HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week: 

Joseph Stenton, Benjamin Stenton, Sandra Dean, Graham Patterson, Jill Van Schie, Cathryn Whalley, Ben Sache, Hayden Howell, Eleanor Williams, Ellis Williams, Izzy Hall.

And Next Week: Richard Sykes, Ian Ackroyd, Claire Forshaw, Danny Paddock, Georgina Duffey, Tom O’Mahoney, Mack Tordoff, Ellie Fernyhough, Isla Thompson.

YOUR CLUB NEEDS HELP AND SUPPORT…

West Cheshire AC needs it’s members, parents and grandparents of members, as well as friends and volunteers to ensure we can deliver all that we do as a club.

So please help your Club organise two Open Track and Field Meetings and/or the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race.

The two Open Track and Field Meetings take place on Sunday 20th March and on Saturday 26th March, and the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race takes place on Wednesday 13th April.

Volunteers and officials are urgently needed at all of these fixtures to ensure they are a success. If you can help out please email Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]

THIS WEEKEND

SATURDAY – English National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill, London. You can watch the races live on our YouTube channel from 10:45am on Saturday 26th February. Watch here:

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – UK Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships, at Birmingham. You can watch both days of action on the BBC iPlayer, Red Button, and Website.

SUNDAY – Borders Road Running League, at Deeside College Athletics Track, Connah’s Quay, (11am start). Further details: www.bordersleague.org.uk/fixtures/

Good luck to all our athletes, officials, helpers and volunteers!

BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE UPDATE

The fourth round of the Borders League will take place this Sunday (27th February) in Deeside (11am start).

Keely Smith and Michael Young have been appointed women’s and men’s team captains respectively ahead of this fixture.

The men’s and women’s teams and veteran’s teams are all well placed after the first few rounds and all first claim and any second claim members whose primary club does not compete in the league are encouraged to participate. Anyone wishing to compete who is not already registered should email our road running officer, Ian Gloyne-Phillips at: [email protected]

OPEN TRACK & FIELD MEETINGS…

Please support West Cheshire AC’s Open Track & Field Meetings on Sunday 20th March and on Saturday 26th March, at the entry links below, as well as numerous other pre-season track & Field fixtures:

Sunday 20th March – West Cheshire AC Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Meeting. Entry link: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

Saturday 26th March – West Cheshire AC Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Meeting. Entry link: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

Saturday 2nd April – Trafford Medal Meeting, at Trafford. Entry link: www.traffordac.co.uk

Sunday 3rd April – Liverpool Harriers Ernie Gallagher Memorial Open Medal Meeting (Under 11s, Year 7s, Year 8s, and Year 9s). Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

Sunday, 3rd April – Liverpool Harriers TJ O’Mahoney Open Meeting (Men and Women). Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

Saturday 9th April – Warrington AC Open at Warrington. Entry link: www.warringtonathletic.org

Saturday 18th April – Trafford Medal Meeting at Trafford. Entry link: www.traffordac.co.uk

Saturday 23rd April – Macclesfield AC Open at Macclesfield. Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

ELLIS AND MACEY IMPRESS INDOORS AT DEESIDE

Ellis Williams and Macey Jones impressed at the North Wales Indoor Track and Field Championships, with Ellis grabbing victory with a time of 11.34 seconds in the 60m hurdles and Macey pocketing a silver medal in the 60m final with a time of 8.11 seconds.

NEIL AND LEWIS SHINE AT THE SEASIDE

Neil Hershaw celebrated success in his 55-59 age group with a time of 31 minutes 24 seconds at the Rhyl Five Miles Road Race, while Lewis Tandy posted 58 minutes 13 seconds for fifth place in his 21-34 age group and seventh position overall.at the Rhyl 10 Miles Road Race.

ELLIE, DAVE AND CARYS CELEBRATE PODIUM PLACES

Ellie Robinson, Dave Alexander, and Carys Roberts achieved top-three performances at the Manchester Area Cross Country League.

Ellie secured third position in her over-45 age group at Heaton Park, Manchester, while Dave earned third place in his over-50 age category, and Carys finished third in her under 17 women’s race alongside Jodi Bemand who was fifth.

Sammy Hollins secured fourth spot in the under 17 men’s race, ahead of Henry Robinson who was seventh.

