Press Report 21st April 2008

Ilford AC's Abdi Beleen enjoyed a family day out  at the seaside when competing in the Canvey Island 10k on Sunday. Firstly he proudly watched as his 6 year old son bore the "Ilford Rascals" insignia with distinction when he was first across the line in the under 7s race. Buoyant with the euphoria of his son's victory, Berleen Senior then tore into the 5 mile out and back course along the seafront lowering his personal best to 30mins 24 seconds. Neil Crisp was just in front breasting the tape in a very respectable 30mins 7 seconds, good enough for 3rd placed vet in the over 40 category. Next home in 30.48 was superveteran Andy Catton who at one stage had closed within yards of Crisp and Berleen only to watch them speed away in the second half of the race. Making it yet another family affair Dianne and Jenni Crisp finished in times of 37.23 and 44.00 respectively. Dianne's performance earnt her the runner up position in the womens over 45's category

The club also fielded 2 Golden Oldies in the over 70s in the sprightly  forms of  Pam Jones clocking 42.01 and Gerry Pells 45.17. Both would have undoubtedly figured prominantly if the organisers had awarded prizes in the more senior veteran categories.

It was ironic that 2 of Ilford's top racewalkers chose to boycott the accompanying race walk in favour of the running discipline and both Steve Allen 32.18 and Micky Sutton 33.00 looked full of running following their exertions of the previous weekend in the Flora London Marathon. Sutton in his own word has embarked upon "a program of madness" and now moves on to compete in next week's Blackpool marathon followed by a 100k ultra race.  

The men's race was won by David Miller of  Woodbridge Shufflers in 25.13 with Billericay Striders, led by third placed Crispian Bloomfield, taking the team prize. Orion's young under 20 star Natalie Kipps came through to take the women's race leading a trio of very promising young athletes to the womens team award.