “type”.

It recommends five sports to try based on a series of questions and tests assessing personality, sporting preferences and reactions. For example, a shooting target test gauges precision and reaction to speed.

Users are then guided to activities going on in their area, with an interactive map featuring links to over 35,000 sports centres and clubs.

The tool was developed by NHS Choices in association with Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, with input from the British Olympic Association.

Sport and Performance Psychologist Dr David Fletcher, who led the Loughborough University research on this project, said: “This has been an exciting project to work on with the NHS. The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences has a reputation for world-leading research and this project helps ensure that this work has a positive and direct impact on wider society and people’s quality of life.

“The London 2012 Olympic Games provides a wonderful opportunity for this country. Loughborough University is committed to supporting the delivery of sporting and health improvement that is the desired legacy of the Games for the population of the UK.

“Lord Coe has spoken about the ‘memorable moments’ the Games will no doubt provide and this interactive tool aims to turn that inspiration into action; getting more people, more active, and enjoying the positive benefits that physical activity can bring to their lives.’’

The Olympics tool contributes to the Government’s aim of securing a genuine and lasting legacy from the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: “There is excitement in the air with the Olympics coming and there’s never been a better time for people to get inspired about doing more exercise.

“The Olympics tool helps and encourages people to try something which suits their abilities and personality, but which they may never have previously considered. Whether you’re bored of the gym, don’t normally exercise or that you feel exercise isn’t for you, there are ideas for everyone for things to do locally.

“What we want is that, in two years time, there will be many more of us following in the footsteps of our sporting heroes as well as cheering them on.”

Olympic silver medallist swimmer Sharron Davies said: "There's never been a better opportunity, with the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, for people to get inspired to be more active and healthy. It can often be difficult to know where to start and that is why the ‘What’s my Sport?’ tool is so clever. By getting people thinking about what sport or activity might suit them and pointing them to be what's available locally, it will hopefully get people off the sofa and into their training kit."

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith said: "The best thing about the Olympics is that it caters for everybody. That's why the ‘What’s my Sport?’ tool is so helpful. Whether you've done exercise before or not, it suggests sports and activities that you might never have considered but could love. You're much more likely to exercise regularly and get fit if you find something that you enjoy doing. This is an excellent first step towards that."

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics said: “London 2012 will feature 26 Olympic sports and 20 Paralympics sports, each needing different qualities and skills. With so many different sports out there, there is something for everybody and this is a great way to find out what suits you best.”

Over 27 million adults in England are not doing enough exercise, with 14 million not even managing half an hour of moderate exercise a week. The tool targets people at all fitness levels, so that those who don’t usually work out are introduced to a wide range of sports and activities they can build into everyday life.

Usain Bolt My Story - 9.58 Being the world's fastest man - brand new autobiography now available

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Friday 27th August 2010

EIGHT days ! ! three gold medals ! ! three world records ! one amazing reputation firmly established.

Usain Bolt's life -- and the world of sport -- would never be quite the same again. 16 August 2008 ! Beijing, China ! the Bird's Nest stadium ! 91,000 spectators and an unimaginably huge global television audience ! the final of the men's 100 metres at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

The crack of the starter's pistol triggers thousands of camera flash bulbs ! and precisely 9.69 seconds later a young Jamaican streaks across the finishing line to claim the gold medal and his destiny. Four days later Bolt claims the 200 metres gold, setting a new world record of 19.30 into the bargain, the night before his 22nd birthday.

Then on 22nd August he leads the Jamaican team to more glory in the 4 x 100 metres relay final, in yet another world record time. Since those heady days of the Beijing Olympics in August 2008, Usain Bolt has lowered both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records once again - to a barely believable 9.58 and 19.19 seconds respectively - as the World Championships in Berlin brought two more gold medals and yet more superlatives.

At a stroke the Jamaican has become the greatest sports star in the world. 9.58 is Usain Bolt's story so far, in his own words, beautifully illustrated with dozens of specially commissioned photographs. It's about a skinny kid from the parish of Trelawny, where they harvest the best yams in the world. It's about growing up playing cricket and football in the warm Jamaican sun, then discovering that he could run fast, very fast.

