General – Page 6 – Ilford Athletic Club

Press Report 25th June 2026

Jun 252024

Southern Athletics League 2
Peterborough

Ilford sent another willing team to the second league match of the season. The team was slightly depleted in comparison to the first match due to exams, injury and distance but the willingness of members to turn out and compete in multiple events allowed us to finish in 4th place on the day and maintain our position in the league overall.

Highlight of the day in regards to position came in the men’s sprints where returning member Thomas Cooney won the A string 100 and 200m. He was well backed up in the B string by Ian Johnson who won the 100m and Nat Senior who was second in the 200m and third in the shot.

Four members showed their versatility completing multiple events on the day

Sam Malekout competed in 8 individual events for a total of 18 points, the highlight being his Javelin throw of 35.16m for fourth place. Also returning for the ladies to compete was Clare Thake who did 5 field events totalling 11 points. Anna Crawley and Krystle Balogun put in their usual shift in the field and track with Anna coming second in the 1500m in new PB of 5.26, totalling 15 points over 5 individual events. Krystle ran the relays, 100, 200 and 400 and also threw the shot. Her performances in the 200 and 400 for third and second place respectively were very strong.

Five under 17 athletes also made significant contributions. James Thake had a great event with PBS in the 400 (53.00) and 1500 (4.19) and fourth place in the high jump. Adaeze Oyem jumped over 4m (4.15) in the long jump for the first time and placed well in sprints and high jump. Jas Singh also had a good long jump (5.26) for fifth place and competed in the 100m. Aron Berhe and Ryder Islam from the middle distance group had a go at new events with Aron’s 400 hurdles and triple jump showing promise for the future. Ryder Islam found the water a challenge in the steeplechase but probably produced the highlight of the day to come 3rd in a sprint finish with a Havering Athlete.

The club’s middle distance group was as always well represented. Alex Richards had another sub 2 minute clocking for 2nd place in the 800m and Tom Gardner ran a good 3000m to finish 4th. Josh Adler and Dylan Harrod repeated their exploits from the first match with good performance in the 3000, steeplechase and 800 and 400 respectively. Jordan Hinds also competed in her usual middle distance events coming 3rd in the 1500 and 400 and 2nd in the 800 to earn valuable points.

Club Presidents Dianne and Neil Crisp made the long journey to support the team and also compete, Dianne earned valuable points with a fourth place in the 5000m and Neil along with Bradley Brown ran the 3000m.

Finally Pete Whiting earned 6 points in the pole vault and throws and Wesley Clarke came 3rd in the Hammer in 33.85m

Elvis Match 3 (East London fiVe Interclub Series)
Olympic Park
18th June 2024

The latest round of the 2024 ELvIS competition took place on a fine evening in the Olympic Park in Stratford over a twisty but fast 2 lap course.
Ilford AC had a large squad of 37 in action which included several of the club’s upcoming junior athletes.

Best performance of the night was from Neringa Masilioniene who won the ladies race in fine style in 18 mins 32 secs..She was backed up by Jordan Hinds in 5th spot with 19 mins 37 secs and Anna Crawley who recorded 20 mins 52 secs for 12th. Gemma Ellender came home 21st in 22 mins 11 secs and Alison Sale was 28th in 24 mins 08 secs The scorers were completed by Joanne Reeves in 43rd with 24 mins 26 secs with Hannah Sheikh just behind in 26 mins 36 secs.

In the match Ilford ladies finished 2nd behind the strong Eton Manor squad and are currently 3rd in the league.

The men’s team were headed by Tom Gardner, who is showing good form at the moment, taking the M40 age category prize in 4th with 16 mins 17 secs. Backing up were Christopher King with 17 mins 14 sec, which equals his personal best, for 9th and in 16th one of the club’s juniors Sam Crane with 17 mins 28 secs,. Steve Philcox was as reliable as ever in 24th in 17 mins 53 secs and Josh Adler improved his best time to 17 mins 59 secs in 26th. The team scorers were completed by Richard Morris in 18 mins 01 secs for 29th.

The men’s team were placed 4th in the match and, like the ladies, are 3rd in the current league standings

The next two home for Ilford were two more from the junior squad; Aron Berhe in 18 mins 47 secs for 52nd and Ryder Islam in 56th with 18 mins 33 secs.

Two more runners recording personal bests for the distance were Nick West (21.11) and Steve Horsley (21.19)

Also in action were : Neil Crisp (69 19.15) Dan Holeyman (73 19.25) John Crawley (82 19.46) Diarmuid Mac Donnell (88 20.04) Dave Thomas (93 20.18) Adam Coals (133 21.26) Tarik Qirem (135 21.34) Michael Perkins (147 21.55) Tony Young (190 23.26) Andy Catton (192 23.28) Bradley Brown (205 24.09) Pauline Tester (256 26.1) Mandy Reid (274 26.43 ) Bev Thomas (293 27.09) Hhahnaj Begum (294 27.19) Dianne Crisp (311 27.47) Rob Sargent (245 29.52) Julia Galea ( 361 31.24) Sheila Sinclair (388 35.30)

Pleshey Friday Night 5 (Miles)
Friday 21st June

4 Ilford Athletes competed in the Friday Night 5, held over a fast two lap course in the picturesque Essex village of Pleshey.
Despite the warm conditions all athletes put in good performances.
Leading the team home in 29 mins 27 secs for 16th place was Sam Rahman, followed by Diarmuid Mac Donnell in 56th place in 33 mins 36 secs.
First lady home for the club was Alison Sale who ran a great race to claim 3rd in her age grouping in a time of 40 mins 29 secs and 28th lady on the night. Completing the team was Mandy Ried. Mandy, like Alison was competing in her 3rd race in 6 days and put in a solid performance to finish in 44 mins 24 secs and was 49th lady on the night

Press Report 18th June 2024

Jun 172024

High Easter 10k (Road) ESSEX CHAMPS
Sunday 16th June

Ilford AC sent a large squad of 12 runners to High Easter in Chelmsford at the weekend to compete in the 10k race, which this year incorporated the Essex 10k Road Championships.

