Press Report 16th June 2008

Many Happy Returns

Several Ilford Athletes made the trip to the environs of Chelmsford last Friday night to take part in the annual Springfield Striders 5 mile road race. Darren Bottrill was the pick of the bunch finishing 13th in 29.27 and Mel Jones ran extremely well to lead home the women 35.35 after a close tussle with a resurgent Lindsey Barker returning to some excellent form with 35.41. The race was also significant for two athletes returning to competition from long term injury, Matt Maple and Martin Clarke. Both understandably ran cautiously with Maple coming through to 36.37 and Clarke bang on 7and a half  min mile pace with 37.30. Victoria Morgan was only just behind in 38.20 and Pete Whiting returned 48.54 after pacing newcomer Malcolm Muir's sister Carol around.

Floate like a butterfly

Ilford also had a small contingent at the London Chest Hospital 10k on Sunday morning where a record field raised some £20,000 in funds for the hospital and Trauma unit at the Royal London. Iain Macdonald was the first man home for the club with 39.02. Gary Floate looked comfortable and was happy with his run of 40.45 but Steve Cheal seamed to struggle on 48.04. Nicola Hopkinson was 2nd over 45 woman with a solid 46.05. Steve Crane was impressive racewalking the distance and showing a clean pair of heels to many of the runners. In the accompanying 3k race Lydia Hall was an excellent 4th.

Meanwhile at the North Downs Run 4 Ilford members battled the scenic and undulating North Downs 30 Kilometres off-road run. Over a difficult undulating 1 lap circuit, starting and finishing in Gravesend, Ilford's Micky Sutton came a creditable 75th, from over 500 starters, in 2 hours and 36 minutes. In 117th spot came Steve Allen with 2.45.39 on the stopwatch. Peter Spelman was only 2 minutes back in 2.47.08 with Keith Ennis in close attendance in 2.48.02.

Harrier Gerry Trill proudly wore the Ilford vest for the first time recording 52.43 and 144th place in the Stanstead 10k.