Press Report 14th May 2024  

May 132024
 

Essex Track And Field Championships 11th and 12th May – Chelmsford

Ilford had a team of 18 athletes competing in the annual Essex Championships in Chelmsford. It proved to be a very successful weekend for the club with nine medals won. The club was well supported by officials, coaches, parents and new presidents Diane and Neil Crisp who came to show their support on both days.

Gold medals were won by Oliver Blainey and Jordan Hinds. Oliver had a superb race to win the U20 men’s 400m in a season’s best time of 50.44. Jordan followed this on Sunday to win the 800m senior women’s race again in a season best time.

Ellie Wright had a fantastic weekend picking up silver medals in both the senior women’s 100m and 200m. To add to her success both performances were personal bests, 12.49 in the 100 and 25.07 in the 200m. Alex Richards also won two medals in the middle distance events. He was second in the 800m and returned the next day to gain a bronze in the 1500m in a personal best of 3.59 his first time under 4 minutes.

Worth noting that Oliver, Alex, Ellie and Jordan have all competed for the club since being under 15 athletes and show the commitment and resolve needed to gain these medals.

Two under 15 athletes starting out on their athletic journey also gained medals. Damien Amaniampong jumped brilliantly to gain a silver in the long jump and returned the next day for a PB of 24.54 in the 200m just missing out on the final. His sprinting team mate Jaydan Roberts Edwards had another successful weekend with a bronze in the 100m in a PB of 11.66 and a seventh place in the 200m in another PB of 23.93.

Finally adding to her extensive medal tally was Krystle Balogun with a silver in the vets 100m and a 4th place in the women’s 400m.

Along with the medals there were PB performances in the under 15 age group from Barney Perkins (2.35 in the 800m and a brilliant 5.07 in the 1500m), Luke Thake (300m in 42.99) and Justice Okereke (24.41 in the 200m). In the Under 17 events James Thake just missed out on a medal with a best of 2.02 in 800m and Ryder Islam claimed new PBs in the 800m and 1500m, closely followed home by teammate Aron Berhe. Finally Josh Adler came 13th in the men’s 3000m in his first major competition.

Also competing over the weekend were Samuel Crane and Tom Gardner (3000m), Wanya Williams and Jordan Duncan (200m) and Toyin Olufemi who came 5th in the women’s 100m final.

Eastern Young Athletes League (EYAL) 5th May 2024

Ilford AC sent a team of 34 young athletes to the second EYAL match of the year in Hornchurch. It was another great weekend for the club with many debutants competing for the first time, 29 personal bests and a 5th place finish in the match.

Performance of the day was the victory of the boy’s u15 4x100m relay squad with a time 48.16 placing them second on the clubs all-time list.

Three athletes competed in the under 13 girl’s age group. Nayla Mills Ugoh competed in 100m, 200m and long jump and achieved 2 PBs in the 200m (30.93secs) and the Long Jump (3.48m). Drissialemoy Majen Akande jumped a PB of 2.44m in the long jump and ran the 100m and 800m. Iris Wan made her debut with strong runs in the 100m and 1500m showing great potential for the future.

In the under 15 girls we had 8 athletes competing. Kenina Nkrumah and Jasmine Shaer both came 6th in their 100m events and Jasmin Returned to jump a new PB of 3.89m in the long jump and also competed in the hurdles. Gloria Ananwa and Hawaa Patel both came 3rd in the 300m and 800m respectively in new PBs. Gloria also threw the shot with support from Nora Nzurike, Sophie Burrow (on debut) and Sofia Crane. Nora 6.61m was a new PB and shows real promise in this event. Sophie also competed in the discus and 100m along with Nora. Diya Kaur continued to show promise and versatility in the 200m, long jump and 1500m.

The U17 Women had 3 athletes. Chison Chijioke set a new PB in the triple jump of 7.92m and competed in the shot and 100m. Marissa Osas-Bavis made her debut in the long jump and showed good promise over the longer sprints, competing in the 200m and coming 4th in the 300m.
Adaeze Oyem had another great competition setting PBs in the 80m hurdles (14.29secs) and competing in the shot and 100m. Finally the 3 girls joined with one athlete from Orion Harriers to come 6th in the 4x100m relay in 57.86.