Kate Titlow produced an impressive seventh position in the senior women’s race at Manchester, backed up by Debra Bemand who was 17th in her over-50 age group.

Thomas Rimmer achieved 11th spot in his under 13 boys race, while Sophie Haslam earned 19th place in the under 15 girls event.

Dylan Gledhill finished 21st in his last appearance in the under 11 boys age group.

Andrew Clague secured 10th place in his over-50 age group, while Neil Finegan was 13th in his over-45 age category, and Richard Hayes finished 17th in his over-50 age group.

LAURA AND NATHAN IMPRESS AT SHEFFIELD

Laura Turley clocked 58.80 seconds in her 400m heat and 57.04 in her semi-final at the British Universities and Colleges Indoor Championships at Sheffield, while Nathan Hilditch posted 10 minutes 9 seconds for the 3,000m.

2022 CLUB FIXTURE CARDS 

The Spring and Summer 2022 Club Fixture Cards are now ready to collect from the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track Office. Please pick one up when you are next at training.

EPSV TRACK FLOODLIGHTS UPDATE

All the EPSV Track Floodlights, apart from 3 bulbs, have been repaired and track and field training will now resume with a post Covid-19 training plan which is as follows:

MONDAYS (6-8pm)

Hurdles Group with Karl Fenney, using lanes 5, 6, 7 & 8 on home straight and 5 & 6 on final bend.

Middle Distance Group with Ian Ackroyd & Tim Palmer, using lanes 1 & 2.

Sprints Group with Jon Moss, using lanes 3, 4, 5 & 6 on back straight.

Plyometrics/High Jump Group with Jane Palmer, using the High Jump D.

Sprints/Long Jump Group with Victor Oyesola, using the Long Jump Runway.

Helsby Running Club, using lanes 1 & 2, twice a month.

TUESDAYS (6.30pm-8pm)

Under 11s group with Jill Gore, Joanne Cartwright, Glenn Hoskin, Aaron Scott & Adrian Gledhill, using lanes 1 and 2 and Long Jump Runway.

Senior Middle Distance Group with Graham Patterson, using lanes 3&4.

Junior Middle Distance group with Dennis Wall, Mark Duffey and Tim Durrant, using lane 3 &4.

400m group with Alan Littler, using lane 5&6.

Sprints group with Victor Oyesola, using lanes 6 7 &8  on straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using the Throws D, and work with another group for space on track.

THURSDAYS (6.30-8pm)

Senior Middle Distance Groups with Graham Patterson and Chris Morgan, using lanes 1 & 2.

Middle Distance Group with Ian Ackroyd & Tim Palmer, using lane 1&2.

6-8pm: 400m group with Alan Littler, using lane 3&4.

6-8pm: Sprints group with Jon Moss, using lanes 6, 7 & 8 on home straight.

Sprints group with Victor Oyesola, using lanes 5 & 6 on back straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using Throws D.

Multi-Events Group with Dennis Wall, Jane Palmer and Mark Duffey, using Long Jump & High Jump D’s.

SATURDAYS (10am-12 noon)

Multi-Events Group with Dennis Wall, Jane Palmer, and Joanne Cartwright, using lanes 1, 2, & 3, Long Jump & High Jump D’s.

Sprints group with Jon Moss and Alan Littler, using lanes 6, 7, & 8 on home straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using Throws D.

CLUB OFFICIALS NEEDED

Any Club members who are new or aspiring officials wanting to receive some valuable experience at any track and field meetings are needed to ensure our fixtures run smoothly. If you can help please contact Dennis at: [email protected]

England Athletics are organising courses if you are interested in beginning your officiating journey. Throughout February and March, they have a range of Level 1 courses: Field Official (19, 31 March) and Track Official (24 March). Find out more and book your place:

START YOUR COACHING JOURNEY

Would you like to make a difference and become an athletics coach at West Cheshire AC? From the Leading Athletics course, to Coaching Athletics and discipline-specific courses, there’s a qualification for everyone. Find out more and see available dates now at:

INDOOR ATHLETICS FIXTURES UPDATE

Entries are now open for the Sale Harriers Manchester series of indoor open athletics fixtures at SportCity, Manchester, on Saturday, March 5, (NOT SUNDAY, MARCH 6), and Sunday, March 13. Further details can be found at: www.saleharriersmanchester.com and the online entries link is here: www.race-results.co.uk

ENTRIES for the England Athletics Indoor Championships are scheduled to take place at the EIS Sheffield.

