Big weekend of racing for the Harriers

Report: Dave Turnbull -

A big weekend of racing took place at home and abroad with the club's endurance athletes representing Stockport at the highest level accross all the age groups.

The 3rd Nike British Milers Grand Prix at Trafford on Saturday evening produced a number of outstanding performances and personal bests.

UKA 5,000 metre champion Ross Millington showed the field a clean pair of heels with a lightning last 200 metres to win the men's 1,500 metres A-race in 3-41.66 from Nial Brookes 3-42.01 of Sale and Polish athlete Adam Czewinski in 3rd 3-42.43.

In the men's C-race Patrick Martin kicked home to hold off Norwegian athlete Tom Karbo and Jake Sawrey to win and was rewarded with a new best of 3-47.1.

Under-20 athlete Jack Nixon ran a sub-4 minute for the 1,500 metres with 3-59.26.

Andy Nixon previous best in the 5,000 metres leading into the race had been 14-34 came home a full 11 seconds faster in 14-23.81.

At the 82nd English Schools Championships held at Gateshead Interanational stadium the club had 4 athletes representing their County teams.

Chelsea Jarvis took her 4th medal in as many years in the inter girls 800 metres final with a third place behind front runner Loren Bleaken who led the race from the gun with a fast opening lap of 61 seconds to win in 2-07.23 from last year's winner Kaylee Dodd 2-07.64 and Chelsea well clear in third place with 2-08.73.

Olivia Wild was pleased with her performance and another 2.18 in the heats.

In the senior girls 1,500 metres final Emma Peters got stronger as the race progressed to finish 5th in a new best of 4-37.56 likewise under-15 athlete Lucy Donaghy finished strong in the junior girls 1,500 metres with a new best of 4-45.43.

European Mountain Championships

The loneliness of the long distance runner could not be more epitomised than a grueling uphill mountain race in 34 degrees heat.

Steve Vernon representing GB competed at the European Mountain champioships in Denizli in the south west region of Turkey.

The thermometer showed 34 degrees as the athletes started the 12.2 kilometre course that climbed over 750 metres.

The home athletes had a good advantage with Turkish athlete Ahmet Arison leading for most of the way alongside Ercan Muslu to take a one two for the Turks.

Steve led the British team home with 11th place and Robbie Simpson 19th and Chris Smith in 35th.


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