February 2024 – Ilford Athletic Club

Press Report 27th February 2024

Feb 262024

Brighton Half Marathon Sunday 25th February Sunday saw the 34th edition of the Brighton half marathon and in attendance was husband and wife duo Tarik and Carlie Qirem. The 13.1-mile route, mainly along the seafront, takes in some of the city’s best-known sights, including Brighton Palace Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the colourful beach huts of Hove. The pair started the race together in almost perfect conditions. Tackling the only major hill in the race during the first two miles saw Tarik split off, demonstrating his London marathon training is paying off. Ticking off the miles and showing that her training is coming back after an eventful 2023, Carlie surprised herself and him by catching him up at mile 9. …Read More

Nicola Hopkinson Tribute

Feb 202024

Message from Club Chairman Ernie Forsyth:- It is with great sadness and a heavy heart (broken ) that I pass on this devastating news We have been informed by Robin Davis that Ilford AC stalwart, Nicola Hopkinson, has passed away after a long and brave battle against cancer. This is terribly sad news for everybody who was fortunate enough to have had their lives touched by Nicola. Our love, condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Nicola’s family. 😓😓 Tributes to Nicola

Press Report 20th February 2024

Feb 202024

British Masters Indoor Championships Lee Valley 17/02/2024 After so many issues with injuries over the season, Krystle Balogun went into last weekend’s British Masters wanting to race well, but without too many expectations.. Competing in the 200m Krystle made an explosive start to the race, always being in contention of a medal, and not only did she exceed all her expectations but she finished with a silver medal and a personal best time of 26:48. Speaking afterwards Krystle was eager to dedicate her run to former club President and long serving club member NICOLA HOPKINSON who sadly lost her long battle with cancer last week. Krystle said “In the 10 years I’ve been in the club, she was a lovely …Read More

Centurion 661 Mick Barnbrook R.I.P.

Feb 192024

So sad to inform Mick Barnbrook, aged 80, passed away after a long illness. His passing was peaceful, at 9pm on Wednesday 14th February. Mick was born in Romford’s Oldchurch Hospital and brought up in Plaistow. His active athletics career spanned 49 years, during which he race walked in 1st claim capacity for Cambridge Harriers, Ilford AC, Sarnia WC, Ilford AC again as well as The Centurions, Metropolitan Police and the British Police Representative teams. He also had a 6 years’ unattached spell after leaving Cambridge Harriers and joining Ilford AC. He was one of 6 race walkers (all Centurions) to pass 100 completions of the London Post Office 9 kilometres yacht handicap races at Blackheath Park – he …Read More

Press Report 12th February 2024

Feb 122024

ESSEX CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE Hainault Forest Saturday 12 February The final round of this winter’s Essex Cross-Country League was staged by Ilford AC over a very muddy course at Hainault Forest, The club had a very good turnout of runners participating in this round throughout the age groups. First race of the day was the U13 boys and girls race, which was over a distance of approx. 3k. Barney Perkins ran a gutsy 13:26 for 20th place backed up just 12 seconds and 3 places later by Khalif Ali. For the girls, Hawaa Patel ran 17:22 for 24th female place. Next up was the U15 boys on an approx. 4k. Sam Horsley, who last week ran a brilliant 7th place …Read More