12-13 March 2022: England Athletics U15/U17 Combined Events Indoor Championships.

UPDATED CLUB RECORDS

Many thanks to Mike Lamb who has updated extensive and interactive tables showing the progression of male and female records across track and field events and age groups.

Also click on the links for up-to-date progressions of age group road records for female and male club members since the club was formed.

The Club Records page on the Club Website can be found here: www.westcheshireac.co.uk/club-records/

CHESHIRE ROAD RACE GRAND PRIX

Cheshire County AA chairman, Andy Garnett, is wanting someone from West Cheshire AC to join a sub-committee group to help review and promote a new Cheshire Road Race Grand Prix Series. Anyone wanting to help should contact Andy at: [email protected]

FELL RUNNING UPDATE

Please note the dates and venues for the 2022 British Inter-Counties Senior Mountain Race and Junior Hill & Fell Championships:

• The Senior British Inter-Counties Mountain Race is organised on behalf of the UK Counties Athletics Union by the Mountain Running Advisory Group Sub-Committee (MRAG) of British Athletics. The 2022 race will be held at Llanberis (North Wales) on Saturday 7th May.

• The Junior British Inter-Counties Hill and Fell Championships are organised by the Fell Runners Association (FRA) on behalf of the UK Counties Athletics Union. The 2022 Junior British Inter-Counties Hill & Fell Championships will be organised by Wharfedale Harriers on Sunday 15th May 2022.

Further details about these races can be found on the website: www.britishintercountiesfellrunningchampionships.wordpress.com

Please can anyone interested in being considered for Cheshire Selection forward details to Team Manager Nick Bishop: [email protected]

This is an opportunity to be considered for Cheshire selection.

CLUB KIT CO-ORDINATORS

West Cheshire AC is in need of volunteers to look after Club Kit before and/or after Club Training Sessions at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track. If you can help please contact Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]

SIX West Cheshire Athletic Club members secured podium places at the weekend.

Ellis Williams and Macey Jones impressed at the North Wales Indoor Track and Field Championships, while Neil Hershaw excelled at the seaside, and Ellie Robinson, Dave Alexander, and Carys Roberts achieved top-three age group performances at the Manchester Area Cross Country League.

Ellis grabbed victory with a time of 11.34 seconds in the 60m hurdles at the indoor fixture held at Deeside College, Connah’s Quay, alongside Macey who pocketed a silver medal in the 60m final with a time of 8.11 seconds.

Neil celebrated success in his 55-59 age group with a time of 31 minutes 24 seconds at the Rhyl Five Miles Road Race, while Lewis Tandy posted 58 minutes 13 seconds for seventh place at the Rhyl 10 Miles Road Race.

Ellie secured third position in her over-45 age group at Heaton Park, Manchester, behind Kate Titlow, who achieved an impressive seventh position overall in the women’s race. Both were backed up by Debra Bemand, who was 17th in her over-50 age group.

Neil Finegan led home the West Cheshire AC men’s team at Manchester, finishing 13th in his over-45 age category, ahead of Dave Alexander, Andrew Clague and Richard Hayes, who were 3rd, 9th and 17th respectively in the over-50 age group.

Carys Roberts finished third in her under 17 women’s race, followed closely by Jodi Bemand in fifth. Sammy Hollins secured fourth spot in the under 17 men’s race, ahead of Henry Robinson inseventh.

Thomas Rimmer achieved 11th spot in his under 13 boys race, while Sophie Haslam earned 19th place in the under 15 girls event. Dylan Gledhill finished 21st in his last appearance in the under 11 boys age group.

FIXTURES this weekend include the English National Cross Country Championships, at Parliament Hill, London, on Saturday, and the fourth round of the Borders Road Running League being hosted by Deestriders Running Club, at Deeside College, Connah’s Quay, on Sunday, (11am start).

ANYONE wanting to enter the Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Track and Field Meetings being organised by West Cheshire AC at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Sunday, March 20, and Saturday, March 26, can do so online at: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

ENTRIES are now open for the popular Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, Chester, on Wednesday, April 13, (7pm start). The online entry link is: www.niftyentries.com/wcac

WEST CHESHIRE AC will host no fewer than 12 track and field meetings this year at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

After organising the two Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Meetings, the club will host the first round of the Northern Track and Field League on Saturday, April 30, before organising the West Cheshire AC Schools Cup fixture for locally-based high schools on Thursday, May 12.

