Press Report: Success for Young and Youth

MICHAEL YOUNG delivered an impressive victory in Sunday’s Chester Metric Marathon.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club member clocked a winning time of one hour 30 minutes 15 seconds for the 26.2km course, more than three minutes ahead of his nearest rival, Sam Stratford (1:33:30), with Daniel Sutton in third spot with 1:33:41.

Keely Smith, who was second in the women’s race with a time of 1:47, claimed first position in her over 40 age category, ahead of West Cheshire team mates Chris Shaw (first over-50 man in 1:49:17) and Lindsay Fisher (second over-35 lady in 1:52:39).

Other West Cheshire finishers in the Metric Marathon included Anest Muller (2:15:04), Peter Kerestur (2:17:57), and Angela Tegg (2:25:17).

Matthew Douglass was the first finisher for West Cheshire AC in the Chester Marathon, negotiating the 26.2 miles course in 2:46:05, ahead of Carolyn Pollard (3:43:16), David Irving (3:55:00), and Andrew Barratt (3:56:39).

Saskia Keresturova and Heidi Anstey, both representing West Cheshire AC, finished first and second in the Chester Mini Marathon.

EMILIA PYPER celebrated success representing West Cheshire AC at the opening round of the North Wales Cross Country League on Saturday in wintry weather conditions at St Asaph.

Emilia clocked a winning time of 27:40 in the under 17 women’s age group race and finished ninth overall in the women’s race which featured Emma Nutt (sixth lady in 30:13), Anest Muller (seventh over-40 lady in 32:30), Ellie Robinson (fifth over-50 lady in 32:46), Joy Hickman (fourth over 60 lady in 34:03), Debra Bemand (ninth over-50 lady in 35:53), and Alex Duffey (14th over-50 lady in 42:22).

Abby Gamble (fourth in 7:47), Heidi Anstey (fifth in 7:49), Evelyn Edwards (sixth in 7:55), Arianwen Setters (seventh in 7:59), Ivy Bowden (ninth in 8:11), and Olivia Gregory-Phimister (21st in 10:00) combined for a team victory in the under 11 girls event.

Niall Betteridge (second in 8:33), Max Molloy (sixth in 9:33), Toby Honeyborne-Kelly (seventh in 9:41), Sam Arnold (21st in 10:46) and James Thomas (26th in 11:36) delivered joint first team position in the under 11 boys race.

Lucas Sawyer (third in 9:51), Leon Betteridge (fourth in 10:21), Morgan Edwards (13th in 11:50), Jack Arnold (15th in 12:00), and Henry Cobb (20th in 13:09) combined for second team position in the under 13 boys race.

Poppy McKenna (fifth in 9:23), Rosie Grimsditch (sixth in 9:25), Saskia Keresturova (eighth in 9:35), Florence Hain (ninth in 9:38), Heidi Wetherall (11th in 9:49), and Isla Lambert (24th in 12:14) teamed up for second team place in the under 13 girls race.

Nia Manson finished second with a time of 10:41 in the under 15 girls race ahead of team mate Rose Sheppard (13th in 12:29).

George Grimsditch (fifth in 17:27) and Finlay Stewart (eighth in 18:06) completed the under 15 boys race.

Paul Morrison (53rd in 35:07), Neil Hershaw (first over-60 man in 36:09), Andrew Clague (first over-55 man in 37:09), Jeff Gifford (third over-60 man in 38:56), and Mark Davies (39:16) combined for fourth team spot in Division One.

The next round takes place at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, on Saturday, October 25. 

LEWIS MORRIS (11:38), Dan Walker (13:17), and Ben Newall (13:38) combined to finish 31st for West Cheshire AC in the under 17 men’s race at Sutton Park, Birmingham, in Saturday’s English Road Running Association National Autumn Road Relay Championships.

WEST CHESHIRE AC was represented on Sunday at the opening round of the North West Sportshall Athletics League held at Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

Leo Haseler, Gabriella Senbanjo, Heidi Anstey, Abby Gamble, Louisa Cogan, Hermione Allison, Lyra Allison, Amber Cogan, Florence Tran, and Harriet Oliver all teamed up for the club in the first of four fixtures this winter.

FIXTURES this weekend include the West Cheshire AC Awards Evening at Cheshire View, Christleton, on Friday; the Manchester Area Cross Country League first round on Saturday at Woodbank Park, Stockport), while the Chester District Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships will be held at Bishop Heber on Monday for boys, and on Tuesday at Christleton on girls.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THE dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

THIS winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held on Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

THE Northern Indoor Track and Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Seniors, Under 20 and Under 17 on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11, while the Under 15 and Under 13 fixture will be held on Sunday February 1.

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

WCAC Endurance League

Draft end of season results show Emma and Michael as champions, Claire and Mark in 2nd place, and Jeff and Joy in 3rd.

See the Races page for full tables. Please can anyone who believes we have missed a race result contact [email protected] by Monday October 6th.

Press Report: Fiona and WCAC women win at weekend

FIONA COOK celebrated success at the Cheshire Ring 100 miles Race.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club member won the inaugural fixture starting and finishing in Manchester and forging together the Bridgewater Canal, Macclesfield Canal and Trent and Mersey Canal.

Fiona clocked a time of 16 hours 32 minutes 54 seconds to win the women’s title, nearly three hours ahead of her nearest rival, and finished third overall behind men’s winner Charles Thull (16:07:36) and runner-up, Benj Akyol (16:29:40).

KEELY SMITH pointed West Cheshire ladies team to top spot at the opening round of the Borders Road Running League.

