Kieran Reilly (photo), of Tonbridge Athletic Club, ran 4.01.70 for the mile to finish 7th in a high-class men’s invitation race, at Wimbledon last week. The time improved his best from 7 years ago, set whilst competing on the USA college circuit. Reilly also improved his 1500 metres pb en route to 3.45.01, as additional timings were taken at that mark. Miles Weatherseed ran 4.06.59, also setting a personal best for the mile. The race was won by Matthew Ramsden, of Australia, in 3.55.78, who led three others under four minutes.
Reilly followed his mile performance up with an 800 metres pb of 1.51.82, when finishing 4th in the A-race at Crawley, on Saturday. Simon Coppard ran 1.49.93, finishing 2nd in the same race, with Charlie Crick recording 1.52.03 and Jordan Chambers setting a pb with 1.53.71. Also, at Crawley Nicole Taylor raced over 3000 metres for the first time this season recording 9.22.59, whilst Jamie Goodge set a new pb of 8.26.80. Amongst other performances at Crawley two under 17s ran personal bests as Ethan Tasker recorded 11.38 for 100 metres and Jonathan Whawell 58.46 for 400 metres.
Tonbridge hosted a veterans open meeting on Friday evening, which proved popular for those aged 35 and older. Highlights included Steve Daly recording 13.54 and 27.24 for 100m and 200m, in the over 50 age group. Bethan Armory made her club debut with a 100m in 14.70, as an over 40, whilst Nicky Buckwell was not far away from her Tonbridge over 65 sprint records with 17.70 and 35.21. Over 55s Richard Christian (Long Jump 4.57m) and Ian Crawley (Shot Put 9.79m) impressed in the field, whilst Simon Fraser (800m 2.14.67) and Nichola Evans (3000m 10.51.68) were the fastest in their events, the latter setting a big personal best.
Racing at Chelmsford in the Essex Championships, Steve Strange finished second in both the 3000 metres on Saturday and 1500 metres on Sunday.
On the roads, two relative newcomers to Tonbridge AC showed terrific form at the Canterbury 10 miles road race, on Sunday. Neil McClements finished 2nd in 54.33 and Jay Smith 3rd in 54.33, with Helen Gaunt winning the women’s race in 64.36. Also on Sunday, Julian Rendall placed 4th in the East Peckham 10km road race in 35.30, gaining 3rd in the over 40 age category.
Parkrun UK has returned to action in the last couple of weeks, on Saturday mornings, including the Tonbridge event. Tonbridge AC had 39 members running at 16 different venues last Saturday, at these popular 5km runs.