ATHLETICS

by Dennis Wall

ARWEN THORNE and Ella Bibby starred for West Cheshire Athletic Club on Sunday.

The pair earned two of the top 10 scoring performances at Wavertree, Liverpool, during the second round of the Under 18 and Under 20 Youth Development Track and Field League.

Arwen won the under 18 women’s javelin with a throw of 44.33m and cleared 1-65m for success in the under 18 women’s high jump, while Ella posted a winning time of 24.86 seconds in the under 20 women’s 200m and added victory in the 100m (12.53).

Lucca Tardivel produced a double success story from the under 20 men’s 100m (11.22 seconds) and 200m (22.74).

Dun Xue grabbed glory in the under 20 men’s discus (36.57m) and hammer (47.10m).

Josh Stirling (11.41 and 22.81) and Jacob Gardner (11.58 and 22.79) teamed up for maximum points in the under 18 men’s 100m and 200m.

Liliana Boelger rounded the under 20 women’s 400m hurdles in a winning time of 71.95 seconds.

Sidney Shorrock hit 12.34m for success in the under 18 women’s shot put.

Jess Mann (25.36) and Imogen Fives (26.27) posted victories in the under 18 women’s 200m races.

Ruby Billington cleared 1-45m for victory in the under 18 women’s B high jump.

Beth Manson clocked a winning time of 27.11 seconds in the under 20 women’s B 200m. 

Eleanor Wheeler posted a winning time of 63.61 seconds in the under 18 women’s B 400m.

Other point scoring performances were achieved by Jacob Reese and Erin Barnard. 

MATCH RESULT: 1 North Wales 556 points; 2 Trafford AC 519; 3 Liverpool Harriers & AC 458; 4= Wigan & District H & AC and Blackburn Harriers & AC 411; 6 Wirral AC 369; 7 West Cheshire AC 304.

The next fixture will be held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Sunday, July 12.

SEVERAL West Cheshire members travelled to the North East to represent Cheshire in the Inter Counties Track and Field Championships.

Dylan Gledhill clocked 40.27 seconds for fourth spot in the 300m, while Amelia Owen hit a new personal best of 10.02m for sixth place in the shot put.

Evie Smith cleared 1-55m for fourth position in the high jump, while Maya Jennings clocked 26.09 seconds in the 200m and 42.62 in the 300m.

Lewis Morris clocked 8:54.02 for second spot in the 3,000m, while Satine Wearden hit 42.57m for third spot in the hammer, and Harriet Beattie posted 43.65 in the 300m.

LEWIS MORRIS was the first of eight West Cheshire finishers at Friday night’s Mid Cheshire 5k Road Race.

Lewis posted 14:29 for second spot in his under 21 age group and was 14th overall, ahead of Scott Wells (16:09), Steve King (17:27), Graham Wells (17:34), Sarah Hunter (second over-35 lady in 17:55), Luke Parker (18:30), Chris Shaw (18:59), and Sallyann Harper (23:13). 

FIXTURES this weekend include the second round of the Under 14 and Under 16 Youth Development Track and Field League at Wavertree, Liverpool, on Sunday; the Great Manchester Run (10k and Half Marathon), on Sunday, and the Wirral Running Festival, at Wallasey, on Sunday.

by Dennis Wall

HARRIET WHEELER made her Great Britain debut on Sunday.

The talented West Cheshire Athletic Club thrower represented the GB under 20 junior team at the Loughborough International against the best javelin throwers in Great Britain and achieved 46.82m to finish fifth.

Harriet, who was the youngest competitor in the event, had registered a new under 20 women’s record of 47.05m at the Cheshire Championships the previous weekend at Warrington.

MATTHEW DOUGLASS was West Cheshire’s first finisher at Sunday’s Chester Half Marathon.

Matthew crossed the Northgate Street finishing line in a time of 1:16:57 for 14th position in the under 35 men’s age category and was 31st finisher overall.

He was backed up by club mates Steve Fernyhough (12th over-40 man in 1:20:37); Graham Wells (fifth over-50 man in 1:23:10); Rob Little (11th over-45 man in 1:24:04); Andrew Clague (17th over-55 man in 1:31:50); Luke Ellis (1:35:10); Kevin Eaton (1:36:29); Sonia McNichol (12th over-35 lady in 1:35:49); Jake Hidden Deveson (1:38:20); Brian Cremin (1:37:18); Steve Hillier (1:39:47); Claire Harris (1:44:49); Phil Gent (1:45:10); Sallyann Harper (19th over-50 lady in 1:48:24); Andrew Gore (1:48); Peter Kerestur (1:46:59); Amy Mills (1:49:50); Melissa Pugh (1:52:48); Stephen Ball (1:59:53).

