Press Report 8th July 2025

Spitfire Scramble

No Fokker Comes Close’ Triumphs at Spitfire Scramble 2025

Ilford Athletic Club secure victory at this year’s Spitfire Scramble, a 24-hour endurance relay held at the beautiful Hornchurch Country Park. The event, which ran from 12 noon Saturday to 12 noon Sunday (5-6 July), saw teams compete to complete as many 5.75-mile laps as possible over a challenging multi-terrain course.

Ilford AC’s mixed team, boldly named ‘No Fokker Comes Close’, delivered a stunning performance, running continuously throughout the night and into the next day. Battling fatigue, darkness, and rugged terrain, the team relied on head torches to navigate the pitch-black trails and maintained a relentless pace throughout.

The team — made up of Anna Crawley, Danny Holeyman, Diarmuid Mac Donnell, Dyfan Garmon, Sam Rahman, Steve Crane, Jordan Hinds and Richard Woolterton showed exceptional endurance and teamwork. Their efforts paid off as they completed an impressive 34 laps, covering a total of 195.5 miles, narrowly edging out rivals Eton Manor in a dramatic finish.

Billericay 10k

On Sunday morning in humid and warm conditions two members of Ilford AC tackled the deceptively hilly Annual Billericay Striders 10K Road Race.

The 27th Edition of this race attracted a huge field of over 632 finishers and Club Stalwart Terry Knightley completed the course around the country lanes of Billericay in 46th Place in 42 Minutes and 31 Seconds to Win The Male Veteran Over 60 Category and Prize.
Knightley Won the Race Outright Back in 1998.

Following him home was Julia Galea in 525th Place in 68 Minutes and 39 Seconds to claim 13th position in the Female Over 60 Category.

All finishers were rewarded with a Bespoke Medal and Mars Bar for their efforts.

Orion Forest 5

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 3 runners representing the club.

1st home for the club, and also the first M60 overall was Dave Thomas who finished in 13th place in 34 mins 51 secs. Dave was followed by Jim Tilbrook in 40th place in 42 mins 12 secs and Bev Thomas who came home in 49 mins 37 secs for 73rd place