LINDSAY FISHER and Keely Smith celebrated new club records in Sunday’s Chester 10k Road Race.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club pair impressed at the popular event which started on Nuns Road alongside the Racecourse and finished in the City Centre.

Lindsay clocked a new West Cheshire AC female 10km record time of 36 minutes 56 seconds, improving the previous best time achieved in 2001.

And Keely set a new West Cheshire AC over-40 age group record time of 38:30 to improve a record that had stood since 1999.

Michael Young headed the club contingent of 21 runners at the event, finishing 11th in his over-35 age group in a time of 34:52, ahead of club mates Jon Park (15th over-35 man in 35:36), Jack Gannon (17th over-35 man in 36:33), and Steve King (17th over-45 man in 36:56).

Ellis Hancock was second in his under 17 age group with a time of 40:27, ahead of Andy Carter (24th over-50 man in 42:13), Steve Roberts (27th over-45 man in 42:15), Andrew Barratt (fourth under 17 man in 42:57), Brian Cremin (53rd over-35 man in 42:47), Luke Ellis (62nd over-35 man in 44:10), Steve Hillier (40th over-45 man in 45:41), and Dave Barratt (34th over-50 man in 45:39).

Paul Cain finished 45th in his over 50 age group with 46:31, ahead of Stephen Ball (53rd over-45 man in 46:58), David Morris (85th over-35 man in 46:45), John Blake (48th over-50 man in 47:36), Ellen McMahon (31st under-35 lady in 47:35), Steve Fernyhough (144th over-40 man in 54:13), and Kimberly Morris (72nd over-45 man in 57:19).

ELEVEN West Cheshire AC members represented Cheshire at Saturday’s UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships held at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough.

Jamie Richardson was first home for his county under 20 men’s team, posting 18th position in a time of 29:53, backed up by fourth Cheshire team counter Sammy Hollins (67th in 31:56) and Henry Robinson (fifth counter and 110th overall in 33:38), to earn Cheshire fifth team place.

Emilia Pyper (214th in 15:47) was second counter for Cheshire in the under 13 girls race, supported by Harriet Beattie (sixth team counter and 236th in 16:01), and Eleanor Wheeler (eighth team counter and 252nd in 16:11).

Jodi Bemand (77th in 28:17) secured second spot for Cheshire who finished ninth in the team competition, while Holly Coates (102nd in 18:16) and Cosette Wearden (225th in 19:44) were fourth and eighth finishers for Cheshire who were fifth team in the under 15 girls event.

Isabella Rimmer was fourth home for Cheshire in the under 17 women’s race after posting 26:50 for 219th spot, supported by Megan White who was sixth team counter and 247th in 30:18.

THOMAS RIMMER clocked a time of 12:47 for third spot in the under 13 boys race at the final round of the Manchester Cross Country League held at Heaton Park on Saturday and his performance secured third position overall in the five-race series.

Nia Manson rounded the under 11 girls race in 12:56 for 14th position on the day and 13th place overall, while Traci Shipley was seventh in her over-55 age group on the day and sixth overall; Angela Tegg was 15th in her over-50 age group on the day and 17th overall, and Paul Morrison finished 42nd in her 20-39 age group on the day and was 28th overall.

Sammy Hollins finished first in his under 20 age group overall, and Isabella Rimmer finished fourth overall in her under 17 ladies age group competition. 

SARA PEARSON hit a season’s best distance of 10.42m in the under 17 women’s shot put at the Manchester Indoor Open Meeting on Sunday.

PHIL WOODLEY posted a new personal best time of 64:40 at the Nottingham 10 Miles Road Race on Saturday.

ENTRIES will be accepted on the day for the West Cheshire AC 25th Anniversary Open Track and Field Meetings being held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track this Saturday, (March 18), and on Sunday, March 26.

ENTRIES have now opened for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, on Wednesday 12th April (7pm start). The online link for entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5-2023

Any West Cheshire AC member entering and running is reminded to provide a helper/marshal to assist at the event. 

FIXTURES this weekend include the English Schools Cross Country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday.