ELLA BIBBY and Imogen Pughe impressed for West Cheshire on Saturday during the opening round of the Northern Track and Field League West Premier Division fixture.

Ella (12.50 and 59.40) and Imogen (12.80 and 58.30) teamed up for a double celebration in the 100m and 400m at Bury’s Market Street track, and Imogen added a victory from the B 200m in 26.50 seconds.

Satine Wearden won the B hammer with 35.43m and Andrew Gore launched the javelin to a winning mark of 36.13m for maximum points from the B competition.

Other point-scoring performances were achieved by Josh Stirling, Andy Parker, Alan Littler, Paul Morrison, Lewis Morris, Scott Wells, Sam Oliver, Graham Wells, Dave McKay, Dun Xue, Holly Bosworth, Ellie Robinson, Anest Muller, Cosette Wearden, Joy Hickman, Danielle Erskine, Anita Boreham, Claire Smith, and Megan Kettle.

MATCH RESULT: 1 Trafford AC 411 points; 2 Blackburn Harriers & AC 348.5; 3 Sale Harriers Manchester 338; 4 Bury AC 337; 5 West Cheshire AC 305; 6 Wirral AC 284.5.

The next round will take place at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Sunday, June 21.

VIOLET THORNE, Abby Gamble and Toby Honeyborne Kelly celebrated double success stories at the second round of the Cheshire Track and Field Grand Prix, at Macclesfield, on Sunday.

Violet powered her way to victory in the under 16 girls javelin (22.24m) and hammer (25.72m), while Abby grabbed glory in the under 12 girls high jump (1-25m) and javelin (12.67m), and Toby triumphed in the under 12 boys high jump (1-25m) and javelin (19.60m).

Heidi Anstey won the under 12 girls 150m in 21.49 seconds, while Harriet Bartlett won the under 10 girls howler throw with 8.80m, and Jacob Gardner clocked a winning time of 23.17 seconds in the under 18 men’s 200m.

Other placed performances for West Cheshire athletes included Max Molloy’s 1-20m clearance in the under 12 boys high jump, Evie Whittaker’s time of 12.44 in the under 16 girls 80m hurdles, Sakia Keresturova’s 4.40m in the under 14 girls long jump, John Velasquez’s 26.48 time in the under 16 boys 200m, Niall Betteridge’s 1:51:81 in the under 12 boys 800m, Hermione Allison’s 11.22m in the under 12 girls javelin, and George Grimsditch’s time of 2:28:15 in the under 16 boys 800m.

The next round of the Cheshire Track and Field Grand Prix will be held at Ashton Under Lyne, on Sunday, July 5.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Mid Cheshire 5k Road Race on Friday; the second round of the Under 18 and Under 20 Youth Development Track and Field League at Wavertree, Liverpool, on Sunday; and the Northern Under 16 and Under 18 Inter Counties Championships, at Shildon, County Durham, on Monday.

THE first Wirral Multi Terrain 6 Miles Beach and Trail Race of the year is taking place on Tuesday, June 2 (7.15pm start). This one is an open race for all over 16. Enter at: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

ENTRIES are now open for the Northern Athletics Under 14 and Under 16 Track and Field Championships taking place at Leigh, on June 27 and 28. The online entry link is: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=28375&utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio&fbclid=IwY2xjawR4Ww1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkko1NZ6HBbUjWjClXOSc-FD9-Wr21uZJifJpJPDJwqScFNHo-4PCSeFEyzE_aem_PM-ZZYJ3MDELGtZv3-bQFg

⁠DEESTRIDERS are inviting entries for their Off Road four miles multi terrain race series taking place at Rowleys Drive, Shotton, on Thursdays, June 4, July 2, August 6, and Friday, September 4. The entry link is: deestriders.niftyentries.com

THE 54th running of the Birkenhead Park 5 Mile Race taking place of Wednesday, July 22, is now live for entries at:https://wirralathleticclub.co.uk/birkenhead-park-5The race starts at 7pm outside St Mary’s Cricket Club, in the Lower Park (near the visitor centre).