It's about family, friends and the laid-back Jamaican culture. It's about Auntie Lillian's pork and dumplings and Dad's grocery store in the sleepy village of Sherwood Content. It's about what makes him tick, where he gets his motivation and where he takes his inspiration. It's about the highs and the lows, the dedication and sacrifices required to get to the top. It's about fast food, partying, dancehall music, fast cars and that lightning bolt pose. It's about radiating sport's biggest smile. This is the story of the fastest man on the planet.

Thompson set for Bupa Great Yorkshire Run

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Thursday 26th August 2010

CHRIS Thompson, winner of the 10,000 metres silver medal at the recent European Championships will again compete at the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run on Sunday 5th September.

Loughborough University graduate Thompson will return to the Sheffield venue in a much better frame of mind having finally overcome the injuries which hindered his career since winning the European Under-23 5,000m gold medal in 2003.

The 29 year old Aldershot athlete’s performance in Barcelona, where he finished runner-up behind Aviva GB teammate Mo Farah, has enabled him to set his sights on more success in the future - in particular the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Thompson, who will be making his third successive appearance in the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run, will find it no easy task on his return to road racing despite his world class track form.

Another late addition, Spain's Chema Martinez, runner-up in Sheffield two years ago when Thompson finished sixth, is adamant he will be fully recovered after claiming the European marathon silver medal in Barcelona in blistering weather conditions.

"It's great news to include the pair in what is already a high quality field," said Andy Caine, elite athlete’s manager for the meeting. "I'm expecting much more from Thompson who finished fifth a year ago but who has now stepped up a few notches. Martinez is always someone for the big occasion."

The two new signings will face a field which includes former Olympic marathon champion Stefano Baldini, past World Championships 5,000m bronze medallist Craig Mottram and the British pair of Andrew Lemoncello and Lee Merrien.

Lemoncello was the first domestic runner at this year's Virgin London Marathon whilst Merrien exceeded expectations when taking eighth position in the European Marathon.

Highlights of the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run will be televised on Channel 5 at 10.30am on Saturday 11th September.

England Commonwealth Games team changes

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Thursday 26th August 2010

MARILYN Okoro has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games England athletics team for Delhi.

Okoro was set to compete over 800m, but has struggled to return to sub 2.00 form during the 2010 season following a knee injury, recently suffered an injury to one of the lumbar discs in her back.

She said: “I am hugely disappointed not to compete at the Commonwealth Games and my decision was not an easy one to make but I have to remain focussed on my 2012 dream. My body just isn’t as ready as my mind for Delhi but with help and support from my Coach Ayo Falola and the UKA medical team I will be back for the 2011 season, I wish the team the best of luck; they’re a great team with lots of experience mixed with fresh young talent.”

Nick Leavey, the English National 400m champion has been added to the men’s 4x400m to further strengthen the squad which includes two of the silver medal winning European Championships relay team.

Inside Incredible Athletes on Channel 4

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tuesday 24th August 2010

BROADCASTING two years to the day before the Paralympic 2012 Games begin, Inside Incredible Athletes profiles some of the elite British athletes who excel in their field, from both a personal and a scientific perspective. Examining their demanding training regimes and the particular skills required for high performance at each sport, this 90-minute programme features stunning sporting performance sequences, filmed against a backdrop of iconic locations around London and directed by Mike Christie (Jump London).

The in-depth profiles of the individual athletes literally get under their skin using scientific tests and state-of-the-art scanning technology to create 'biomechanical portraits'. The technique allows viewers to see inside these world-class athletes, revealing for the first time the inside story of these incredible humans and how they have achieved sporting excellence.

The athletes featured include blind football player David Clarke. He has over 100 caps for England/GB and has scored over 100 goals. Scientists at Cambridge University discover how he can 'see' with his ears.

Wheelchair rugby players Mandip Sehmi and Steve Brown have reached staggering levels of fitness despite being paralysed from the chest down. How have they trained their bodies to overcome such limitations and surpass scientific expectations?