The Club will play host to the English Schools Track and Field Cup County Round on Wednesday, May 18, and the North West Regional B Final on Wednesday, June 8, and then host the Cheshire Schools Championships on Saturday, June 11, before organising the Cheshire v Merseyside Year 7 Schools fixture on Wednesday, June 29.

The Club will host the third round of the Under 13s/Under 15s Youth Development League on Sunday, July 3, before organising two Cheshire League matches on Sunday, July 17, and Saturday, September 4.

NATHAN BRASSINGTON and Emma Holmes secured podium places at the England Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club duo starred at the regional event held at the English Institute of Sport Arena in Sheffield.

Nathan added to his two Northern gold medal performances from the previous week with two silver medal performances, achieving a clearance of 1-73m in the under 15 boys high jump, and hitting 11.39m in the shot put.

Emma earned a bronze medal in the under 17 women’s 300m final with a personal best time of 40.10 seconds after posting 40.61 in her heat and 40.69 in her semi-final.

Emily Owen, who grabbed glory in the Northern Indoor 60m final last week, finished fifth in the England Athletics under 15 girls final on Saturday with a time of 7.97 seconds, having posted 8.01 in her heat and a new personal best of 7.92 in her semi-final.

Holly Bosworth cleared 1-64m for seventh position in the under 15 girls high jump final despite feeling unwell.

Macy Brett achieved personal bests of 9.64 seconds and 9.56 seconds in her under 15 girls 60m hurdles heat and semi-final.

Ruby Wisbey posted 9.43 seconds in her under 17 ladies 60m hurdles heat and 9.22 seconds in her semi-final.

And Lewis Parsons clocked 7.58 seconds in his under 17 men’s 60m heat.

NEIL FINEGAN, of West Cheshire AC, celebrated success in his over-45 men’s age group category at the Parbold Hill Race, posting 46 minutes for ninth spot overall.

JOSEPH MORRISON clocked a new West Cheshire AC indoor mile record of 4:05:92 at the GVSU Big Meet Friday at the Grand Valley State-Laker Turf Building, in Allendale, USA.

Joseph represented Illinois University and it was his third race since he arrived in America having previously appeared in two 800m races, achieving times of 1:51:61 and 1:51:31.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Manchester Area Cross Country League fixture at Heaton Park, Manchester, this Saturday. The timetable is: 12 noon – Under 11 Girls and Under 11 Boys; 12.15pm – Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys; 12.30pm – Under 15 Girls and Under 15 Boys; 12.50pm – Under 17 Ladies and Under 17 Men; 1.30pm – Senior, Under 20 and Veteran Women; 2.30pm – Senior, Under 20 and Veteran Men.

The Village Bakery Wrexham Half Marathon takes place on Sunday (10am start), the same day as the Ruthin 5k and 10k Races, and the North Wales Indoor Track and Field Championships at Connah’s Quay, Deeside.

THE fourth round of the Borders Road Running League will be hosted by Deestriders Running Club, at Deeside College, Connah’s Quay, on Sunday, February 27, (11am start).

ANYONE wanting to enter the Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Track and Field Meetings being organised by West Cheshire AC at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Sunday, March 20, and Saturday, March 26, can do so online at: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

ENTRIES are now open for the popular Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, Chester, on Wednesday, April 13, (7pm start). The online entry link is here: www.niftyentries.com/wcac

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Many happy returns to the following Club members who celebrate their birthdays this week:

Trevor Holmes, Laura Turley, Anna Powell, Cara Hollingsworth, Gabriel Mikoleizik, Chloe Poole, Sheila Whitta, Ellie Robinson, Dennis Wall, Audra Goodall.

And Next Week: Graham Wells, Ben McKean, Alice Davoren, Oliver Wells, Amelia McLintock, William Mallon, Grace Andrews.

THIS WEEKEND

SATURDAY – England Athletics Age Group (U15s/U17s/U20s) Indoor Track and Field Championships, at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport.

SUNDAY – England Athletics Age Group (U15s/U17s/U20s) Indoor Track and Field Championships, at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport.