The race is a one lap, fast and flat course, through the High Easter village.

It turned out to be a very successful meet for the club 7 Essex medals won including 2 Gold medals, a Silver and 4 Bronze medals.

Leading the team home in third place and gaining a Bronze medal was Jack Nixon in 31m 10 secs.
Next home was Malcolm Muir in 40th place with 36m 48 secs, closely followed in 43rd place by Steven Philcox in 37m 06 secs, a time which saw him secure an Essex Gold medal in the M55 grouping. Richard Morris was next home in 37:48 for 49th place followed by Danny Holeyman in 39:47 for 74th.
Terry Knightley added another Essex medal to his vast collection, claiming a Silver medal in the M60 grouping, finishing 98th in 39.47. Dave Thomas claimed the next medal of the day with a Bronze in the M60 grouping, finishing 103rd in 42:23. Making a return to racing after an injury lay off was Alan Pearl, whose comeback was marked with a Bronze medal in the M65 category as he finished in 142nd place in 46:02. The next medal of the day was a Bronze in the M70 grouping for Andy Catton finishing 170th in 48 minutes exactly.

Alison Sale was the first Ilford lady home finishing 57th female on the day in 50:27, followed by Mandy Reid who was 86th female in 55:37.

The final Ilford medal of the day went to Bev Thomas who finished in 58:45 in 105th place, which gained her a Gold Essex medal in the F60 grouping.

ESSEX 5000m CHAMPIONSHIP (Track)
Brentwood
Wednesday 12th June

Last Wednesday Ilford AC sent 8 athletes to compete in the prestigious ‘Essex 5000m Champs It was a successful event with 4 medals including a Bronze, 2 Silvers and an individual Essex Gold medal

For both men and women three titles were contested, the open, and the two masters categories of V40 and V50.

The ladies ran in one heat with the race being won by Lizzie Wellsted, who was part of the Great Britain U20 winning team in last winter European Cross Country Championships, in 16 min 1.4 secs.
Ilfords Jordan Hinds finished in 5h place in 19 mins 18.4 seconds and Pauline Tester picked up an Essex Gold medal in the F50 grouping, finishing 6th in 24m mins 24.3 seconds

The men ran in 3 separate heats.
Alex Richards was 2nd Overall, claiming Essex Silver in a time of 14:44.1, a Personal Best, followed closely by Jack Nixon claiming Essex Bronze in 14:52.
Next home was Tom Gardner in 17th place, who claimed Silver in the M40 grouping in 15:48.3.
Malcolm Muir was 33rd in 17:55.6, Fabrizio Stefanoni 39th in 18:13.4 and Danny Holeyman 39th in 19.33

Southern Counties Veterans League (Track)
Stevenage
Monday 10th June

Ilford Vets travelled to Stevenage on the evening of Monday 10 June for match 2 of the Herts and North Middlesex League.

The team effort of covering all the events and in some cases younger age groups resulted in another match win for the club.

First track distance was 800m for all age groups. Berekhet Berakhy covering V35 came home first in 2.24.3 and later in the evening placed second in the 3000m in 10.30.3.
Chris Scott won the V40 category in 2.20.2 and in the 200m was second in 27.1s.
Fabrizio Stefanoni in the V50 category was third in 2.23.7 and won the 3000m in 10.28.3. James Lambden covered V60 placing fourth in 2.52.8 and fifth in the 200m in 31.1s.
David Butler, recovering from a half marathon the day before, placed second V70 in 3.05.6.

In the 200m, Sam Malekout finished second V35 in 26.6s and in field events he won V35 long jump with 5m 09 and his clearance of 1m 40 in the high jump secured fourth.
Michael Osunsami was the V50 representative in the 200m and his time of 29.2s placed him fourth.
Gerald Daniel competed as V70 and finished third in 33.7s and third in the discus with 21m 62.

Neil Crisp covered the V60 age category in the 3000m and placed second in 11.45.4.
Steve Chissell as a non-scoring athlete finished in 11.53.8.

Henry Ricketts covered V50 field events placing fifth in the long jump with 3m 90, fifth in the discus with 25m 75 and continued the fifth placing theme in the high jump with 1m 20.

Due to a clash of timings Peter Whiting covered V50 hammer, placing seventh with 18m 57, and in the V60 discus his distance of 22m 85 secured third.

The final event of the evening was the 4 x 400m relay. The team of Berekhet, Fabrizio, Michael Osunsami and Chris Scott held off a surge from Barnet on the last leg to come home first in 4.21.5.

The team move onto Harrow for match 3 on Monday 1 July

Southend Half Marathon

Terry Knightley was the sole Ilford AC runner in the 28th Annual Southend Half-marathon last weekend

In a huge field of over 2,200 runners on a seafront course, Knightley finished in a season’s best 97 Minutes and 28 seconds to finish 193rd overall and was 4th Male Veteran Over 60 having won the event outright 26 years ago in 1998.

Unfortunately the event was marred by the death of a runner who collapsed 800 meters from the finish line despite the valiant efforts of the paramedics.

Eastern Young Athletes League (EYAL)
St Albans
2nd June

Ilford AC sent a team of 31 young athletes to the third EYAL match of the year in St Albans. It was another great weekend for the club, 27 personal bests and a 6th place finish in the match. It was great to see the club not only compete on the track and in the jumps but also start to compete for positions in the throws.

Two athletes competed in the under 13 girl’s age group. Nayla Mills Ugoh competed in 100m, 200m and long jump, her best finish being 4th in the 100m.
Drissialemoy Majen Akande ran a superb PB of 3:12 in the 800m and also competed in the 100m and long jump.

