ESSEX WALKER APRIL
Mar 202013
Essex_Walker_349_-_April_2013_(FINAL).pdfRacewalking Report – 12th March 2013
Mar 132013
REIS IS ON TRACK
FRANCISCO REIS brought another National title to Ilford AC on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon, not that conditions troubled competitors disputing the British Masters Athletics Federation National 3,000 Metres Walk, for it was at Lee Valley’s centrally-heated indoor arena in North London. Reis was an emphatic winner, with a most impressive blast from gun-to-tape which none could match, seeing him finish in 13 minutes and 54 seconds which was well clear of 2nd placed former Olympic representative Ian Richards (Steying AC). The Ilford athlete’s performance drew praise from both from colleagues and rivals alike.
National Title for Ilford AC Member – Racewalking 10th March 2013
Mar 122013
After a well-earned 5 months’ lay-off following her Olympic appearance, Ilford’s Bethnal Green-based Lithuanian International athlete NERINGA AIDIETYTE made it 3 wins from 3 starts since returning to action in late January.On a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon on a multi-lap course inside Hackney’s Victoria Park, Miss Aidietyte won the National 10 Miles Women’s Championship “by a distance” to borrow a term from the turf. From the gun the Ilford star went clear of all rivals and pressed on; without chasing company offering any threat, to clock an excellent 79 minutes and 43 seconds at the finish, streets ahead of 2nd place Lauren Whelan (Belgrave harriers).
On the same programme was the National Men’s 10 Miles, in which Ilford AC went to post as defending team champions. Across the card, including supporting events, turnout was lower than expected as athletes scratched on account of intense cold and also due to major traffic chaos following closure of the Dartford crossing. With last year’s 3rd placed athlete FRANCISCO REIS competing, and winning, the National Indoor 3,000 metres Championship at Lee Valley, it was left to Captain STEVE UTTLEY to head Ilford’s challenge, which he did with distinction gaining a high 5th place in 89 minutes and 11 seconds despite completing his entire journey virtually in his own company! Consistent STEVE ALLEN was 8th in 93.50 and, with evergreen former International ED SHILLABEER 13th in 103.32, Ilford AC were 2nd National team just a shade behind Ashford AC. In 19th place came former Captain DAVE KATES who eased himself back into racing after a long injury. He was delighted to record 107.46 on a day not conducive to fast times.In conjunction with the National 10 Miles was the Essex 10 Miles Championship in which Uttley was 3rd behind Colchester Harriers International twins Daniel & Dominic King, who were 1st & 2nd Essex competitors respectively. With Shillabeer not eligible for Essex events it was Kates who closed home Ilford’s team which retained their County title. Ilford AC member Mrs CLAIRE LEVY is now Essex County Athletics Association President and she was on hand to make the awards.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
On the same programme was the National Men’s 10 Miles, in which Ilford AC went to post as defending team champions. Across the card, including supporting events, turnout was lower than expected as athletes scratched on account of intense cold and also due to major traffic chaos following closure of the Dartford crossing. With last year’s 3rd placed athlete FRANCISCO REIS competing, and winning, the National Indoor 3,000 metres Championship at Lee Valley, it was left to Captain STEVE UTTLEY to head Ilford’s challenge, which he did with distinction gaining a high 5th place in 89 minutes and 11 seconds despite completing his entire journey virtually in his own company! Consistent STEVE ALLEN was 8th in 93.50 and, with evergreen former International ED SHILLABEER 13th in 103.32, Ilford AC were 2nd National team just a shade behind Ashford AC. In 19th place came former Captain DAVE KATES who eased himself back into racing after a long injury. He was delighted to record 107.46 on a day not conducive to fast times.In conjunction with the National 10 Miles was the Essex 10 Miles Championship in which Uttley was 3rd behind Colchester Harriers International twins Daniel & Dominic King, who were 1st & 2nd Essex competitors respectively. With Shillabeer not eligible for Essex events it was Kates who closed home Ilford’s team which retained their County title. Ilford AC member Mrs CLAIRE LEVY is now Essex County Athletics Association President and she was on hand to make the awards.Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Youngsters edge Ilford Walkers Out – 03/03/2013
Mar 052013
FRANCISCO REIS and captain STEVE UTTLEY were the pick of Ilford’s walkers contesting Saturday afternoon’s Winter League 5 Kilometres race at Bexley, over 4 testing circuits of an “around-the-houses” course. From the ‘off’ precocious 16 year old CAMERON CORBISHLY (Medway & Maidstone AC) stormed into a lead which was held until the tape was broken in 22 minutes and 46 seconds. In an isolated 2nd place was Ilford’s Francisco Reis who also recorded an excellent time when stopping the watch at 23.52. Ilford’s Captain Steve Uttley had a race to remember for he recorded his fastest 5 Kilometres time in over 6 years after a ‘nip-and-tuck’ battle with another promising 16 year old in Tonbridge AC’s Guy Thomas. Each got the better of the other on a number of occasions but it was the youngster who was ahead at the line to claim 3rd spot in 25.09 with Uttley 4th in 25.24.
Racewalking Report 25/02/2013
Feb 252013
Race walkers assembled on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon for the 2013 Enfield League’s opening event, a 5 miles’ walk held around 5 traffic-free twisting circuits of the town’s spacious King George V Playing Fields. It was a second attempt to get this race on as snowfall had put paid to January’s scheduled opening fixture.From the “off” Ilford’s FRANCISCO REIS and Hillingdon AC’s Polish star FABIAN DEUTER set a brisk pace which none could match and soon pulled clear of all rivals. From halfway onwards the Polish athlete began to gradually open a gap which he held till reaching the finish in 39 minutes and 35 seconds with Reis 2nd in 40.27. Both were well clear Lithuanian lady walker Narvillene Grazina of Belgrave Harriers who completed the frame in 42 minutes exactly.In a 6-to-score Ilford winning team the Club were well-served by always dependable Captain STEVE UTTLEY who was just behind the leading pack to claim 6th position in 43.12 while another reliable member PETE RYAN was 10th in 45.47. STEVE ALLEN was inform to fill 13th spot in 47.06, while 15th placed STUART BENNETT who clocked 47.56, turned in a remarkable performance as he’d just returned from The Maldives heat and found Enfield’s race conditions a shock to his system! Ilford’s winning team were closed home in 1st place by sprightly veteran ALAN O’RAWE who showed his resolve by wearing a short-sleeved vest in such conditions while pounding out 52.03 for 25th place.On the officiating side it was a red-letter day for Ilford’s Grade One Official MICHAEL CROFT who was appointed Chief Judge.