Press Report 9th June 2026
Raphael Park, Romford
Tuesday 2nd June
The second round of the ELVIS summer league was held over a two-lap course around Raphael Park in Romford. The 5-mile course was fast, and the runners recorded good times. Ilford AC had 20 entrants in the field of 250 and achieved 6 medals, including 3 for first place in age categories.
The first of the medals went to Stephen Philcox who led the men home in 13th place for 29:31 and placing 1st in the VM60 grouping. This time was also the fastest 5m road run ever recorded for a VM60 male in the clubs history.
Next in was Chris King 15th 29:43 and Richard Morris 16th 29:47. Claiming 1st place in the VM50 grouping was Malcolm Muir, who was next home in a time of 30:22 for 18th place. 2nd in the VM50 grouping was Paul Holloway who was next home in 22nd place for 30:50. Ilford’s Men’s team was completed by Richard Woolterton who placed 26th in 31:44
Neil Crisp claimed 2nd FM60 in 38th place for 33:15 and Andrew Catton was 3th VM70 in 122nd place for 41:03
The Men placed 3rd on the day, and remain in 3rd place in Division One.
The females were led home by in form Natalie Crisp who placed 13th in the female race in a time of 37:27. Next home was Alison Sale who placed 1st in the VF60 grouping in a time of 39:57 in 18th place. Next home were Rachel Halpin 41st in 44:12, Jenni Sheehan 44th in 44:52, and Dianne Crisp in 47:32 for 54th. Ever reliable Frieda Keane completed the team in 69th place in 51:17
Interestingly Dianne Crisp is the mother of Natalie Crisp and Jenni Sheehan, meaning the Crisp family provided half of the female scoring team!
The ladies finished 2nd on the day and are second in Division 2 of the Elvis League.
Also running on the night were Danny Holeyman 32:30, Steve Horsley 35:57, Bradley Brown 36:03, Pathrose Louis 44:59, Sharon Honey 51:48 and Launa Broadley 52:26
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 third race incorporates the ‘Elvis’ race hosted by Orion Harriers.
The race was held on a warm mild Saturday morning over a 1-lap, 5-mile course that was dry and featured a few climbs.
Ilford AC had 4 runners representing the club.
Danny Holeyman led the team home in 34:25 for 18th place and also placed 2nd in the M50 grouping. Next home was Bradley Brown in 34th place in 37:39.
Alison Sale claimed 2nd W60 in a time of 44:53 for 76th place, and Frieda Keane came home in 53:06 for 108th place.
Rayleigh 10
The Rayleigh 10k is a multi-terrain, hilly course, through Hockley Woods in Essex.
The recent wet spell meant the ground was muddy in places and some long hills made for tough conditions for the 451 runners, including 3 from Ilford AC.
Leading the team home was Billy Green in 177th place in 59:25, followed by Rachel Halpin in 197th, and 34th female in 60:34 and Sharon Honey in 328th and 94th female in 69:57
