Photo above – Matthew Taylor (right) and Matthew Dubery (left) who ran the fastest times on Saturday.
Tonbridge hosts cross country event after latest cancellation
Tonbridge Athletic Club hosted their own cross country event, when a planned competition at Chelmsford was cancelled at the weekend. With Essex being categorised as ‘Tier Two for Covid-19 restrictions and concerns regarding risks at the host venue the relays, which Tonbridge AC were due to contest, were called off with three days’ notice.
With very few events taking place, especially for young athletes, a team from the club quickly organised some races for their own members. Judd School provided exclusive use of their Vizards Sportsground at Lower Hayesden, health declarations for runners and supporters were organised, with risk assessment and various safety measures put in place. These included running the races in smaller numbers, with no more than twelve starters in each. Around sixty athletes took part across five races, over the accurately measured 3000 metres course.
The first race of the day was won by under 15 Josh Prendergast in 9.42, who was 4th fastest of the day. Joe Hickey (u15) recorded 10.56 to win race two and Eliza Muysken (u13) was impressive when being first home in race three with 12.12. Race four provided the fastest male, under 17 age group, runners a chance to compete against each other, with Matthew Taylor (9.18), Matthew Dubery (9.26) and Rhys Page (9.32), leading the way. Ben Pearce from Judd School won race five in 10.04.
The fastest overall female athletes were Sophie Preston (Judd School u17) 11.04, Verity Hopkins 11.37 and Gracie MacAuley (u15) 11.48.
Prizes were awarded to the runners who outperformed the times predicted by a team of coaches from the club. First equal in this respect were Tony Fullbrook (11.38) and Toby Barton (u15, 12.15), who both ran 37 seconds faster than predicted.
Also taking place on Saturday was the Beachy Head Multi-Terrain Marathon, held over an extremely undulating and testing course that mixed roads and cross country. Ben Cole placed 4th overall in 3.02.35.
Results from Tonbridge AC Vizards Cross Country Event – https://www.tacdistancerunners.com
Results from Beachy Head Marathon –http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Beachy%20Head%20Marathon%20&%2010K/4405