In the under 15 girls we had 6 athletes competing. Nora Nzurike had the best day with 3 consecutive PBs in the 100m, 300m and threw a brilliant 7.21m in the shot. Sophie Burrow jumped in the long jump and then threw PBs in the shot and discus. Her discus throw of 13.04m showed great promise for the future. Kenina Nkrumah continued the series of excellent throws with a brilliant Javelin throw of 19.92m. Gloria Ananwa and Hawaa Patel continued to show their recent good form and Sofia Crane gained another PB in the shot.

In the U17 Women we had 3 athletes due to a busy exam period. Chisom Chijioke set another new PB in the triple jump of 8.81m and also gained new PBs in the shot and 100m. Marissa Osas-Bavis jumped 3.65 for a new long jump PB and also completed the difficult 200m and 300m double. Finally Mya Ward broke three minutes for the first time in the 800m and 50 seconds in the 300m.

Four athletes competed for the Under 13 boys. Elias Furreedan (5.54 in the 1500m) and Daniel Guiba (3.03 in the 800m) set new middle distance PBs alongside competing in other events. Arnav Rathi did the 200m, 800m and long jump and Elijah Muirhead sprinted and jumped also.

The under 15 boys were as always well represented. Highlight was the 800m PB for Luke Thake of 2.24, an improvement of 9 seconds. Joshua Matthews’s debut 800m (2.29) showed great promise for the future and Ethan Guiba also broke 3minutes for the first time along with setting a new PB in the 200m. Dhanusshan Ponnambalam continued his throws development with a great shot and discus and new javelin PB of 19.92m. Justice Okereke, Damien Amaniampong, Jaydan Roberts, and Matthew Ayers all came first or second in their events and competed in the relays. Finally Barney Perkins had a strong tactical race to finish 5th in the 1500.

In the u17 men Jas Singh set new bests over 100m, 200m and the long jump (5.37m). Joshua Babalola and Aron Berhe threw new Javelin Pbs of 24.13m and 21.72m to win their competitions whilst also earning points in other events. Finally multi-talented Jayden Mcdermott showed his versatility in the 200m, 400m and Long Jump.

Press Report 10th June 2024

Jun 102024

SENIORS

Speed Masters Athletics Challenge
23-26 May 2024
Shkodra (Albania)

Krystle Balogun had a very successful few days representing Great Britain in the W35 category at the ‘Speed Masters’ in Albania.

On day one of the four day tournament Krystle competed in the 100m and was 2nd in a time of 13.62 seconds.

Day 4 saw Krystel competing in the 200m in the morning, where she again came second in a time of 26.80.

The best however was yet to come. In the afternoon Krystle was part of a Great Britain Mixed 800m-400m-200m-100m relay team. Taking the harder 800m start, Krystle was placed in 2nd place for much of the run, but with 140m to go she sprinted into first place, handing over the baton to the 400m runner with a healthy lead. It was a lead they held onto, which gave Krystle and the rest of the Great British team Gold medals in the final day of the 4 day event.

Havering 5 Miles (Elvis)
Raphael Park
Tuesday 4 June

The 2nd match in the 2024 Elvis series took place in Raphael Park, Romford over the usual 2 lap course around the park. The Ilford challenge was led once again by Steve Philcox, who is in excellent form at present, coming home in 10th spot in 29 mins 04 secs taking the prize for the first in the M50 category. One place behind was Christopher King, who was making his debut for the club, in a personal best time of 29 mins 12 secs. Next home was Sam Rahman in 14th in 29 mins 48 seconds and there was also a personal best for the distance of 30mins 28 secs for 18th for Josh Adler. Dan Holeyman placed 34th with 32 mins 29 secs and Neil Crisp completed the team scorers in 34th, also winning the M60 age group award in 33 mins 21 secs.

In the match the Ilford team finished 3rd and are 3rd in the current league table.

Diarmuid Mac Donnell came home 46th in 33 mins 30 secs and Dave Thomas had a good run for 54th with 33 mins 56 secs. Steve Chissell is also in good form with 34 mins 50 secs and two more personal best were recorded by Steve Horsley of 34 mins 58 secs and Nick West with 35 mins 37 secs

For the Ilford ladies Neringa Masilioniene, a former International race walker, finished 2nd lady in 30 mins 52 secs. She was backed up by Alison Sale with 39 mins 16 secs for 21st lady and Hannah Sheikh, who returned to racing after a long period out with injury, in 41 mins 01 secs for 31st One place and 1 second behind was Pauline Tester, who won the F60 category, Shahnaz Begum appeared for the club for the first time finishing 46th in 44 mins 19 secs and Mandy Reid recorded 44 mins 36 secs for 50th spot to close the team scorers.

In the league match Ilford were 4th and occupy in same spot in the table after the second match

Also ran: Adam Coals ( 82 36.16) Steve Crane (86 36.27) Tarik Qiren (87 36.33) Craig Livermore (12 39.13) Tony Young (127 40.11) Rachel Halpin (189 44.58) Bev Thomas (191 43.02) Dianne Crisp (195 45.12) Rob Sargent (227 48.53) Julia Galea ( 235 50.34) Frieda Keane (237 50:56) and Launa Broadley (249 51.55)

Victoria Park Half Marathon
Sunday 9th June

Two Ilford Athletes competed in the Victoria Park Half Marathon at the weekend, both achieving great results.

Joel Denning ran 1:32:18 which placed him 61st overall and 3rd place in his age category, whilst Joanne Reeves achieved a time of 1:51:12 to finish in 306th place and 1st place in her age grouping

JUNIORS

Loughton AC ‘Unto the fields’ Cross Country champs
Tuesday 21st May

14 Junior athletes representing Ilford AC, took on the challenging soaking wet conditions at the Loughton ” Unto the fields ” challenge.

Runners ran in varying age groups over different distances.

