Press Report 16th December 2025

ESSEX VETERANS CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Epping Forest
Saturday 15 December 2025

The Essex Veterans Cross-Country Championships was held on a bright autumnal morning over a muddy two lap course in Epping Forest These championships are for runners over 40 and Ilford AC had 14 entries.

The First Race was for men over 50 years and top performance for the club came from Steve Philcox who finished 7th overall in the race and took the gold medal for first spot in the M60 category in a time of 32 mins 31 secs. He was supported by Steve Chissell who was 51st in the event in 37mins 16 secs and two runners in the M65 class; Terry Knightley 57th and 4th in his age category and Dave Thomas 78th with 40 mins 22 secs.
The quartet combined to finish 3rd in the M60+ team competition and the bronze medals.

In the M70 age group Andy Catton came in 5th in 41 mins 47 secs and in the M50 category were Malcom Muir in 8th and Bradley Brown 28th

Next up was the ladies race and the Ilford ladies raced well to take a silver team medal in the F60+ team event. Leading the team was Alison Sale in an excellent 4th place with a time of 42 mins 47 secs . Pauline Tester was next across the line in 10th spot, while   Dianne Crisp came home 16th,  Bev Thomas, placed well at 4th in the F65 category and 24th in the team rankings with  Frieda Keane completing the squad

Dani Thomas had a good race in the F45 category finishing in 9th place in 42 mins 23 secs.

Southend ‘Rudolph Run’ 5

Southend Seafront 

Sunday 16 December 2025

On Sunday a Trio of Ilford AC athletes raced the Annual Southend 5 Miles Rudolph Run up and down the seafront promenade in a strong wind in one direction which affected the finishing times.

The Christmas themed event had many of the 600 plus entrants dressed as elves, Reindeers and Santas creating a joyful fun atmosphere.

First Home for the Club was Terry Knightley, a day after winning his 95th Essex County Medal at the gruelling Essex Veterans Cross-Country Championships, finishing in 34 Minutes and 40 Seconds for 21st Place and Winning the First Male Veteran Over 65 Prize.

Next in was Gemma Ellender in 28th position in 36 minutes and 35 seconds winning the First Female Over 35 Prize.

Following her was Sharon Honey in 501st Place and 58 minutes and 40 seconds and 8th Female Veteran over 65.

All finishers received a Christmas themed medal and mince pie.