Five athletes competed for the Under 13 boys. Elijah Muirhead and Andre Mullings Roache continued their improvement with PBs in the 100m and long jump. Andre also jumped a new PB of 1.25 in the high jump for his third 3rd place. In the middle distance there were personal bests for Elias Furreedan in the 800m (first time under 3 minutes), Khalif Ali in the 1500m (second place) and Arnav Rathi in his debut 1500m.  All three boys also jumped or sprinted. 

The under 15 boys were as always well represented. Highlight was the debut made by Dhanusshan Ponnambalam who threw the shot, discus and javelin. He came third in the shot and discus, his shot put of 8.58m puts him in the top 25 for the club all time. Justice Okereke, Damien Amaniampong , Jaydan Roberts, Matthew Ayers and Olatoye Oguntoye all continued their improvement in the sprints and jumps, the first four boys making up the successful relay team and all going under 13 seconds for the 100m. Jaydan and Justice won the 100m and 200m.  In the middle distance Luke Thake set new PBs in the 300m and 800m, Barney Perkins a best in the 1500m and Stephen Amoli made his debut over the longer distance.

In the u17 men Jas Singh and Jayden Mcdermott set new bests over 100m and Jayden jumped 1.40m in the high jump. James Thake, Samuel Crane, Aron Berhe and Ryder Islam from the middle distance group also competed over multiple events in preparation for the upcoming county championships. Jas, Jayden and James formed part of the 4x100m relay squad which came 5th.

Halstead Marathon (incorporating the Essex Champs)
Sunday 12th May

On Sunday Two Ilford AC athletes battled the sweltering heat and tough hilly course in the Annual Halstead and Essex Championships Marathon.

The race of 26.2 Miles was held around the hot and exposed country lanes of Halstead and surrounding villages amongst 215 other intrepid and brave souls many of whom suffered heat stroke at the end.

The first finisher for the club battling the conditions was Terry Knightley in 32nd position overall in 3 Hours and 38 Minutes and 34 Seconds to win  the Essex County Silver Medal in the Male Veteran Over 60 category which was in fact his 83rd Essex Medal.

Following him home and making his ‘debut’ at the Marathon distance was Stephen Chissell in 57th place in 3 Hours and 57 Minutes and 17 seconds claiming Essex County Bronze in the Male Veteran Over 60 category, his first ever Essex Medal.

All finishers received a Quality Medal and Running Vest and Goodie bag for their sterling efforts.

VAC 5 Mile Championships
Battersea Park
Tuesday 7 May

The VAC Championship over 5 miles was held last Tuesday in warm sunny conditions. The 5 mile event who runners over 35 years of age was over 3 ½ laps of Battersea Park on a flat course.

For Ilford AC Launa Broadley was the top performer on the day finishing 3rd in the F55 age grouping and 63rd overall in 50 mins 15 seconds.to take home a bronze medal.  Finishing one place in front of her in 49 mins 18 secs was Rob Sargent for 4th in the M65 category.

Belfast City Marathon
Sunday 5th May

Last weekend, over 19,000 thousand people ran, walk or jogged in the 42nd Moy Park Belfast City Marathon.
The event started at Stormont Estate and finished in Ormeau Park with an array of entertainment provided to support the spectators and visitors. Conditions were perfect on the day, cool with some cloud cover and no wind or rain
This year the race also had the option of a ‘relay event’.

Ilford second claimer Jack Nixon ran a magnificent 2 hours 20 minutes 04 seconds to finish in 6th place.

Ilford were also represented in the relays with John Crawley.
His wife’s Uncle died last year and 2 of his family members  joined John to form a relay team, with the intention of raising money for one of the cancer charities that supported him. 

John ran the first 3 legs, covering the 15.9 miles in 1 Hour 51 minutes and 28 seconds

Ipswich Twilight 5k
Saturday 11th May

The Ipswich Twilight 5k’s course is a loop around the waterfront, starting by St Peter Dock Car Park, passing the university buildings and crossing the Island to the finish line. 