Good luck to all our athletes, officials, helpers and volunteers!

EPSV TRACK FLOODLIGHTS UPDATE

All the EPSV Track Floodlights, apart from 3 bulbs, have been repaired and track and field training will now resume with a post Covid-19 training plan which is as follows:

MONDAYS (6-8pm)

Hurdles Group with Karl Fenney, using lanes 5, 6, 7 & 8 on home straight and 5 & 6 on final bend.

Middle Distance Group with Ian Ackroyd & Tim Palmer, using lanes 1 & 2.

Sprints Group with Jon Moss, using lanes 3, 4, 5 & 6 on back straight.

Plyometrics/High Jump Group with Jane Palmer, using the High Jump D.

Sprints/Long Jump Group with Victor Oyesola, using the Long Jump Runway.

Helsby Running Club, using lanes 1 & 2, twice a month.

TUESDAYS (6.30pm-8pm)

Under 11s group with Jill Gore, Joanne Cartwright, Glenn Hoskin, Aaron Scott & Adrian Gledhill, using lanes 1 and 2 and Long Jump Runway.

Senior Middle Distance Group with Graham Patterson, using lanes 3&4.

Junior Middle Distance group with Dennis Wall, Mark Duffey and Tim Durrant, using lane 3 &4.

400m group with Alan Littler, using lane 5&6.

Sprints group with Victor Oyesola, using lanes 6 7 &8  on straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using the Throws D, and work with another group for space on track.

THURSDAYS (6.30-8pm)

Senior Middle Distance Groups with Graham Patterson and Chris Morgan, using lanes 1 & 2.

Middle Distance Group with Ian Ackroyd & Tim Palmer, using lane 1&2.

6-8pm: 400m group with Alan Littler, using lane 3&4.

6-8pm: Sprints group with Jon Moss, using lanes 6, 7 & 8 on home straight.

Sprints group with Victor Oyesola, using lanes 5 & 6 on back straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using Throws D.

Multi-Events Group with Dennis Wall, Jane Palmer and Mark Duffey, using Long Jump & High Jump D’s.

SATURDAYS (10am-12 noon)

Multi-Events Group with Dennis Wall, Jane Palmer, and Joanne Cartwright, using lanes 1, 2, & 3, Long Jump & High Jump D’s.

Sprints group with Jon Moss and Alan Littler, using lanes 6, 7, & 8 on home straight.

Throws group with Dave McKay and Jenny Manning, using Throws D.

HILL AND TRAIL TRAINING SESSION INVITE

A Club Hill/Trail/Cross Country training session will take place this Sunday morning at Mollington golf course. Meet at the Oak Tree Pub Car Park, near the Countess of Chester Hospital between 09.45 and 10.00am. Or at the actual location around 10ish behind the canal bridge.

PLEASE HELP YOUR CLUB!

West Cheshire AC is organising two Open Track and Field Meetings on Sunday 20th March and on Saturday 26th March in memory of former Club President, Dan Gilroy, instead of organising pre-season Club Trials.

Entries are now being accepted for the two fixtures on this link: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

Volunteers and officials are urgently needed at both fixtures to ensure they prove a success. If you can help out at the fixtures at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track please email Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]

2022 CHESTER SPRING FIVE MILES ROAD RACE

Entries are now being accepted for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being hosted by West Cheshire AC on Wednesday 13th April (7pm start). Please remember that if you are running you will need to provide a volunteer to help out at the event and email Dennis ASAP with the name of your volunteer at: [email protected]

ROAD RUNNING UPDATE

The fourth round of the Borders League will take place on Sunday 27 February in Deeside.

Ahead of this race the club is pleased to announce that Keely Smith and Michael Young have been appointed women’s and men’s team captains respectively.

The men’s and women’s teams and veteran’s teams are all well placed after the first few rounds and all first claim and any second claim members whose primary club does not compete in the league are encouraged to participate. Anyone wishing to compete who is not already registered should email: [email protected]

CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN AND EMILY!

Nathan Brassington and Emily Owen delivered gold medal performances at the Northern Indoor U13 and U15 Track and Field Championships held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Nathan cleared 1-65m in the under 15 boys high jump and hit 12.10m in the shot put to secure a double success story.