ENTRIES are now open for the Ellesmere Port RC 5km Road Race at Capenhurst on Wednesday, August 12 (7.15pm start). The online entry link is: https://eprc.niftyentries.com/Ellesmere-Port-RC-5K-Wed-12th-Aug-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWiVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpxbwFtruzfnTBcSZRH_vNERWrSvNW2l8K0fPrZeOKJrEkNso_wfzv9XveIo_aem_f_9FJuoUdQFTCe4hg-ohEw

ENTRIES close on Friday, May 22, for the Northern Athletics Under 18, Under 20 and Senior Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hull. The online entry link is: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=28380&fbclid=IwY2xjawRfS1BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh7NPkUS6DP9kMep5-VnLgcrUMp66U4GLwfh5ut4mU6gFqYulRn8mm5J71oR_aem_2qCdcHJjl09zX0XSm56CzQ

FIXTURES for the 2026-27 North Wales Cross Country League have been announced.

The first round will be held on October 3 at St Asaph, round two will be on October 31 at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, round three will be at Bala on November 28, round four will be at Leaton Forest on January 30, and the final round will be at Marches School, Oswestry, on February 13.

Races and approximate distances at each round will be: Under 16 Boys – 3 miles; Under 16 Girls and Under 14 Boys – 2.5 miles; Under 14 Girls and Under 12 Boys – 2 miles; Under 12 Girls and Under 10 Boys – 1.5 miles; Under 10 Girls – 1 mile; Women, and Men 65+ – 3-3.5 miles; Men under 65 – 5 miles.

The North Wales Cross Country Championships will be held on January 9, near Prestatyn.

FURTHER details about West Cheshire Athletic Club can be found at: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

ATHLETICS
by Dennis Wall

HARRIET WHEELER powered her way to a Championship record at Warrington on Sunday.

The talented West Cheshire thrower launched the javelin to a distance of 47.05m to claim a gold medal in the under 20 women’s event at the Cheshire Track and Field Championships.

Harriet’s victory followed an impressive throw of 48.21m in Peterborough which nailed number one spot for her age group in the UK ranking list.

Harriet was one of 39 West Cheshire gold medallists at Warrington during the two-day championships, while Mia Johnson and Lucca Tardivel celebrated double success stories at the North Wales Regional Championships, held at Treborth, Bangor.

Mia claimed titles from the under 16 girls 100m (12.73) and 200m (26.18), while Lucca registered victories in the under 18 men’s 100m (11.32) and 200m (22.94).

West Cheshire, who were represented by 77 members at Warrington, pocketed no fewer than 78 medals at the Cheshire Championships (39 gold, 21 silver, and 18 bronze).

Celebrating title-winning performances were Dun Xue, under 20 men’s hammer (46.36), discus (35.90m), and shot put (11.54m); Dave McKay, senior men’s hammer (42.72m), and javelin (44.56m); Satine Wearden, under 18 women’s hammer (43.62m); Megan Kettle, senior women’s hammer (37.33m); Violet Thorne, under 16 women’s hammer (27.83m), discus (28.68m), javelin (20.28m); Saskia Keresturova, under 14 girls long jump (4.40m), javelin (22.75m); Charles Uchenna, under 12 boys 75m (10.22), 150m (20.25); Heidi Anstey, under 12 girls 75m (10.45), 150m (20.95); Ruby Billington, under 18 women’s high jump (1-48m); Claire Smith, senior women’s high jump (1-48m); Dylan Gledhill, under 16 boys discus (26.22m), javelin (45.82m); Tristan Lee, under 14 boys 100m (12.58); Alba March, under 18 women’s 100m (12.17), 200m (24.98); Lewis Parsons, senior men’s 400m (51.08), 200m (23.32); Maya Jennings, under 16 women’s 300m (40.91), 200m (25.29); Sidney Shorrock, under 18 women’s discus (40.39); Scott Wells, under 18 men’s 1500m (4:22.25); Arwen Thorne, under 18 women’s javelin (39.88m); Evie Jane Smith, under 16 girls high jump (1-57m); Freya Whittaker, under 14 girls high jump (1-40m); Sam Oliver, senior men’s 3,000m (9:24.20), 800m (2:01.43); Poppy McKenna, under 14 girls 75m hurdles (11.93); Evie Whittaker, under 16 girls 80m hurdles (12.61); Amelia Owen, under 16 girls shot put (9.49m); and Dan Walker, under 18 men’s 800m (2:01.11).

