Press Report 6th October 2008

Over 1600 runners including 22 from Ilford AC battled the driving wind and rain that lashed the Southend seafront at the annual 10k road race on Sunday morning. This did not prevent the club's rising young star, 19 year old Iain Macdonald, from achieving a magnificent personal best as he led the men's senior squad home in 31st place overall. Macdonald's time of 35minutes 57 seconds was probably worth much more in better conditions. Close behind was Darren Bottrill in 36.17 with veterans Neil Crisp, 37.46, and Andy Catton 39.36 closing the team home in 7th place. Crisp and Catton also finished 4th and 2nd respectively in their age categories.

In the women's race Bree Nordin was first over 50 Lady home with 43.02 and other prize winners were Nicola Hopkinson, 2nd lady 45 in 45.58, and Dianne Crisp 3rd lady 45 in 46.21. Pam Jones, 50.16, was in a class of her own in the womens 70 plus.

Other Ilford finishers were Abdi Berleen 39.51, Steve Allen 40.42, Gary Floate 42.01, Henry Ricketts 44.02, Tony Partridge 44.22, Martin Clarke 45.31, Ray Rawlinson 46.41, Ernie Forsyth 46.47, Trevor Moore 48.38, Vanessa Apps 50.24, Sally Gillam 52.23, Carol Muir 58.48, Gerry Pells 59.06, Robin Davies and Steve Port 74.50.  

Elsewhere Malcolm Muir competed in the Budapest Marathon and finished in a time of 2.52.12.

Ilford's superveteran John Batchelor reports that he missed his intended outing at the Vets AC cross-country as his train was diverted and he arrived too late!  He was later compensated for his disappointment with the news that he has been selected for the M65 England team to run in the Home International Cross-Country Championships in Swansea on 15th November.