And Emily celebrated victory in the under 15 girls 60m final with a time of 7.97 seconds after winning her heat in a club record time of 7.93 and her semi-final in 8.00 seconds.

The pair were joined at the event by Theo Shepherd, Lydia Walker, Macy Brett, Macey Jones, Sophie Haslam, and Teresa Arvidsson.

Theo clocked a new personal best under 15 boys 200m time of 25.51 seconds for fourth spot in the final and was eighth in the 60m final with 8.13 seconds.

Lydia finished fourth with a time of 8.73 seconds in the under 13 girls 60m final, while Macy posted 9.88 seconds for sixth position in the under 15 girls 60m hurdles final, and was fourth in her 200m semi-final after posting 28.05 seconds in her heat.

Macey was eighth with 8.51 seconds in her under 13 girls 60m semi-final and posted 28.55 seconds in her 200m heat.

Sophie finished fifth in her 200m semi-final after posting 28.13 seconds in her heat, clocked 2:33.01 in her 800m, and long jumped 4.39m, while Teresa posted 9.02 seconds in her under 15 girls 60m heat and long jumped 3.72m.

CLASS ACTS AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Several West Cheshire AC members have secured their places in the Cheshire team for the English Schools Cross Country Championships to be held in Kent, on March 19.

Jamie Richardson, Henry Robinson, Jodi Bemand, Jessica Lark, Carys Roberts, and Luke Parker all achieved top-five positions at Saturday’s Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships held at Knights Grange, Winsford.

Jamie and Henry were second and fifth respectively in the Senior Boys race, while Jodi was fourth in the Senior Girls event, Jessica and Carys were second and fourth in the Intermediate Girls race, and Luke was second in the Intermediate Boys race.

Six West Cheshire AC members will represent Cheshire in the Minors Year Seven Schools fixture against Merseyside at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Wednesday, March 23.

Emilia Pyper (fifth), Sophie Mulcaster (eighth), Eleanor Wheeler (14th), and Ruby Billington (18th) completed the Minor Girls Race at Winsford and earn County vests, while Tom Rimmer (second), and Hugo McLintock (sixth), will represent Cheshire in the Minor Boys race.

NEIL AND JODI GRAB GLORY IN THE MUD

Neil Finegan and Jodi Bemand won their age group categories at the latest round of the North Wales Cross Country League held at Marches School, Oswestry.

Neil was first home in his over-45 age group and 10th overall in the men’s race, supported by club mates Dave Alexander (second over-50 man and 25th overall), Dave Sutton (sixth over-45 man and 39th overall), Paul Morrison (third over-20 man and 42nd overall), Andrew Clague (third over-50 man and 43rd overall), and Richard Hayes (fifth over-50 man and 57th overall), to earn fifth team spot on the day and fifth team position overall in Division One.

Jodi was first home in her under 17 ladies age group and ninth overall in the women’s race, backed up by club mates Claire Harris (27th), Ellie Robinson (fifth over-45 lady and 29th overall), Henrietta Duffey (sixth under 17 lady and 52nd overall), Angela Tegg (12th over-45 lady and 55th overall), Joy Hickman (eighth over-55 lady and 58th overall), and Debra Bemand (second over-50 lady and 60th overall), to earn fourth team position on the day and fifth team spot overall in Division One.

OPEN TRACK & FIELD MEETINGS…

As well as West Cheshire AC’s Open Track & Field Meetings on Sunday 20th March and on Saturday 26th March, there are numerous other pre-season track & Field fixtures on the horizon which you might want to enter:

Sunday 20th March – West Cheshire AC Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Meeting. Entry link: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

Saturday 26th March – West Cheshire AC Dan Gilroy Memorial Open Meeting. Entry link: http://wcac.niftyentries.com/Dan-Gilroy-Memorial-Open-Track-and-Field-Meetings

Saturday 2nd April – Trafford Medal Meeting, at Trafford. Entry link: www.traffordac.co.uk

Sunday 3rd April – Liverpool Harriers Ernie Gallagher Memorial Open Medal Meeting (Under 11s, Year 7s, Year 8s, and Year 9s). Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

Sunday, 3rd April – Liverpool Harriers TJ O’Mahoney Open Meeting (Men and Women). Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

Saturday 9th April – Warrington AC Open at Warrington. Entry link: www.warringtonathletic.org

Saturday 18th April – Trafford Medal Meeting at Trafford. Entry link: www.traffordac.co.uk

Saturday 23rd April – Macclesfield AC Open at Macclesfield. Entry link: www.race-results.co.uk/results//2022/

RUNNING MOVEMENT WORKSHOP

Nigel Crompton, at Birkenhead AC, is organising a Six Week Running Movement Workshop at Heswall which begins on Monday 21st February (7pm), covering Balance – Strength – Mobility.