Equestrian dressage rider Lee Pearson is chasing his twelfth gold meal at the 2012 Games. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Lee has reduced joint mobility and despite 15 operations he still cannot move his ankles or knees, forcing him to control his horse from his hips.

Sprinter and long-jumper Stefanie Reid reveals how she can run the 100m in 14.34 seconds with her lower-leg prosthetic, while swimmer Liz Johnson, who has cerebral palsy affecting the whole of her right side, demonstrates how since the age of four she's been moving through water better than on land.

Inside Incredible Athletes is on Channel 4 beginning Sunday 29th August at 9.00pm.

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Top of the class - Leicestershire Secondary Schools Cross Country fixtures announced

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tuesday 24th August 2010

THE fixtures for the 2010/11 Leicestershire Secondary Schools Cross Country season have been announced with the first race beginning at the Groby Community College on Saturday 25th September.
2010 Races:
League Race 1: September 25th: Groby Community College
League Race 2: October 9th: The Robert Smyth School, Market Harborough
League Race 3: November 6th: Lutterworth College
League Race 4: November 27th: Long Field High School, Melton Mowbray
League Race 5: December 11th: Melton Country Park (Hosted by John Ferneley High School)
2011 Races:
LRSAA County Schools' Championships: January 22nd: Venue TBC
LRSAA County Schools' X-C Relays: March 5th: Venue TBC
Aviva English Schools' Championships: March 19th: Venue TBC *
(First Race normally scheduled for 10.30am.)
* Selected athletes only

Full details are available on the following link: www.beaconhillstriders.co.uk/index.php?section=15

Double relay medal success for GB

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 Youth Olympic Games

Bishan Stadium, Singapore

Monday 23rd August 2010 - Day 6

GREAT Britain collected two further podium places at the Youth Olympic Games on day six of the athletics programme in Singapore as 100m bronze medallist David Bolarinwa won silver for Europe in the men’s continental medley relay and fellow sprinter Annie Tagoe secured bronze in the women’s race.

The medley relay comprised of four athletes competing in a pyramid system of legs of 100m, 200m, 300m and 400m with the British duo running on the opening 100m sprint as the Americas team claimed double victory in both of the events.

In the men's race the team of Bolarinwa, Poland's Tomasz Kluczynski, Marco Lorenzi of Italy and Nikita Uglov of Russia clocked 1:52.11 as the Americas led by the 100m individual champion Odane Skeen of Jamaica won gold in 1:51.38.

The women's quartet representing Europe of Tagoe, combined with Italy's Anna Bongiorni, German Sonja Mosler and Biana Razor of Romania finished third in 2:07.59 as the Americas prevailed ahead of Africa in 2:05.62.

In other events Louisa James won the women’s hammer ‘B’ final with a throw of 53.21m as Andrew Elkins was second in the men’s ‘B’ final with a throw of 67.77.

Zak Seddon was runner-up in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase ‘B’ final in a lifetime best of 5:52.13 as Abi Fitzpatrick finished sixth in the women’s 400m Hurdles ‘B’ final in a time of 1:05.61.

Full results are available on the following link: www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html

England team announced for Commonwealth Games

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Monday 23rd August 2010

ENGLAND have named their athletics team to compete at the XIX Commonwealth Games that take place in Delhi, India, from 3rd-14th October.