It is one of the few times The Island in Ipswich Marina is open to runners.
Malcolm Muir put in his normal gutsy performance to finish in 58th position, and 3rd in his age grouping, in a time of 17 Minutes 03 seconds

  George Nibre RIP  

May 102024
 

Ilford AC are mourning a sad loss of former International race walker George Nibre who died suddenly aged 67 He was a key figure in Club successes and, on hanging up his racing shoes became a respected coach and mentor. Hailing from the north east he came to the Capital for enlistment in the Metropolitan Police. After retiring he had a second career as a Security Investigator with Ford Motor Company. His best effort in Club racing was when a member of Ilford’s 1978 winning team in the National 10 Miles Championship in Crystal Palace, along with Steve Gower, Geoff Hunwicks and Brian Armstrong. He was an established International at 50 kilometres. On retirement he settled in Frinton-on-Sea and kept regular contact with the athletics scene.

Stated Ilford’s 1980 Olympic walker Roger Mills, “A great shock, George was a credit to the sport. Charisma, enthusiasm, dedication, humour and a zest for life. A sad loss. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and his beloved Newcastle United at this most difficult time”.

Tribute to George Nibre from Canadian-Based Jacky Lord
I’m sorry I couldn’t attend in person, however I was there in thought. George and I have known each other since we were both 15 or so years old, we met at Battersea Park walking event and became good friends from that point on. George would often take the train from Newcastle on his own and come South to stay for the weekend at my parents house in Hendon. We trained and raced together for quite a few years. A few years later George would be back in Hendon attending the Hendon Police college where he began his policing career. My wife and I where back in the U.K in 2012 and we had the pleasure of staying with George, Dawn and Anya at their home in Frinton for the weekend. It was no surprise to learn that Anya was heavily involved in many sporting activities and George and I were still competitive with each other when we went out for a “training” run along the Frinton sea front. I’ll miss our email exchanges and updates on the “Kings” progress as he always loved to share how proud he was of their accomplishments.
Wanted to share his final email to me earlier this year as a tribute to my friend and a lasting memory of the Newcastle Lad.
January 2024
Hendon lad, good to hear, yes meet up in July hopefully, my girl is now 16 yes ready for summer exams etc. Just walked another 20 thousand steps, glad you are all OK. Newcastle man.  George Nibre
All the best
Jack
A TRULY PROPER “SEND OFF”
The funeral of race walking legend George Nibre saw a large turnout at St.Mary’s Church on a hot day in Frinton-on-Sea. Race walking was well represented with, among our numbers, 4 Olympians : 1976 Olly Flynn, both 1980 walkers Roger Mills & Ian Richards and 2012/2016 double-Olympian Dominic King plus other Internationals, National Champions, National record holders, Club walkers and their families and our Race Walking Association President Chris Hobbs plus Southern Area activists including Chris Flint. Many travelled long distances to this Essex outpost. George’s daughter Anya qualifies as a former walker as she, and her friend Gemma (also present) won medals in the 2016 Southend Mile. At this service was Frinton resident Brian Armstrong, now sole living member of Ilford’s 1978 National10 Miles winning scoring 4 – as George, along with Steve Gower & Geoff Hunwicks, has now sadly left us.  A family tribute was spoken by daughter Anya, followed by 3 speeches recalling George’s past times in the North East, his race walking contribution and role in the Metropolitan Police. Many former Police colleagues were at the service, including ones who’d held high rank and one who’d joined the same day as George at Hendon. Many chose to proudly wear Police ties in recognition of George. Following exit music “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, a cremation for family and close friends was held in nearby Weeley Crematorium.  Immediately after the funeral service a gathering commenced at Frinton-on-Sea Tennis Club, a short walk away, which those who’d been to the Crematorium joined on their return. The walking world are thanked for giving such a much-missed athlete, coach and mentor a truly memorable send-off.
 
Dave A.

George with 3 Ilford AC stalwarts. L-to-R : Stan Hart, George Nibre, Brian Armstrong and Roy Mendham. Photo supplied by Brian Armstrong.

