COURSE RECORD FOR ILFORD AC ATHLETE

The popular London Walks meeting was staged on a biting cold Sunday afternoon on a multi-lap course inside Hackney’s Victoria Park. The Senior Ladies 5 Kilometres witnessed a top class display of race walking from llford’s in-form Olympian NERINGA AIDIETYTE, who was never troubled on route to an emphatic 23 minutes and 25 seconds victory. The 2nd placed lady, fellow Lithuanian GRAZINA NARVILIENE of Belgrave Harriers, clocked a distant 25.33. Aidietyte’s victory brought with it the kudos of claiming a course record!In the Senior Men’s 10 Kilometres, Ilford went to post as defending team champions and 2012 winner FRANCISCO REIS started well when making a determined bid to retain his individual title. Reis settled into 4th position behind 3 current internationals, eventual winner ALEX WRIGHT of Belgrave Harriers and Colchester’s talented KING twins. By halfway Reis felt unwell and was forced to retire when well placed. That left Ilford’s Captain STEVE UTTLEY as the Club’s best positioned walker when he advanced into 4th position, which he held till finishing in 54 minutes & 49 seconds. There was an unexpected bonus for Uttley as he won the 1st veteran prize…shopping vouchers! Ilford’s team were closed-in by STUART BENNETT 9th and STEVE ALLEN 10th who clocked 59.29 and 60.22 respectively. Ilford AC failed by just 4 points to retain their title, losing out to winners Belgrave Harriers. The pick of Ilford’s other walkers was sprightly veteran ED SHILLABEER who was 16th in 65.52. This athlete, who specialises in more longer races, is a “vet” in more ways than one for he’s a veterinary surgeon by profession!

Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)

WINNING RETURN

Ilford AC’s 2012 Olympian Neringa Aidietyte returned to racing action for the 1st time since her Olympic appearance in August…and won from all (both men & women) in Sunday morning’s somewhat early 3,000 metres walk in the London Indoor Games at Lee Valley Arena. Aidietyte was confident throughout to take victory in 13 minutes and 38 seconds with Belgrave Harrier’s visiting Australian athlete Stuart Kollmorgen 2nd in 13.45. Kollmargan had effectively challenged Aidietyte in the first half of the race, but couldn’t match the Olympian’s class when it mattered most. An Ilford member had the honour of completing the frame as Francisco Reis came 3rd in 14.23 after using his experience and nous to thwart 4th placed talented junior walker Jonathan Hobbs (Ashford AC). A word for former Scottish international Stuart Bennett who competed in his first ever indoor race, coming 8th in 16.45. Next Sunday Ilford AC’s walkers will be racing in the London Walks Meeting at Victoria Park (2pm) where they’re defending their team title.

Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377372)