The team is headed by double European gold medallist Mo Farah alongside defending triple jump, 1500m and 400m Commonwealth champions Phillips Idowu, Lisa Dobriskey and Christine Ohuruogu.
Full English Teams:
Men
100m: Mark Lewis-Francis
100m (T46): Ola Abidogun
200m: Leon Baptiste, Marlon Devonish, Jeffrey Lawal Balogun
400m: Richard Buck, Robert Tobin, Conrad Williams
800m: Niall Brooks, Andrew Osagie, Darren St Clair
1500m: Andy Baddeley, Tom Lancashire, Colin McCourt
5,000m: Mo Farah, Chris Thompson
10,000m: Mo Farah, Chris Thompson, Andrew Vernon
Marathon: Andi Jones, Ben Moreau
3,000m sc: Luke Gunn, Stuart Stokes
110mH: Lawrence Clarke, William Sharman, Andy Turner
400mH: David Hughes, Nathan Woodward, Richard Yates
20k Race Walk: Thomas Bosworth, Luke Finch, Alex Wright
High Jump: Martyn Bernard, Samson Oni, Tom Parsons
Long Jump: Greg Rutherford, Chris Tomlinson
Triple Jump: Larry Achike, Nathan Douglas, Phillips Idowu
Pole Vault: Luke Cutts, Max Eaves, Steve Lewis
Shot: Mark Edwards, Carl Myerscough, Scott Rider
Shot F32/34/52: Daniel West
Discus: Carl Myerscough, Chris Scott, Emeka Udechuku
Hammer: Mike Floyd, Matthew Lambley, Alex Smith,
Decathlon: Martin Brockman, Ben Hazell, Kevin Sempers
4x100m: Leon Baptiste, Marlon Devonish Jeffery Lawal Balogun, Mark Lewis- Francis, Ryan Scott, Andy Turner
4x400m: Richard Buck, Graham Hedman, Darren St Clair, Rob Tobin, Conrad Williams,
Women
100m: Montell Douglas, Katherine Endacott, Laura Turner
100m T37: Katrina Hart, Bethany Woodward
200m: Abi Oyepitan, Joice Maduaka
400m: Victoria Barr, Christine Ohuruogu, Nadine Okyere
800m: Lisa Dobriskey, Emma Jackson, Marilyn Okoro
1500m: Helen Clitheroe, Lisa Dobriskey, Hannah England
10,000m: Charlotte Purdue, Hayley Yelling
Marathon: Helen Decker, Michelle Ross-Cope, Holly Rush
3,000mSC: Tina Brown
100mH: Louise Hazel
400mH: Meghan Beesley
20k Race Walk: Johanna Jackson, Lisa Kehler
High Jump: Stephanie Pywell, Vikki Hubbard
Pole Vault: Kate Dennison, Emma Lyons
Triple Jump: Yasmin Regis, Laura Samuel, Nadia Williams
Shot Put: Eden Francis, Eleanor Gatrell, Rebecca Peake
Shot F32, 33,34/42/53: Gemma Prescott
Discus: Eden Francis, Jade Nicholls
Hammer: Zoe Derham, Sarah Holt
Javelin: Goldie Sayers, Laura Whittingham
Heptathlon: Phyllis Agbo, Grace Clements, Louise Hazel
4x100m: Montell Douglas, Katherine Endacott, Hayley Jones, Abi Oyepitan, Laura Turner, Joice Maduaka
4x400m: Victoria Barr, Meghan Beesley, Hayley Jones, Kelly Massey, Christine Ohuruogu, Marilyn Okoro, Nadine Okyere

www.cwgdelhi2010.org/

Rudisha sets world 800m record in Berlin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sunday 22nd August 2010

DAVID Rudisha of Kenya has broken the men's 800 metre world-record with a time of one minute 41.09 seconds at the ISTAF meeting at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

Rudisha surpassed the previous record of 1:41.11 set by Wilson Kipketer of Denmark in Cologne, Germany, in August 1997.

Caster Semenya cruised to victory in the women's 800m race in the same stadium where last year the South African claimed the world title over the distance before missing 11 months of competition while undergoing gender tests.

The 19-year-old, running her third race since returning to competitive action in July clocked 1:59.90 to advance her ambitions of competing for her country at October's Commonwealth Games in India.

Kenyan Cherono Koech was second, Elisa Piccione took third as Great Britain's Jemma Simpson was fourth in a time of 2:00.57.

Great Britain's European champion Andy Turner (13.30) and world finalist William Sharman (13.44) came second and third respectively in the men's 110m hurdles race won by American Ryan Wilson in 13.27secs.