  Press Report May 6th 2024  

May 072024
 

WITHAM MAY DAY 5

The annual May day Bank Holiday 5 mile road race attracted over 250 entrants and was run on the usual undulating but fast rural course from Witham Rugby Club on a dry cool morning.

There were five Ilford AC runners on the day and in a very close finish, with just 90 seconds separating the front 4 runners,  the team was led home by Tom Gardner in 3rd place in a time of 26 mins 12 secs. Next home was Alison Sale running well for 114th place in 40 mins 10 secs. Alison was closely followed home by Billy Green in 40 mins 44 secs to claim 123rd place. The team were completed by Rachel Halpin, securing 164th place in 43 mins 43 secs and the ever reliable Frieda Keane in 201st place in 48 minutes 05 seconds



TED PEPPER MAY DAY 10k
Bromley

The Ted Pepper 10k is a long established trail race first run in 1979 as a memorial race to Blackheath runner Ted Pepper, who sadly lost his life whilst taking part in the Three Peaks Race.

Ilfords Andy Catton was the only Ilford runner on the day, and he instantly regretted his decision to run in flats rather than trail shoes, 

The course is off road, mainly in muddy forests and farm tracks with the recent heavy rain, and constant drizzle on the day making it a very testing run for all concerned.
Andy said he had never seen so many runners slip and fall in a race, including himself.
Despite this Andy ran a steady 50 minutes 02 seconds to finish 56th on the day and winning Gold in his age grouping and first Southern Vets m70 finisher


HARLOW MAY DAY 10K

In contrast the Harlow 10k was held in bright sunny conditions on Monday morning.

Flying the flag for Ilford AC was Julia Galea, finishing in a time of 64 minutes 03 seconds to claim 149th place and 4th in her age grouping

  Press Report 30th April 2024  

Apr 302024
 

Colchester Zoo Stampede 10k
Sunday 28th April

On Sunday Two Ilford AC athletes braved torrential rain and wind and an undulating course with their usual ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ spirit in the Annual Colchester Stampede 10K Road Race.
The race had to be delayed by 40 minutes due to otter pandamonium getting people parked in time, which wasn’t ideal in the wet conditions.

The race started and finished within the grounds of Colchester Zoo between the Elephant and Rhino enclosures and the route took in parts of the zoo before heading out onto the country lanes of Colchester before finishing back in the zoo grounds for the last kilometre. 

First home for the club in a huge field of approximately 2000 runners was club Stalwart, Terry Knightley in 48th position in a time of 43 Minutes and 24 Seconds to win the First Male Veteran Over 60 Prize.

Following him home in 379th Place was club Press Officer Billy Green ‘Roaring’ over the line in 53 Minutes and 10 Seconds claiming 12th in his age category 

All finishers were rewarded with Free Entry to The Zoo and a themed Medal.

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km
Hyde Park
Friday 26th April

The last Friday of the month 5k is held around the Serpentine in Hyde Park every month at 12:30pm, making it an ideal day out for those who are retired or ‘work from home’ .

Held on a  flat, fast course, the race attracts almost 200 runners of various abilities.

April’s race included two Ilford athletes, Adam Coals and Rob Sargent.

First home was Adam in 84th place overall, in a time of 20 minutes 58 seconds, with Rob coming home in 166th place in 29 minutes 43 seconds

  Press Report St Georges Day 2024  

Apr 232024
 

London Mini Marathon 20/04/2024

Ten of Ilford AC young athletes were selected to represent their boroughs in the mini marathon borough challenge. The event is held the day before the main marathon and the course is roughly similar to the last 2 miles of the marathon finishing at the same place.

Breakthrough performance of the day was from Leila Lauder who finished an excellent 31st in the u17 women. Leila’s continued improved form follows a period of very consistent training and the club looks forward to her continued development. Teammates Hawaa Patel (66th in u13 girls) and Diya Boparai (116th in u15 girls) also ran really well for Redbridge.