WEST CHESHIRE AC will host both the Cheshire County Clubs’ Track and Field Championships (Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14), and the Cheshire Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships (Saturday, June 10), at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track, as well as Cheshire Track and Field League matches on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, September 3; a Under 17s and Under 20s Youth Development Track and Field League fixture on Sunday, April 30; a Under 13s and Under 15s Youth Development Track and Field League fixtures on Sunday, May 7 and Saturday, July 8; and a Northern Track and Field League fixture on Saturday, May 20. 

West Cheshire AC will also host the West Cheshire AC Secondary Schools Track and Cup Field Cup fixture on Wednesday, May 10; the County Round of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, May 17; the North West Regional B Final of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, June 14; the Chester Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Monday, June 19; the Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Friday, June 23; and the Cheshire v Merseyside Year Seven Track and Field Schools Championships on Wednesday, July 5.

At last month’s West Cheshire AC Celebration Evening, three new honorary vice-presidents were introduced, all of whom have played a pivotal role in the development and day to day running of the club since its formation 25 years ago.

Ellen Molloy started as a qualified coach and official at Whitby Heath Athletic Club, who amalgamated with Chester and Ellesmere Port Athletic Club to form West Cheshire Athletic Club in 1998. Ellen has always provided help and guidance to younger members, and played an integral role in all aspects of club life as an administrator, coach and official until 2019.

Her enthusiasm to see youngsters develop and enjoy our great sport has been a joy to see whether in sportshall athletics, track and field, or cross country running.

Our other two new vice-presidents Richard Batterham and Ian Cook were both race directors of the Chester Half-marathon for many years on behalf of the club, and were founder members of the club’s road race committee – our “best-kept secret” in providing much of the money that helps the club to keep going, both via our popular local races and the substantial sum we get for our help from the new organisers of the Chester Half-marathon.

As well as being a fount of wisdom to the club on all race organisation matters, Richard also officiates and adjudicates at many on- and off-road events all over the north-west. He is no mean runner himself. He has run for West Cheshire AC and its predecessor CEPAC for 30 years, holding the club male vet 50 marathon record (2:53!) for 21 years, as well as the male vet 65 marathon (3:23!) and half-marathon records. He still competes for the club as a vet70.

Like Richard, Ian also ran for both CEPAC and West Cheshire AC for several years, before using his sharp mind and outgoing nature to branch out into coaching while still race-organising. He gave many youngsters a positive experience of athletics in setting up a junior middle distance running group that formed the nucleus of the successful group we have today. As a coach, Ian was always very “vocal” but always gently encouraging, something which he carried through from his race organisation days, where his instructions to marshal always included the advice “Cheer on the runners – don’t just stand there!”.

SAMMY HOLLINS and Jodi Bemand are celebrating club record performances.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club duo continued their impressive run of form at the Trafford 10k Road Race on Sunday.

Sammy delivered a new under 20 men’s 10k club record of 32 minutes 56 seconds to finish seventh in his age group and 183rd overall.

And Jodi achieved a new under 20 women’s age group record time of 39:29 for fourth position in her age category and 87th place in the women’s event, ahead of her mum, Debra, who clocked 48:29 for 15th place in her over-55 age group.

MICHAEL YOUNG secured a podium place at the Chester Ultras 50 Miles Race held from Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday.

The West Cheshire AC distance ace clocked six hours 51 minutes 24 seconds for third position after navigating a route which featured check points at Croughton, Chester, Waverton, Tarporley, Delamere Forest, Frodsham, and Dunham on the Hill, just 10 minutes behind winner Matt Field who posted 6:41:35, and second-placed Liam Mills who clocked 6:42:09.

NIA MANSON and Noah Booth celebrated victories in the Chester Primary Schools Cross Country Championships held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Monday.

Nia won the year 5 and 6 girls race, while Noah won the year 5 and 6 boys race at the fixture supported by West Cheshire AC which attracted 15 schools.  