Jermaine Gonzales eased to victory in a time of 44.90secs in the men's 400m as the 25-year-old former World junior silver medallist defeated Costa Rica's Nery Brenes and European champion Kevin Borlee. Great Britain's Martyn Rooney finished fourth in 46.08.

David Rudisha of Kenya sets a new world-record over 800m of 1:41.09 in Berlin.
[youtube _of87fPA6fg]

Golden girl Emma secures England title

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 England Athletics U17 & U15 Track & Field Championships

Bedford International Stadium

Sunday 22nd August 2010 – Day 2

EMMA Achurch (Leicester) claimed the biggest victory of her career to win the England U15 girl’s 3,000m race-walking title at Bedford.

Having won over 2,000m at the Woodie's DIY Juvenile Track and Field Championships last month in Tullamore, Ireland, the 13-year-old held off the challenge of Rebecca Roddy (Ashford) to win gold in a new lifetime best of 16mins 40.68secs.

Team mate at Leicester, Jasmine Nicholls, finished in fourth place missing out on a podium position with a time of 30:57.00 in the U17 girl’s 5,000m final.

In the middle-distance events Mari Smith (Leicester Coritanians) finished fifth in the opening semi-final heat of the U15 girl’s 800m clocking a time of 2:21.02 but failed to progress as a fastest loser. Team mate Freya Vincent finished 8th in the U17 girl’s 800m final with a time of 2:25.15.

David Williams (Leicester Coritanians) clocked 11.86secs to finish fourth in heat 2 of the U15 boy’s 80m hurdles.

In the field events Daley Graham (Leicester Coritanians) finished 12th in the final of the U17 men’s long jump with a best of 5.72m, whilst, Armani James (Leicester Coritanians) finished 8th with a leap of 13.43m in the U17 men’s triple jump and Forrest Francis (Leicester Coritanians) finished 7th with a throw of 44.87m in the U17 men’s discus final.

Trevelle Morris-Reid (Leicester Coritanians) with a best of 54.17m finished in sixth place in the U17 men’s javelin final.

Video highlights of the championships are available at: www.athleticos.org/

Full results are available on the following link: www.athletics-uk.net/england/results/bedfordu17/

Youth Olympic bronze for Grice

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

2010 Youth Olympic Games

Bishan Stadium, Singapore

Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Day 5

CHARLIE Grice collected Great Britain’s second track bronze medal at Youth Olympic Games in Singapore with a fine third place finish in the boy’s 1,000 metres race.   

On the track of the Bishan Stadium the 16-year-old, coached by Jon Bigg, husband of 1992 Olympic 400 metres hurdle champion Sally Gunnell, finished third in a time of 2mins 21.85secs adding to compatriot David Bolarinwa’s 100m bronze the previous day.

Mohammed Geleto of Ethiopia claimed gold with an impressive time of 2:19.54 as Hamza Driouch of Qatar finished second in 2:21.25 to collect the silver.   

Georgia Peel missed out on a medal as the 16-year-old finished sixth in the final of the girls' 1,000m, this having qualified second-fastest in Thursday's heats.

Ethiopian Tizita Ashame broke clear of the field on the final lap to win gold in a time of two minutes 43.24 seconds.

Switzerland's Andrina Schlaepfer claimed silver and Kenyan Damaris Muthee bronze as Peel crossed the line in 2:49.56, almost four seconds down on her qualifying time.

Louisa James won the girls' hammer 'B' final with a throw of 53.21m as Zak Seddon set a new personal best time of 5:52.13 to finish second the 'B' final of the boys' 2,000m steeplechase having been disqualified during the heats for stepping off the track.

Andrew Elkins ended his Youth Olympics on a positive note as a final throw of 67.77m was good enough for second in the boys' 'B' hammer final as Abi Fitzpatrick finished sixth in the girls' 400m hurdles.

Full results are available on the following link: www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html

JJ Jegede leaps to victory in Germany

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Friday 20th August 2010

JJ JEGEDE leapt to victory to win the men’s long jump competition at the Stadionfest meeting in Königs Wusterhausen, Brandenburg, Germany.

