Ilford AC's Iain Campbell posted the fastest run of the day in Sunday's Essex Veterans Road Relay Championships held at Springfield Park, Chelmsford. Campbell set off on the first leg determined to give his injury hit "A" team as much of a lead as possible. By the end of the first of the two lap loop along the banks of the River Chelmer, Campbell had already opened a 150 metre lead as he sped through the changeover area. The lead had more or less doubled by the end of the leg with the Ilford man clocking an incredible 19 mins 28 secs for 6k, 2 seconds quicker than last year.
Neil Keane nursing an Achilles injury battled bravely to protect the lead but favourites Woodford Green with England international Dave Cox and Colchester's Paul Spowage in hot pursuit the task was never going to be easy. Keane's run of 22.09 was admirable in the circumstances managing to hand over to Andy Catton in bronze medal position. Catton with only limited quality training in the last 9 months was unable to stem the tide and eventually had to give best quarter to Thurrock Harriers and settle for a final position of 8th in 24.19.
The Ladies team put in a very pleasing solid performance with Sally Gillam (13.41) holding 7th position on the opening short leg. Bree Nordin, having run for 3hours the previous day as part of her marathon schedule, was still able to promote the squad to 5th position after running very strongly on the second leg (24.56). Lyndsey Barker (26.48) , still on the comeback trail continued the good work easily maintaining 5th spot despite being displeased with her own performance.
The men's "B" team also acquitted themselves with some distinction with 65 year old John Batchelor taking pride of place with a superb time of 23.28. Martin Clarke still fighting injury in 24.22 and Les Hislop overcoming recent health problems in 27.46 completed the squad.
In the 24th running of the Alloa half marathon Nicky Martin competed for Ilford AC using the race as preparation for April's Flora London Marathon. Following a gently undulating route with long, flat stretches along the foot of the Ochil Hills,Clackmannanshire, Martin was hoping for a fast time but experienced back problems forcing her to walk resulting in a disappointing time of 1hr 43mins 18 secs. She should take heart that she still has time to recover with the Marathon still being 5 weeks away.
Havering Mayesbrook Spring Warm-up Meeting
Sunday also saw the first Spring warmup meeting held by Havering Mayesbrook Athletic Club at their Hornchurch stadium. On a bright but cold day Ilford AC fielded 4 Juniors and a Senior all braving the conditions to measure their training progress in readiness for the coming Track and Field Calendar.
In the U/17 Girls Fionnula Crowe competed in her very first race over the barriers in the 300metres hurdles to record an admirable time of 56.8 seconds well inside her coach's prediction.
In the U/15 section Lydia Hall ran a comfortable and sound race in the 600metres and, looking as though the 800m may be her best event in the future, recorded a time of: 1min 46.2sec. Liam Leddy stepping up to the U/15 ran the 600m for the first time proved that a solid platform of winter training can pay off with a fine run of: 1min 57.8sec. Vivek Joshi also competing in the same race powered his way round to an impressive time of: 1min 45.4sec showing great promise for the coming season. He also early took part in the 80metres where he recorded 11.1secs.
Matt Maple, a senior athlete, took part in two events. In the 1200metres he finished in 3min 29.4sec. After a short breather he rounded day of with a 600metre race, which included other seniors, crossing the line in 1min 33.1sec.
Overall there were some very good performances from the juniors and, with the Club's first league match just around the corner, all bodes well.