ENTRIES are now open for the West Cheshire AC 25th Anniversary Open Track and Field Meetings being held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 26. The live entry link for online entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Track-Field-Open-Meetings-2023

ENTRIES have now opened for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, on Wednesday 12th April (7pm start). The online link for entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5-2023

Any West Cheshire AC member entering and running is reminded to provide a helper/marshal to assist at the event. 

FIXTURES this weekend include the UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, on Saturday; the Manchester Cross Country League at Heaton Park, on Saturday; the England Athletics Under 15s and Under 17s Indoor Combined Events Championships at Sheffield on Saturday and Sunday; the Manchester Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting on Sunday; and the Chester 10k Road Race on Sunday.

WEST CHESHIRE AC will host both the Cheshire County Clubs’ Track and Field Championships (Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14), and the Cheshire Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships (Saturday, June 10), at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track, as well as Cheshire Track and Field League matches on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, September 3; a Under 17s and Under 20s Youth Development Track and Field League fixture on Sunday, April 30; a Under 13s and Under 15s Youth Development Track and Field League fixtures on Sunday, May 7 and Saturday, July 8; and a Northern Track and Field League fixture on Saturday, May 20. 

West Cheshire AC will also host the West Cheshire AC Secondary Schools Track and Cup Field Cup fixture on Wednesday, May 10; the County Round of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, May 17; the North West Regional B Final of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, June 14; the Chester Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Monday, June 19; the Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Friday, June 23; and the Cheshire v Merseyside Year Seven Track and Field Schools Championships on Wednesday, July 5. 

35 WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club members took part in Saturday’s English National Cross Country Championships at Bolesworth Castle near Tattenhall.

The purple and gold-vested outfit rubbed shoulders with the best athletes in the country at the prestigious annual fixture which attracted thousands of runners to the picturesque Cheshire countryside.

Holly Coates completed the under 15 girls 4k course in 18 minutes nine seconds for 61st position, ahead of club mate Cosette Wearden (138th in 19:16).

Jodi Bemand covered the under 20 women’s 6k circuit in 27:39 for 74th spot, while Sammy Hollins (77th in 36:23) and Henry Robinson (135th in 39:26) completed the under 20 men’s 10k course.

Thomas Rimmer (133rd in 11:58) headed the club’s under 13 boys team home in the 3k event, supported by Noah Booth (213th in 12:35), Dylan Gledhill (247th in 13:11), George Grimsditch (262nd in 13:37), and Daniel Hooker (269th in 13:54).

Isabella Rimmer (136th in 22:53) and Megan White (200th in 28:50) completed the under 17 women’s 5k course, while Eleanor Wheeler (163rd in 13:26), Harriet Beattie (190th in 13:50), Grace Andrews (226th in 14:35) and Poppy Coates (232nd in 14:48) rounded the under 13 girls 3k route.

Kerry Riley achieved 195th spot and a time of 36:40 in the senior women’s 8k event, backed up by Claire Harris (225th in 37:25), Emma Nutt (321st in 39:38), Anest Muller (397th in 41:23), Traci Shipley (503rd in 44:04), Angela Tegg (553rd in 45:30), and Debra Bemand (618th in 47:22).

Ellis Hancock (211th in 26:31) and Matthew McCreadie (229th in 27:35) completed the under 17 men’s 6k course.

Michael Young spearheaded the club’s senior men’s team, clocking 44:46 for 461st position over the 12k course, supported by Graham Wells (495th in 45:06), Neil Finegan (613th in 46:48), Paul Morrison (706th in 48:03), Andrew Clague (781st in 49:09), Phil Woodley (925th in 51:12), Mark Davies (1021st in 52:42), Iain Wood (1346th in 61:20), Andy Carter (1370th in 62:08), and Tony Kennedy (1428th in 66:20).

ENTRIES are now open for the West Cheshire AC 25th Anniversary Open Track and Field Meetings being held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 26. The live entry link for online entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Track-Field-Open-Meetings-2023

ENTRIES have now opened for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, on Wednesday 12th April (7pm start). The online link for entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5-2023

Any West Cheshire AC member entering and running is reminded to provide a helper/marshal to assist at the event. 

FIXTURES this weekend include the Chester Ultra 50 Miles Race from Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday.