U11s U13s completed a one lap 1.5km race whilst U15s U17s completed a 5km course.

Drissialemoy Majen-Akande made a very impressive debut in the U11G race earning 5th place in a time of 8m 39s

In the U13G race Iris Wan led the Ilford team finishing 5th in 8m 13s followed by Alicia Adams in 12th place with a time of 9m 24s, next to finish was teammate Sofia Crane closing the team in 13th position with a time of 9m 28s.

The U11 boys race saw really impressive debuts for Luke Adams and Ewan McKinstry. Luke ran strongly to finish an impressive 4th in time of 7m.05s. Ewan ran a strong race to seal 14th spot and the team was well supported by Saif Crane in 23rd place with a time of 9m.48s

The U13B team enjoyed a great team result with Arnav Rathi leading them home in 3rd place recording 7m .32s, closely followed by Elias Furreedan in 4th place 7m.39. Daniel Guiba completed the team in 5th place clocking 8m.10s, completing a very impressive team performance.

In the U15s races over 5km Barney Perkins continued his impressive season with 1st place in a great time of 22m.01s

Following Barney home was the ever improving Luke Thake in 3rd place clocking 23m.10s

Ethan Guiba continued his current good form finishing 9th in 26m.58s.

Hawaa Patel produced a great sprint finish to clinch 2nd in the U15G race finishing in 25m.47s.

A great evening’s racing with athletes making impressive debuts which suggests a great future for Ilford ACs distance athletes.

Steve Crane was the only Senior representative over the 8km distance.

Steve tackled the difficult conditions head on and finished in 33rd position clocking a hard earned 37m.24s.

Essex schools championships
Saturday 8th June

4 junior Ilford athletes representing their respective Boroughs, competed in the Essex Schools Championships held in windy overcast conditions at Chelmsford.

First up in Intermediate boys 800m was James Thake . A high quality race saw James bravely chase the 2 leaders finishing strongly in this position to earn the Bronze medal in a PB of 2.00.6m

Surely it is just a matter of time before James breaks the elusive 2 minute barrier.

Junior boys athlete Barney Perkins continued his fine form in a strong mixed age group race and ran a competitive race to finish in a good time of 5.11.53 despite the windy conditions

Jaskirat Singh took on a high quality field in the Intermediate boys 100m to finish 6th in a new PB of 12.21s. a fine run considering his recent lack of training.

Junior athlete Jaydan Roberts Edward’s produced a dominant performance in the 200m final.

Jaydan benefitted from an excellent start which saw him run away from his fellow competitors for a comprehensive victory in a time of 23.63 and took a deserved Gold medal. Jaydan’s time equalled his PB which he had set in his earlier heat, narrowly missing the qualifying standard for National English Schools

Tony Nixon 1947 – 2024 RIP

Jun 082024

We are all devastated at the sad news of the passing of Tony Nixon.
Andy’s tribute to his friend follows:-

Quite simply Tony was the nicest, kindest, most continually cheerful person I have ever met.

A hugely warranted life member of Ilford AC and immensely popular club President in 2003/04.

I pretty much spoke to Tony every couple of weeks for the last 50 years and not once did he ever fail to grill me on how everything at the club was going, who was racing well and and doing what and wanting to support whenever possible.

He didn’t get off to the best start in life being a premature, small and rather sickly child. But he always had huge determination and despite periods in a special open air school to improve his well being he excelled at sports. Being too small to compete at his first love of football he turned to running. Tony joined Ilford AC in 1962 and under the guidance of his lifelong coach and friend, Alec Tiffin, he had early successes and was part of the club youth team winning the Essex xc in 1965.

I first met Tony when I joined Ilford in 1966 but he was way out of my league to train with at that time plus he was then away at University.

Unfortunately during what should have been his peak years in his 20’s Tony was unable to train at the intensity or put in the miles needed to fulfill his immense running potential, with periods of unexplained tiredness. Unquestionably if his physical condition had allowed he would have achieved international selection. It was not until 1979 he was diagnosed with Coeliac disease (severe gluten intolerance) and with a change of diet he was transformed. He still didn’t do much mileage though !

Despite the health issues Tony still performed to distinction, albeit infrequently, winning the prestigious Reynolds Garrett “continental cross country” event in Southampton in 1973 (where he and Pat moved to that year). Typical of Tony he thought it was a 3 lap race only to discover once he had sprinted over the line to win there was another lap to go and he had to do it all over again !

Then in 1974 he won the coveted Essex Senior 1500m (3:53.0). He always said his proudest moments were winning this title, then mentoring me to win the same event two years later and then again coaching his son Robert to the win in 2008.

Tony was a consummate race competitor but his personal best times really do not reflect his enormous talent. He was a beautifully fluid steeplechaser and had great success as junior, winning the inter counties 2,000m s/c champs in 1966 and posting a time of 5:54.2 – which still stands as a club record today ! 3:51.0 for 1500m whilst running 4:09 for a mile as a senior.

He raced “sparingly” on the road (his least favourite surface), but really enjoyed cross country, winning the club 10m xc champs three times in a row and achieved his best placing of 5th in the Essex xc in 1974 (14th in ’75, 14th in ’76, 11th in ’77, 28th in ’78).

Tony was away from Ilford for 9 years from 1973 and competed for Southampton & Eastleigh, where of course he was hugely popular, but still remained second claim to his beloved Ilford and returned regularly to compete for us in many Essex road relays and county xc champs.

Returning to Essex (well actually 100m across the border in Stratford St Mary, Suffolk) in 1984 Tony continued to enjoy scenic training runs around the local Stour river Countryside, of which I was fortunate enough to join him on many occasions. Tony instigated and organised the “legendary” Constable Country 5 mile fun run. Believe me it was no fun as due to Tony’s status in the running community he assembled some terrifically talented athletes and the first hill was a killer.