Two developing youngsters ran in the u13 boys. Barney Perkins was 51st and Elias Furreedan 143rd in his first mini marathon. Four boys ran in the u15 boys all returning from breaks in training for various reasons. Sam Horsley was 28th, Ryder Islam an excellent 56th with Aron Berhe (126th) and Luke Thake (137th) making up the team. Finally in the U17 Men James Thake (48th) and Samuel Crane (49th) both had good runs to squeeze into the top 50.

In the afternoon the club had one entrant in schools mile. Zac Forsyth had an excellent run to finish the course in under 8 minutes.

LONDON MARATHON 21/04/2024

Ilford AC had 4 runners among the 53745 finishers in the 44th London Marathon.
On a crisp morning Sam Rahman led the challenge for the club running a well judged race finishing in 2 hrs 55 mins 52 secs after passing halfway in 1 hr 27mins 12 secs.
The chilly wind slowed most competitors as they ran into the wind during the second half with Richard Woolterton crossing the line in 3 hrs 11 mins 50 secs with an halfway time of 1hr 34mins 24 secs. Tariq Qirem  was running his fourth marathon finishing with 3 hrs 39 mins 12 secs, while Mandy Reid was the clubs only female competitor and in her second marathon found the second half tough, but was very pleased with her time of 4 hrs 54 mins 35 secs


Eastern Young Athletes League (EYAL) 

Ilford AC sent a team of 29 young athletes to the first EYAL match of the year in Ware 

Two athletes competed in the under 13 girl’s age group. Nayla Mills Ugoh competed in 100m, 200m and long jump and achieved 2 PBs in the 100m (14.5secs) and the Long Jump (3.32m). Drissialemoy Majen Akande made an excellent debut for the club running a brilliant 3.20 for the 800m and competing well in the 100m and long jump.

In the under 15 girls we had 7 athletes competing. Kenina Nkrumah and Jasmine Shaer both came 5th in their 100m events and also performed well in the field. Chiara Mullings Smith jumped a new PB of 1.35m in the high jump for second place and also set new best also in the long jump. Debutant Gloria Ananwa showed real promise for the future in the 200m, 300m and shot put. The best performance being her 29.5 for third place in the 200m. In the longer events Diya Kaur and Hawaa Patel also made their track debuts and set great first bests. Finally Sofia Crane competing in the shot put and also helped with field judging

The U17 Women had a great turnout with 5 athletes. Leila Lauder ran well in the 1500m for 3rd place and set a brilliant new PB of 2.34 in the 800m. Omo Ojo, Chison Chijioke and Mya Ward all made their track debuts for the club over multiple events. Adaeze Oyem had a great competition setting PBs in the 80m hurdles (14.5secs) and the shot put.

Three athletes competed for the Under 13 boys. Elijah Muirhead and Andre Mullings Roache made their outdoor debuts in the sprints and the jumps. Daniel Guiba showed great commitment and attitude running, setting new PBs in the 200m, 800m and high jump.

The under 15 boys were as always well represented. Justice Okereke ran 12.2secs in the 100m for a new PB and won the Long Jump., Damien Amaniampong ran new PBs of 12.3 secs in the 100m, and a brilliant 5.04 in the long jump. Jaydan Roberts Edwards showed his continued form finishing 3rd in the 100m and 200m just outside his best times. Three debutants competed Matthew Ayers, Olatoye Oguntoye and Joshua Matthews, the highlight being Ayers 43.6 secs time in the 300m. Ethan Guiba and Luke Thake continued to show their versatility over the sprints and distance events with Ethan setting new PBs in the 100m and 1500m

In the u17 men Jas Singh won the long jump in a new PB of 5.34 (though he insists he jumped further when he lived in India!) James Thake set a new PB of 1.60 in the high jump while also running the 400m and the 1500m with Samuel Crane. Jayden-Kyle McDermott finished the individual events with 3 PBs in the 100m, 800m and high jump, a future decathlete in the making!

Finally the league had this year brought in mixed 4x100m relay events which the club used its depth in to come 3rd in the U17 event and 2nd and 3rd in the u15 with the A team running a great time of 52.5 seconds.