FORTHCOMING fixtures include the Chester Primary Schools Cross Country Championships at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Monday, March 6; the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, on Saturday, March 11; and the Manchester Cross Country League at Heaton Park, on Saturday, March 11; the Manchester Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting on Sunday, March 12; and the Chester 10k Road Race on Sunday, March 12.

WEST CHESHIRE AC will host both the Cheshire County Clubs’ Track and Field Championships (Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14), and the Cheshire Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships (Saturday, June 10), at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track, as well as Cheshire Track and Field League matches on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, September 3; a Under 17s and Under 20s Youth Development Track and Field League fixture on Sunday, April 30; a Under 13s and Under 15s Youth Development Track and Field League fixtures on Sunday, May 7 and Saturday, July 8; and a Northern Track and Field League fixture on Saturday, May 20. 

West Cheshire AC will also host the West Cheshire AC Secondary Schools Track and Cup Field Cup fixture on Wednesday, May 10; the County Round of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, May 17; the North West Regional B Final of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, June 14; the Chester Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Monday, June 19; the Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Friday, June 23; and the Cheshire v Merseyside Year Seven Track and Field Schools Championships on Wednesday, July 5. 

Sarah Hibbert and Ruby Phillips are celebrating club record-breaking performances, following impressive displays at Aintree, and Sheffield respectively.

Sarah, with Wullie McGarrell as her pacer, clocked a new personal best of 1:47:00 at the Aintree Half Marathon, to win her over-55 age category and secure a new club record.

And Ruby pocketed a silver medal after clocking a new under 15 girls 800m personal best and club record time of 2:16.62 at the National Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Keely Smith helped Cheshire celebrate a team victory against North Wales and Shropshire at the Rhyl 10 Miles Road Race, finishing first in her new over-40 age group in 61 minutes 11 seconds.

ENTRIES are now open for the West Cheshire AC 25th Anniversary Open Track and Field Meetings being held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 26. The live entry link for online entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Track-Field-Open-Meetings-2023

ENTRIES have now opened for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC at Cheshire County Sports Club, Upton, on Wednesday 12th April (7pm start). The online link for entries is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5-2023

Any West Cheshire AC member entering this event is reminded to provide a helper/marshal to assist 

FIXTURES this weekend include the English Cross Country Championships at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, on Saturday.

The timetable is: 11am – Under 17 Women (5km); 11.25am – Under 15 Boys (4km); 11.45am – Under 13 Girls (3km); 12.05pm – Under 17 Men (6km); 12.30pm – Under 13 Boys (3km); 12.45pm – Under 15 Girls (4km); 1.05pm – Under 20 Junior Women (6km); 1.35pm – Senior Women (8km); 2.20pm – Under 20 Junior Men (10km); 3pm – Senior Men (12km).

FORTHCOMING fixtures include the Chester Ultra 50 Miles Race from Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday, March 4; the Chester Primary Schools Cross Country Championships at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Monday, March 6; the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, on Saturday, March 11; and the Manchester Cross Country League at Heaton Park, on Saturday, March 11; the Manchester Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting on Sunday, March 12; and the Chester 10k Road Race on Sunday, March 12.

WEST CHESHIRE AC will host both the Cheshire County Clubs’ Track and Field Championships (Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14), and the Cheshire Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships (Saturday, June 10), at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track, as well as Cheshire Track and Field League matches on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, September 3; a Under 17s and Under 20s Youth Development Track and Field League fixture on Sunday, April 30; a Under 13s and Under 15s Youth Development Track and Field League fixtures on Sunday, May 7 and Saturday, July 8; and a Northern Track and Field League fixture on Saturday, May 20. 

West Cheshire AC will also host the West Cheshire AC Secondary Schools Track and Cup Field Cup fixture on Wednesday, May 10; the County Round of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, May 17; the North West Regional B Final of the English Schools Track and Field Cup on Wednesday, June 14; the Chester Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Monday, June 19; the Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Schools Track and Field Championships on Friday, June 23; and the Cheshire v Merseyside Year Seven Track and Field Schools Championships on Wednesday, July 5.