· Do you get confused about correct running form?

· Have you tried to change your ‘form’ but feel it hasn’t really worked?

· Do you suffer from the same injuries over and over again?

· Do you feel your running could be more natural, more balanced, less forced?

· Do you want to improve your running style, your running economy, your running performance?

Nigel is a UK Athletics qualified running coach and Corrective Exercise Specialist trained in the Anatomy in Motion system which looks at restoring natural movement patterns to prevent or resolve injury.

Through this course you will learn: How joints and muscles work while running and movement patterns to enhance their action; How to build strength appropriate to running; How to develop mobility (but absolutely NO stretching!) to better perform as a runner; Build elastic recoil to power your run; Improve issues of gait such as ‘overpronation’ naturally.

Cost is payable at commencement of course – £90 for six weeks. To book on or for further information please email: [email protected]

CLUB OFFICIALS NEEDED

Any Club members who are new or aspiring officials wanting to receive some valuable experience at any track and field meetings are needed to ensure our fixtures run smoothly. If you can help please contact Dennis at: [email protected]

England Athletics are organising courses if you are interested in beginning your officiating journey. Throughout February and March, they have a range of Level 1 courses: Field Official (22 Feb, 19, 31 March) and Track Official (24 March). Find out more and book your place: https://bit.ly/OffLev1

START YOUR COACHING JOURNEY

Would you like to make a difference and become an athletics coach at West Cheshire AC? From the Leading Athletics course, to Coaching Athletics and discipline-specific courses, there’s a qualification for everyone. Find out more and see available dates now at: https://bit.ly/AthCoachingCourses

INDOOR ATHLETICS FIXTURES UPDATE

Entries are now open for the Sale Harriers Manchester series of indoor open athletics fixtures at SportCity, Manchester, on Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 13. Further details can be found at: www.saleharriersmanchester.com and the online entries link is here: www.race-results.co.uk

ENTRIES for the England Athletics Indoor Championships are scheduled to take place at the EIS Sheffield.

12-13 March 2022: England Athletics U15/U17 Combined Events Indoor Championships.

UPDATED CLUB RECORDS

Many thanks to Mike Lamb who has updated extensive and interactive tables showing the progression of male and female records across track and field events and age groups.

Also click on the links for up-to-date progressions of age group road records for female and male club members since the club was formed.

The Club Records page on the Club Website can be found here: www.westcheshireac.co.uk/club-records/

CHESHIRE ROAD RACE GRAND PRIX

Cheshire County AA chairman, Andy Garnett, is wanting someone from West Cheshire AC to join a sub-committee group to help review and promote a new Cheshire Road Race Grand Prix Series. Anyone wanting to help should contact Andy at: [email protected]

FELL RUNNING UPDATE

Please note the dates and venues for the 2022 British Inter-Counties Senior Mountain Race and Junior Hill & Fell Championships:

• The Senior British Inter-Counties Mountain Race is organised on behalf of the UK Counties Athletics Union by the Mountain Running Advisory Group Sub-Committee (MRAG) of British Athletics. The 2022 race will be held at Llanberis (North Wales) on Saturday 7th May.

• The Junior British Inter-Counties Hill and Fell Championships are organised by the Fell Runners Association (FRA) on behalf of the UK Counties Athletics Union. The 2022 Junior British Inter-Counties Hill & Fell Championships will be organised by Wharfedale Harriers on Sunday 15th May 2022.

Further details about these races can be found on the website: www.britishintercountiesfellrunningchampionships.wordpress.com

Please can anyone interested in being considered for Cheshire Selection forward details to Team Manager Nick Bishop: [email protected]

This is an opportunity to be considered for Cheshire selection.

CLUB KIT CO-ORDINATORS West Cheshire AC is in need of volunteers to look after Club Kit before and/or after Club Training Sessions at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track. If you can help please contact Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]