The 24-year-old Loughborough athlete from the Newham & Essex Beagles club, silver medallist at the Aviva UK Championships back in June, won the competition with a leap of 7.76m (+0.0) set in the fifth round to secure victory ahead of the German duo of Stephan Wagner (7.53) and Nils Winter (7.23).

Steve Lewis continued his solid return to competition finishing third in the men’s pole vault event with a best of 5.40m as Richard Spiegelburg claimed a home victory for Germany with a height of 4.60.

Mikitenko to face Yamauchi at Great North Run

Thursday 2nd September 2010

Kev & Mark’s ‘Crawl for CRY’

Thursday 2nd September 2010

Any donations you can make would be much appreciated. You can donate online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/crawl-4-cry. Alternatively, you can donate in cash, which they will add to the money raised online.

9.78secs - Gay leaves Carter in his wake

Wednesday 1st September 2010

Full results are available on the following link: www.iaaf.org/iwc10/results/eventcode=4437/

African Violets shine at Cardiff Grand Final

Wednesday 1st September 2010

Report by Mark Woolley.

Full results are available on the following link: www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=34202

Makaza and Harrison win IAU World 50km titles

Sunday 29th August 2010

Report by Mark Woolley.

Rudisha improves 800m world record in Rieti

Sunday 29th August 2010

David Rudisha of Kenya lowers his own world 800m record in Rieti with a time of 1:41.01.

Gay and Vlasic sparkle at Brussels Diamond league finale

2010 Samsung Diamond League - Belgacom Memorial Ivo Van Damme

Stade Roi Baudouin, Brussels

Friday 27th August 2010

Report by Mark Woolley.

Full results are available on the following link: www.diamondleague-brussels.com/en/Live-StartlistsResults/Overview/

2011 runbritain Grand Prix series launched

Friday 27th August 2010

More information on the series including the structure of time bonuses can we seen at www.runbritain.com/grandprix/

Loughborough University experts help create online Olympic tool

Friday 27th August 2010

Usain Bolt My Story - 9.58 Being the world's fastest man - brand new autobiography now available

Friday 27th August 2010

Thompson set for Bupa Great Yorkshire Run

Thursday 26th August 2010

Highlights of the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run will be televised on Channel 5 at 10.30am on Saturday 11th September.

England Commonwealth Games team changes

Thursday 26th August 2010

Inside Incredible Athletes on Channel 4

Tuesday 24th August 2010

Inside Incredible Athletes is on Channel 4 beginning Sunday 29th August at 9.00pm.

Top of the class - Leicestershire Secondary Schools Cross Country fixtures announced

Tuesday 24th August 2010

Full details are available on the following link: www.beaconhillstriders.co.uk/index.php?section=15

Double relay medal success for GB

2010 Youth Olympic Games

Bishan Stadium, Singapore

Monday 23rd August 2010 - Day 6

Full results are available on the following link: www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html

England team announced for Commonwealth Games

Monday 23rd August 2010

www.cwgdelhi2010.org/

Rudisha sets world 800m record in Berlin

Sunday 22nd August 2010

David Rudisha of Kenya sets a new world-record over 800m of 1:41.09 in Berlin. [youtube _of87fPA6fg]

Golden girl Emma secures England title

2010 England Athletics U17 & U15 Track & Field Championships

Bedford International Stadium

Sunday 22nd August 2010 – Day 2

Video highlights of the championships are available at: www.athleticos.org/

Full results are available on the following link: www.athletics-uk.net/england/results/bedfordu17/

Youth Olympic bronze for Grice

2010 Youth Olympic Games

Bishan Stadium, Singapore

Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Day 5

Full results are available on the following link: www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html

JJ Jegede leaps to victory in Germany

Friday 20th August 2010

Report by Mark Woolley.

Full results are available on the following link: http://leichtathletik.de/results/3317_kw_200810.htm

David Rudisha of Kenya sets a new world-record over 800m of 1:41.09 in Berlin.
[youtube _of87fPA6fg]