West Cheshire’s silver medallists were: Amber Billington, under 16 girls 300m hurdles (49.54); Polly Morait, under 12 girls 75m (10.53); Easham Williams, under 14 boys 100m (12.74); Charles Owen, under 12 boys shot put (6.20m); Amelia Owen, under 16 girls discus (22.78m); Emily Hamilton, under 14 girls discus (20.46m); Dylan Gledhill, under 16 boys 300m (39.27m); Abby Gamble, under 12 girls 600m (1:53.75), 150m (22.13), javelin (14.91m); Paul Morrison, senior men’s 1500m (4:16.14), 800m (2:01.44); Danielle Erskine, senior women’s triple jump (9.35m); Tristan Lee, under 14 boys 200m (25.76); Evie Whittaker, under 16 girls high jump (1-45m); Dave McKay, senior men’s shot put (10.04m); Toby Honeyborne-Kelly, under 12 boys javelin (18.55m); Jacob Gardner, under 18 men’s 200m (23.02); Vera Vatan, under 14 girls 75m hurdles (12.74); Violet Thorne, under 16 girls shot put (9.38m); and Lucas Sawyer, under 14 boys 800m (2:14.47).

And West Cheshire’s bronze medallists included: Dan Crosby, under 16 boys 100m (12.24); Isla Lambert, under 14 girls discus (15.55m); Beth Duke, under 18 women’s 100m (13.69); Erin Barnard, under 18 women’s 400m (60.47); Alan Littler, senior men’s 400m (55.59); Harriet Beattie, under 16 women’s 300m (44.76), 1500m (5:49.67); Jayden Walls, under 16 boys 300m (39.64); Dave McKay, senior men’s discus (29.39m); Sharon Stoll, senior women’s discus (15.26m); Eashan Williams, under 14 boys 200m (26.50); Poppy McKenna, under 14 girls high jump (1-40m), 800m (2:30.29); Saskia Keresturova, under 14 girls 200m (28.05); Merryn Thorne, under 14 girls javelin (14.52m); Beth Manson, under 18 women’s 200m (26.40); Wycombe King, senior men’s 200m (25.50); and Nia Manson, under 16 girls 800m (2:26.36).

JODI BEMAND represented the UK in the Youth Skyrunning World Championships held in Makarska, Croatia.

Jodi’s 4.5km race had a 980m+ vertical climb and she finished a creditable 14th in a world class field, and she completed the 20.5km SKY Race with a 1,450m+ vertical climb as part of the same championship and finished 11th.

LEWIS MORRIS clocked 15:08 for first spot in his under 20 age group and sixth spot overall in Friday night’s Christleton 5k Road Race.

He was joined at the fixture by Sam Oliver (15:37); Scott Wells (15:58); Finley Stewart (16:46); Steve King (17:03); Eliot Quaglierini (17:07); Max Henderson (17:08); Graham Wells (17:31); Leon Betteridge (18:19); Chris Shaw (18:50); Mark Davies (19:08); Emilia Pyper (19:23); Morgan Edwards (19:48); Aoife Roberts (20:19); Mark Robinson (20:17); Alan Roberts (20:35); Phil Gent (23:43); and Andy Carter (24:05).

FIXTURES this weekend include the first round of the Northern Track and Field League at Bury on Saturday; the Chester Half Marathon on Sunday from Chester Racecourse; and the second round of the Cheshire Track and Field Grand Prix, at Macclesfield, on Sunday.

THE first Wirral Multi Terrain 6 Miles Beach and Trail Race of the year is taking place on Tuesday, June 2 (7.15pm start). This one is an open race for all over 16. Enter at: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

DEESTRIDERS are inviting entries for their Off Road four miles multi terrain race series taking place at Rowleys Drive, Shotton, on Thursdays, June 4, July 2, August 6, and Friday, September 4. The entry link is: deestriders.niftyentries.com

THE 54th running of the Birkenhead Park 5 Mile Race taking place of Wednesday, July 22, is now live for entries at:https://wirralathleticclub.co.uk/birkenhead-park-5The race starts at 7pm outside St Mary’s Cricket Club, in the Lower Park (near the visitor centre).

ENTRIES are now open for the Ellesmere Port RC 5km Road Race at Capenhurst on Wednesday, August 12 (7.15pm start). The online entry link is: https://eprc.niftyentries.com/Ellesmere-Port-RC-5K-Wed-12th-Aug-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWiVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpxbwFtruzfnTBcSZRH_vNERWrSvNW2l8K0fPrZeOKJrEkNso_wfzv9XveIo_aem_f_9FJuoUdQFTCe4hg-ohEw

ENTRIES are now open for our Northern Athletics Under 18, Under 20 and Senior Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hull. The online entry link is: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=28380&fbclid=IwY2xjawRfS1BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh7NPkUS6DP9kMep5-VnLgcrUMp66U4GLwfh5ut4mU6gFqYulRn8mm5J71oR_aem_2qCdcHJjl09zX0XSm56CzQ

FURTHER details about West Cheshire Athletic Club can be found at: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

ATHLETICS
by Dennis Wall

SARAH HUNTER smashed the West Cheshire women’s club record at the London Marathon.