He continued running and racing as a veteran and had some excellent races and County Champs wins as a 60 year old. But what happened once he turned 70 was amazing. A purple patch of outstanding performances with a series of 5k road times that were not just the fastest in the UK but in the world plus a 1500m track time of 5:10 which put him 2nd in the world rankings. He put it down to 40 lengths of swimming two or three times a week as his running mileage was still only 20 a week at best !

As he did in his 20’s and 30’s Tony was an awesome gutsy competitor, with the ability to go through the pain barrier and often racing himself to complete exhaustion. Then regularly not being able to run for days and sometimes weeks after.

I remember doing a 5 mile Stratford St Mary training run with Tony about 10 years ago and having to stop and jog back for him every mile or so. Then just a couple of weeks later we were racing the Essex 10k at Wix and he serenely sailed past me after a couple of miles and disappeared off into the distance !

A remarkable athlete.

A wonderful friend.

And a truly lovely human being.

Although being a lifelong West Ham fan he did have the odd eccentricity.

Will be massively missed by me, all at Ilford AC and it goes without saying his beloved wife of 51 years Pat (whom he met at the club in the mid ’60’s) boys Robert and Paul, the grandchildren and surviving brothers.

Tributes to Tony

From	Tribute
Dave Whelon	So sad to hear about Tony. Although some 50 years ago I’ve never forgotten how supportive of me he was as a young athlete. I can still recall the late burst from the pack that took him to the Essex 1500m title and how - on the same day - he was the first to console and encourage me after I ran poorly in my own race. That was Tony. My sincere condolences to Pat, the rest of Tony’s family and his many friends.
Paul and Janet Chambers	We were sad to learn that Tony had passed. We were good friends back in the 60/70's when Pat and Jan ran 880yds at Ilford and while Tony was at Salford Unit he joined Paul for Sunday morning runs in Cheshire followed by Sunday dinner provided by Paul's Mum (the main attraction as it was Tony's one good meal of the week). Through pressure of work, growing families and house moves we lost contact but have many happy memories of those carefree days. Our sincere condolences go to Pat, the boys and their families.
Roy Snow	Tony and I ran together (or rather I ran behind him) in the youth team in the 60s, under Alec Tiffin. He had this apparently effortless style of simply floating over the ground. Over the past couple of years we have chatted on the phone several times, and Tony was always positive, and loved to reminisce of races long since one. One of the good guys
Denise Morley	I had the pleasure of being coached by Tony at Colchester Harriers when his son Rob was running. Always with with a positive enthusiastic attitude. Over the years it was always lovely to regularly catch up with him, usually at a XC race, for a chat and a hug. He was far more interested in hearing about my athletic exploits that talking about himself. I saw him and Pat only recently at the Essex road relays, when his pleasure and enthusiasm for local athletics still shone through. As everyone has said, a lovely gentlemen always ready with a smile. Thanks Tony for all the enthusiastic support over the years...and the hugs!!
Scott Sterling	Wow - My heart sunk when I saw this. Tony was simply one of the kindest people I have ever met. I always cherished our conversations and his knowledge, but what I will always remember most fondly was his ability to see the best in people - although I was always a broken athlete, after speaking to Tony, I wanted to get out and train again. Thank you Tony! Thinking of Tony's family and friends at right now, such a sad time. A wonderful man, Ilford AC to the core, but appreciated, liked and respected by everyone. I will miss hoping to bump into you at events, but I am truly thankful that I ever had that privilege in the first place. I will haul my broken body out tonight for an attempted run and i'll be thinking of you Tony! RIP x
Chris Akehurst	I knew Tony for more than thirty years initially as second claim athlete for Colchester Joggers/Harriers then as race organiser for the Constable Country Friday 5. One of the best Friday 5’s with part of the course being off road. Tony inspired me to organise the Royal London Friday Five in Colchester in the early 1990’s. Over the years I regularly bumped into Tony and had many interesting chats about running and athletics. He was always very enthusiastic about the way I had moved the Essex Cross Country League on since becoming League Secretary more than 10 years ago. I know Tony especially loved cross country running and it was great to see him winning the 70+ age group with some fine performances in County and League races. If I had to sum Tony up, I would say “he was a great athlete, loyal to his club Ilford AC and a gentleman”. Rest in Peace Tony. Chris Akehurst, Colchester Harriers AC President, Essex County Athletic Association
Richard Charleston (Charlie)	Small in stature, but huge of heart. A gentle man, but the fiercest of competitors. I first ran against Tony over the barriers, and he was the most elegant of steeplechasers. So light on his feet and barely made a splash at the water jump. I too ran at the Stratford St Mary 5 mile course that Andy describes, a tough course but a fabulous event organised by Tony. I didn’t know Tony as well as I would have liked too, but whenever I did see him he was just a kind, nice bloke. Rest peacefully Tony.
Neil and Dianne Crisp	Tony was such a shining light and a great Athlete. We will miss you encouraging us all and your positivity. Our deepest sympathy to pat and all of the family.
Sally Gillam	I first met Tony during the 2003/04 cross country season. I was a new member of Ilford and it was my first season doing cross country. Tony was president that year and he was at every race - always encouraging and for me, he made a real difference. Years later, he ran in the Harwich 5km handicap series. We had some real battles as I fought to avoid being caught by him. We had some great chats over the years and I discovered that we both had lived in Barkingside. Tony was an exceptional runner who had time for everyone. I held him in the highest respect. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Tony.
Martin Clarke	Don’t be fooled by Tony’s “I only did 20 miles a week” tag. He probably got quite near that mark on a single Saturday afternoon alone by just running around supporting an xc event. With separate junior, ladies and mens races going on and the ubiquitous Tony popping up here there and everywhere booming out your name as he ran 10 metres behind you, his voice finally fading until 2 minutes later he pops up in front of you again and again to repeat the cycle. I even thought there must be more than one of him. Although I raced against him a few times with limited success, yet my abiding memory was the time he insisted he accompany me on leg 9 of the Essex Way. I was officially part of the team whereas Tony just wanted a recreational run by the river as a non scorer. Now I wasn’t overly happy about that thinking he would either be super fit and force me to run too quickly or the opposite and he would slow me down. Either way I didn’t want to have Tony dictating the pace. I therefore concluded that if the former proved to be true I would just let him go but with the latter I could use my local knowledge to hatch a cunning plan to drop him. I knew of the many hazards we were likely to encounter which would afford a great opportunity to put some space between us:- whether it be the slippery swathes of stinking kelp on the River Stour foreshore, the gut wrenching climbs up to the old church, the concealed way markers, the metal kissing gates I could slam into tired limbs, the odd rusty nail on a broken style ready to cause some mischief , the route through fields of frightened horses and angry owners and finally the narrow windmill path full of giant stinging nettles. Anyway we set off at a fair but sustainable lick. Near the start of the leg we soon hit the seaweed of the river foreshore. I picked my way through my chosen route hoping Tony would not be able to follow in my footsteps and find the slippery going too much but no by the time we got back on terra firma Tony was still there next to me chatting away unconcerned. It was clear to me that he intended to be there for the duration. Then through the Wrabness nature reserve theres a tricky complicated section before you get back on the elevated river bank and I grabbed at my second chance. I made sure I was in front as I approached a wooden bridge which led to the way through knowing that there was a sharp 90 degree turn just beyond. Miss the turn and go straight on and youre a gonner. Past the bridge I accelerated and Tony was that gonner and out of sight. Or so I thought. Next thing I hear “Martin Martin where are you?”. “Over here” I responded thinking I could at least later claim I tried to call you back but my whisper proved a touch too audible. Within seconds Tony comes crashing through some thick gorse to my right obviously having swam through a drainage ditch and sporting a crown of thorns on top of a severely punctured body yet still grinning and beaming with good humour and ready to carry on an unfinished conversation. At once my heart opened to him as any competitive spirit in me drained away with laughter and causing me to abandon any further attempt at separation. Oh how we reminisced over a beer in the Castle pub afterwards. Unlike his US counterpart Ilford’s President Nixon’s tenure in the office during 2003 and 2004 was unimpeachable. He approached the position with gusto, his omnipresence and enthusiasm setting new records for the appearance of the presidential chain and making it such a hard act for anybody to follow. Tony’s alleged super human powers were confirmed when Sally and myself invited him to have a go at the Harwich 5K series as a 70yr old between 2017-2019. Tony turned up sporting what had now become his trademark long white compression socks and posted 3 or 4 times sub 20 minutes with his fastest being 19.50 and easily took the the age graded prize offered on each occasion. He made no 2 in the uk 5k rankings during this period and won the admiration of the Harwich running community. A great ambassador for Ilford and a lovely man who graced and enriched the lives of everybody that knew him. RIP Tony