Sarah, who has recently joined the purple and gold-vested outfit from Ackworth Road Runners, followed up her third placed finish at the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race in a time of 29:36, with an impressive run of 2:42:33 in London.

Sarah broke the club record set by Lindsay Fisher who clocked 2:48:30 at the 2024 London Marathon.

Other West Cheshire finishers in the capital were Graham Wells (2:58:47), Wullie McGarrell (3:02:42), Jeff Gifford (3:17:57), Emma Nutt (3:21:47), Julie Douzant (3:24:03), Clare Mallon (4:17:08), and Emilia Hoyle (4:50:20).

LEWIS MORRIS heads the UK under 18 men’s ranking list for 3,000m after clocking a personal best of 8:26 at Trafford’s Longford Park Stadium.

West Cheshire club mate, Joseph Morrison, paced the opening four laps at sub-8 minutes pace.

Lewis, who won the Wirral Seaside Five Miles Race at Leasowe with a time of 16:34 last Wednesday, also represented the North West at the London Mini Marathon and posted seven minutes 19 seconds for ninth spot in the under 18 boys race.

JODI BEMAND is competing in the Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Makarska, Croatia, this Sunday.

MIA JOHNSON grabbed a double success story at Blackburn in the opening round of the Under 14 and Under 16 Youth Development Track and Field League.

Mia posted 12.20 seconds for victory in the 100m and clocked 24.70 seconds in her 200m.

Mia was joined in the winners’ circle by Dan Crosby (under 16 boys high jump, 1-65m); Dylan Gledhill (under 16 boys javelin, 40.41m); Rose Sheppard (under 16 girls B 300m hurdles, 53.30 seconds); Evie Smith (under 16 girls high jump, 1-53m); Evie Whittaker (under 16 girls B high jump, 1-50m); Lucas Sawyer (under 14 boys 800m, 2:12.10); and Poppy McKenna (under 14 girls 75m hurdles, 12.0 seconds).

MATCH RESULT: 1 Liverpool Harriers & AC 627 points; 2 Sale Harriers Manchester 535; 3 Wirral AC 506.5; 4 Preston Harriers 442; 5 Blackburn Harriers & AC 442; 6 West Cheshire AC 422.5.

The next fixture will be held at Wavertree, Liverpool, on Sunday, May 31.

LUCY VAUGHAN clocked 20:52 at the Even Splits Leeds 5k Series.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Christleton 5k Road Race on Friday (7.30pm start), and the Cheshire Track and Field Championships on Saturday and Sunday at Victoria Park, Warrington.

ENTRIES close on May 13 for the second round of the Cheshire Track and Field Grand Prix being held at Macclesfield, on Sunday, May 17. The online entry link is: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=28839

THE first Wirral Multi Terrain 6 Miles Beach and Trail Race of the year is taking place on Tuesday, June 2 (7.15pm start). This one is an open race for all over 16. Enter at: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

DEESTRIDERS are inviting entries for their Off Road four miles multi terrain race series taking place at Rowleys Drive, Shotton, on Thursdays, June 4, July 2, August 6, and Friday, September 4. The entry link is: deestriders.niftyentries.com

THE 54th running of the Birkenhead Park 5 Mile Race taking place of Wednesday, July 22, is now live for entries at:https://wirralathleticclub.co.uk/birkenhead-park-5The race starts at 7pm outside St Mary’s Cricket Club, in the Lower Park (near the visitor centre).

ENTRIES are now open for the Ellesmere Port RC 5km Road Race at Capenhurst on Wednesday, August 12 (7.15pm start). The online entry link is: https://eprc.niftyentries.com/Ellesmere-Port-RC-5K-Wed-12th-Aug-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWiVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpxbwFtruzfnTBcSZRH_vNERWrSvNW2l8K0fPrZeOKJrEkNso_wfzv9XveIo_aem_f_9FJuoUdQFTCe4hg-ohEw

ENTRIES are now open for our Northern Athletics Under 18, Under 20 and Senior Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hull. The online entry link is: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=28380&fbclid=IwY2xjawRfS1BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHh7NPkUS6DP9kMep5-VnLgcrUMp66U4GLwfh5ut4mU6gFqYulRn8mm5J71oR_aem_2qCdcHJjl09zX0XSm56CzQ

FURTHER details about West Cheshire Athletic Club can be found at: www.westcheshireac.co.uk