Billy Green	Tony truly was one of life's nice guys. Always so enthusiastic and cheerful whatever the occasion. We met at many races for Ilford AC and he would always be the one cheering loudest and the first to congratulate each athlete as they finished. Mostly though I will remember Tony for the times we spent chatting about West Ham, and more importantly the times we were able to attend matches together and share a pint or two afterwards. Tony absolutely loved the Hammers and had many stories to share about his years supporting the team and was very eager to here my stories and experiences. I lost my own father, another West Ham fanatic, in February last year just months before West Ham won their first European trophy in 58 years and their first trophy of any kind in 43 years. I'm so pleased Tony was able to be around for this and can only imagine him shouting at the TV his encouragement in the final minutes. R.I.P Tony - Truly one of the nicest men I've met
Gordon Crouch	I am so sad to hear of Tony's passing.We first met in about 1965/66 and found an instant companionship. He was so kind and gentle and full of good humour.Time and events meant that our paths crossed and recrossed but about 1971 we both decided to tackle long slow distance together for the winter's training. I seem to remember that at one point we did manage 80 miles per week....but the adventures and fun we had far outweighed the distance. He was a superb athlete and a wonderful lifelong friend.I shall miss him deeply. My sincere condolences go to Pat and the boys and families. Gordon.
Danny Holeyman	I first met Tony when he was enthusiastically encouraging the IAC XC participants on a cold winters day at Writtle. I wondered who this guy with a great booming voice was. I later learnt that it was Tony and got to know him and his impressive back story. He was a warm, approachable, modest and kind man. Generous with his praise and encouragement as well as a good sense of humour. All the hallmarks of a fantastic person - the tributes made from within the running community since his sad, and all too early passing, are testament of the personality of the man. He was an IAC legend and will be missed.
Steve Parker	Tony was such a gifted athlete. A modest man who had time for everybody. Always a smile on his face. On many occasions I would be deep in concentration during a race, running my hardest and suddenly I would hear his most welcome words of encouragement. Tony will be so sadly missed. RIP Tony
Stephen Wilkinson	This is so sad . Tony was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Always greeted you with a smile and warm welcome. I had the pleasure of first meeting him around 30 years ago when my son Neil and I joined Colchester Harriers A/C where his son Robert was training. We forged a great bond with him and his lovely family. We travelled thousands of miles over the years together going around quite a few roundabouts several times on the way when I was driving!. Tony’s knowledge of the athletics tracks around London was masterful as we had no Sat Nav’s In those days. The roundabout situation was 100% my fault?. He had a wonderful insight into athletics and you could only learn from his experience. Away from athletics, we had several entries in the “Sudbury to the Sea” competition over two days in his canoe ? on the river Stour and in the Nixon tradition he guided me to victory : having many laughs along the route. One in particular was when two lads, just after the start, went flying past us. We worked out their age which was around 36 yrs in their boat whereas our boat combined total of 128! So in their eagerness to go too early too soon, we said to each other, let them burn themselves out and we will catch them in time. Halfway on the final leg we put the pedal down and flew past these two lads who couldn’t get back to us and we went onto win the race. These two old boys (us) did it and it’s a memory that we spoke about many times after that. He was so supportive of my son Neil as as he was a rival of Robert’s in the early years and also my daughter Gemma who also enjoyed coming to the track and throw javelin and discus for the club. He also loved our son Harry who is autistic and the love and support he gave to him was wonderful. In the later years he would come over to Hadleigh, where we live, to have a swim. Every time we met up, there was laughter, fun times all the way and never a dull moment. A truly special man who has sadly left us far too early, and we are all better off for knowing him. Rest easy in peace now Tony. Put your running shoes back on mate up there ….. very few will catch you. ❤️
John Mackenzie	Another of Ilford AC’s finest has left this mortal coil. So sad to learn of Tony’s passing. Tony was not around at the club when I joined in 1978 ( he worked in Southampton for several years) and my first feeling towards him was one of resentment. I worked really hard to establish myself in the top six distance runners at Ilford, training with the squad and racing every single week. I was not best pleased therefore to be relegated to the B team at the Essex County Road relay because this Nixon fellow had declared himself available. Needless to say, Catton’s selection was justified as this pocket rocket scorched around the first leg in a much faster time than I managed on the day. It took no time at all to appreciate what a thoroughly decent and humble human being I came to know as a dear friend as well as something of a nemesis, always returning from illness or injury to beat me in hard fought races. RIP Tony
Alan Pearl	I was shocked and saddened to hear of the very sad new of Tony's passing. Tony was always engaging and supportive when you met him and I enjoyed our chats, not only at the races, but at West Ham too. Before retirement, Tony was an exceptional athlete for Ilford. Condolences to all Tony's family. Rest Peacefully Tony Alan Pearl
Satha Alaganandasundaram	I met Tony few times during couple races and few Ilford AC get together events. Lovely person. RIP Tony
Alun and Mel Jones	We are both very sad to hear about the passing of Tony. He was such a gentleman and always gave amazing support during races. He will be sorely missed.
Peter Clinch	Such sad news. Truly one of the most positive and decent people you could ever hope to meet. RIP Tony
Ernie	I can honestly say hand on broken heart that Tony was one of the nicest people that I have ever had the privilege to meet. Tony was one of those people that you are always happy to meet and spend time with. A tremendously talented,gifted athlete and tremendously fierce competitor. Like Andy I have such fond memories of his Constable Country 5 miler which took place on a Friday night in Stratford St Mary. A very well run event ,as you would expect from Tony, but very competitive. Having a few beers after the race with our generous host and his wife Pat made this a memorable date in the calendar and it was a sad day when it ceased to be held. My most endearing and abiding memory of Tony goes back to the 1996 Essex Veterans road relays when our team Andy , John MacKenzie , Tony and myself won the Silver medal, I ran last leg and despite being given a big lead by Andy I managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Needless to say I was devastated by losing the gold for our team but Tony took me to one side and told me my time which turned out to be a big PB andTony pointed out that I deserved my place in the team and our silver medal. I shall always remember Tony’s kind words and his support but that was the measure of the man. Always supportive of ALL our athletes, always smiling Tony will always remain a true Ilford AC legend who will be greatly missed by all. A true gentleman. R.I.P Tony you have more than earned it. We will not see your like again . Such a sad day for all who knew and loved you. Deepest Condolences Ernie
Alun Jones	Tony was such a talented athlete and a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers to all his family. Alun Jones
Sam Malekout	Dear Tony, Your kindness, smile and personality always made me feel welcome at Ilford AC. At competitions You were always there for every athlete whether in a race or doing a field event. You will be very missed. Rest Well Tony ?

Press Report 3rd June 2024

Jun 032024

ROAD AND CROSS COUNTRY

Sudbury Friday Night 5
Friday 31st May.

Two Ilford athletes travelled up to Sudbury in Suffolk for the annual Friday night 5 mile race.
Held predominantly on the road, the course is one lap, featuring a long hill on mile 2 and attracts over 400 runners.
Finishing in 9th place, and 2nd in his age category was Malcolm Muir in a time of 29:02. Just 196 places later was Billy Green in 205th place in a time of 40:54.
The race also featured Jack Nixon, who runs 2nd claim for the club, who finished in 2nd place with a time of 26:01

Orion Forest 5
Saturday 3rd June

The Forest 5 is a series of 3 races in Epping Forest, held on the first Saturday in June, July and August, the 3rd of which incorporates the ‘Elvis’ race hosted by Orion Harriers.
The race was held on a warm sunny Saturday morning over a 1 lap 5-mile course which was dry and featured a few climbs.

Ilford AC had 9 runners representing the club. First home for the club in 4th place was Steve Philcox who claimed 2nd M50 on the day in 31:23. Next home in 16th place was Danny Holeyman in 34:11, followed by Dave Thomas in 22nd place in 35:56 and 2nd M60.
Adam Coals was next home in 49th place for 39:14, followed by the club’s first female, Alison Sale in 43:42 for 69th.
Jim Tilbrook came home in 89th place in a time of 47:29 before a trio of Ilford ladies all came in together, Beverley Thomas 106th 52:46, Frieda Keane 107th 52:47 and Julia Galea 108th 52:47.

Rayleigh 10
Sunday 2nd June

The Rayleigh 10k is a multi terrain, hilly course, through Hockley Woods in Essex.
Due to recent heavy rainfall the course was extremely muddy in places, which combined with the hills and the heat on the day made for tough conditions for the 400 runners, including 2 from Ilford AC.
Joanne Reeves led the pair home in 127th place in 55:52, followed just 21 seconds and 11 places later by Billy Green.

TRACK AND FIELD

Southern Athletics League
Saturday 18th May

After 9 years in Division 3, Ilford made an encouraging start to their Division 2 campaign at Dartford recently.

Almost every member of the team did more than one event to help the team to a great 3rd place, behind local rivals Havering and Kent AC.

The stand out athlete of the day was Dan Wheeler who returned to club competition after a few years away at university. In competing in 8 individual events, Dan totaled 37 points. This included victories in the A string High Jump (1m 75) and B string Shot Putt (9m 90), 2nd place in B String Javelin (34m 70), 3rd places in the 110m hurdles, A string 400m hurdles, A string Triple Jump, B string Discus, 4th in the A string Long jump, before finally anchoring the men’s 4x 100m team to 3rd place.

Sam Malekout was another busy athlete competing in 6 events including a very impressive 1st place in the B string 400m hurdles (65.5), 2nd in the B string Long jump (5m 24), 3rd in javelin (40m 68) plus 4th places in the discus and Pole Vault.

Pete Whiting at age 60 had a great jump of 1m 80 to come 3rd in the B string pole vault, as well as another 3rd place in the B string Hamer with a throw of 14m 97, he was joined in the hammer by another 60 year old in Wes Clarke who was second in the A string with a throw of 34m 42.

At the other end of the age Category, 3 youngsters were making their league debuts. Chisom Chijioke came 4th in the B string ladies 100m, 3rd in the B string Long jump, and produced a personal best of 8m 67 to gain 3rd in the A string Triple jump. Her day was complete by running a leg of the ladies 4x 100 relay, where the team came 4th. Joining her in the relay was her training partner Omoyewen Ojo. Who prior to the relay had jumped a pb of 3m 82 to take 4th in the A string long jump, together with another pb for 4th in the B string 200m with a time of 28.9, before finally gaining valuable points with another 3rd place in the womens 100m hurdles.

Another athlete who deserves a special mention was Launa Broadley, who responded to the managers call and grabbed very valuable points in the shot, discus and Javelin. Krystle Balogun continues to regularly turn out in the Southern League and finishing 4th in both the 100m and 200m, dipped her toe back in the 400m and came 3rd in the A string in a very good time of 60.7. She also ran a leg of the 4×100 relay and came 4th in the shot.

The ladies middle distance events were covered by Pauline Tester, Anna Crawley and Jordan Hinds. Pauline, like Launa Broadley, volunteered to help gain some valuable points in both the 3000m and 1500m. Anna had a very good run for 5th in the A string 3000m, but her run in the B string 800m was a tactical masterclass hanging off the fast early pace, and gradually working her way through to claim victory and smash her pb by over 5 seconds. Jordan was narrowly beaten in her favored 800m, but made up for this by winning the B string 400m and leading the whole way to win the 1500m.

In the men’s middle distance Alex Richards showed a return to form by coming second in the 800m in 1.58.1 and winning the 1500m in a second sub 4 minute timing of the season. Ronan Edwards knocked 4 seconds off his PB in winning the B string 1500m in 4.04. Joining Alex in the 800m was Dylan Harrod who finished in 3rd place, before going on to take 3rd also in the 400m and also gaining points in the triple jump.

Like ladies several youngsters were making their league debuts Jayden Mcdermott ran pbs in placing 4th in both the 100 and 200m, before also running a league in the 4x100m. Aron Berhe and Ryder Islam both ran pbs of 2.17 in the Non Scoring 800m. Aron later ran a scoring 400m and cleared 1m 25 in the high jump. Oliver Blainey covered the 100m and 200m, gaining second in the 100m in 11.3 and then third in the 200m. sprints coach Nat Senior had to pull out of the sprint events, but still managed to get points in throwing a pb in the shot 10m 33 to win the A string.

Tom Gardner and Josh Adler took on the longest event of the day, the men’s 5000m. Tom led for most of the rest but was just beaten into first place by the Havering athlete. Josh had a stunning run, prior to the race his pb was 19.09, placing second in the B string he knocked over 2 minutes off this time to finish in 16.48. Josh then went on to compete in the steeplechase where he was joined by Malcolm Muir, Josh was 3rd in the A string with Malcolm 2nd in the B string.

The final men’s events were the relays where Ilford were 3rd in the 4×100, before winning the 4x400m.

Woodford Open Meeting
Tuesday 28th May

Several Ilford athletes competed in the recent Woodford open meeting, unfortunately it was cold and wet all day which affected the times.

Faris Vakil had first race of the year after coming back from a serious foot injury, he looked strong in finishing second in a time of 1.56.47. Jams Thake who is in the middle of studying for his exams had a great run, knocking a further second of his best and edging ever closer to a sub 2 minute clocking. H finished 3rd in a time of 2.01.07

In the B 800m Samuel Crane, wo is also in the middle of exams, came an excellent 2nd place in a PB time of 2.14. 19. Ryder Islam was 6th place in a time of 2.21.4, a bit down on his recent pb.

Hercules Wimbledon 1500m Night
Wednesday 29th May

Again in far from ideal conditions, Alex Richards ventured over to Wimbledon to compete in the night of 1500ms. There were 15 races on the night and Alex was in race 14. Having broken 4 mins twice in recent weeks expectations were high of something even quicker. In a race where the pace was perfect Alex smashed his pb with a time of 3.53.94. This time moved him up to 12th place on all time 1500m list

OTHERS

Navy Race OCR is an obstacle race that is organized in maritime surroundings at Trondheim in Norway. The race is suitable for anyone who wants to test their limits, both on land, in water and in the forest. The trail is approx. 8 km long, with 30 different obstacles.

The race itself takes place in a military environment and the obstacles will have a military theme.

Ilfords Joel Dennis travelled over for the event, thoroughly enjoying it, entered as a team with his friend Paul Suett and completed the course in 1 Hour 44 minutes