Keely posted 37:52 for the undulating 9.8km course at Tattenhall, on Sunday, for second place in the women’s race and was supported by Claire Harris (eighth in 39:29), Julie Taillard (ninth in 39:48), Lottie Rowedder (10th in 40:05), Emma Nutt (18th in 42:13), Joy Hickman (27th in 43:46), Anest Muller (52nd in 47:12), Sallyann Harper (59th in 48:25), Eleanor Williams (64th in 48:45), Deb Bemand (65th in 48:48), Agnieszka Shaw (73rd in 49:35), Amy Mills (76th in 50:08), and Claire Williams (97th in 52:37).

Lewis Morris headed the West Cheshire men to the finishing line, posting 31:44 for fifth position.

He was backed up by Michael Young (seventh in 32:04), Steve Fernyhough (52nd in 36:11), Neil Hershaw (86th in 37:37), Chris Shaw (88th in 37:40), Wullie McGarrell (102nd in 38:21), Luke Pearson (103rd in 38:26), Paul Morrison (107th in 38:35), Rob Little (111th in 38:43), Andrew Clague (144th in 40:18), Ian Pritchard (175th in 42:10), Paul Cain (188th in 42:36), Mark Robinson (192nd in 42:59), Matt Gutteridge (202nd in 43:56), Brian Cremin (222nd in 45:22), and Tony Kennedy (296th in 59:17).

TEAM RESULTS

WOMEN’S DIVISION ONE: 1 West Cheshire 74; 2 Helsby 111; 3 Deeside 125; 4 Chester Tri 191; 5 Wallasey 305; 6 Buckley 312; 7 Eryri 473.

MEN’S DIVISION ONE: 1 Helsby 343 points; 2 Buckley 359; 3 Chester Tri 365; 4 Wallasey 507; 5 Wrexham 933; 6 Ellesmere Port 1009; 7 Wirral 1061.

WOMEN’S DIVISION TWO: 1 Ellesmere Port 136; 2 Prestatyn 149; 3 Pensby 185; 4 UTS 196; 5 Wirral 248; 6 Deestriders 278; 7 Wrecsam Tri 334; 8 Wrexham 344; 9 Tattenhall 413; 10 Birkenhead 453; 11 Cybi 800.

MEN’S DIVISION TWO: 1 Deeside 132; 2 Prestatyn 397; 3 West Cheshire 443; 4 UTS 873; 5 Pensby 938; 6 Birkenhead 1119; 7 Deestriders 1130; 8 Eryri 1213; 9 Wrecsam Tri 1525; 10 Tattenhall 1618; 11 Cybi 2245.

The next fixture will be hosted by West Cheshire AC at Delamere Forest on Sunday, November 16, (11am start).  

JACK ARNOLD and Noah Booth grabbed glory in the North Wales Junior Fell Running series.

Jack won the under 13 boys race series title and Noah secured the under 15 boys series crown.

The West Cheshire pair were joined by Jack’s brother, Sam, who finished fourth under 11 boy, while Nia Manson finished second in her under 15 girls age group, and Thomas Booth finished third in his under 13 boys event.

ALAN LITTLER produced a morale boosting victory ahead of the European Masters Track and Field Championships.

The West Cheshire over-35 sprinter clocked a winning time of 55.60 seconds for his 400m on Sunday at Trafford’s Open Medal Meeting before focusing his sights towards a championship appearance in Madeira between October 8 and 19.

Alan was joined at Trafford by training partner, Nathan Owen, who clocked 11.54 seconds for his under 17 men’s 100m, and a 200m personal best of 23.60.

Poppy McKenna and Freya Whittaker posted under 13 girls 70m hurdles personal bests of 11.66 and 12.99 respectively, while Freya added a new 75m best of 11.69.

And Freya and Poppy both cleared 1-36m in the high jump, while Poppy long jumped 4.04m.

Freya’s sister, Evie, posted a new under 15 girls 200m best of 29.05, cleared a winning height of 1-41m in the high jump, and long jumperd 4.12m.

Saskia Keresturova clocked new under 13 girls 150m (21.59) and javelin (18.34m) personal bests and long jumped 3.90m.

Heidi Anstey clocked a new under 11 girls long jump best of 3.55m, clocked 11.13 in her 75m and 22.29 for her 150m.

Violet Thorne celebrated a hat-trick of victories in the under 15 girls hammer (27.31m), discus (25.12m), and shot put (8.28m).

Arwen Thorne clocked 12.94 in her under 17 women’s 80m hurdles, and her younger sister, Merryn cleared 1-21m in the under 13 girls high jump, hit 11.17m in the discus, and 13.68m in the javelin, while Isla Lambert finished third in the under 13 girls discus with a throw of 14.35m.

FIXTURES this weekend include the opening round of the North Wales Cross Country League at Llanerch Hall, St. Asaph, on Saturday; the 

English National Road Relay Championships on Saturday at Sutton Park, Birmingham; the Chester Marathon, Metric Marathon, and Mini Marathon at Chester Racecourse on Sunday; and the North West Sportshall Athletics League first round at Crewe on Sunday.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THE dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

THIS winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held on Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

THE Northern Indoor Track and Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Seniors, Under 20 and Under 17 on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11, while the Under 15 and Under 13 fixture will be held on Sunday February 1.

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

Press Report: Gold in Guilden Sutton for WCAC

WEST CHESHIRE ATHLETIC CLUB capitalised on home advantage on Sunday.

The purple and gold vested outfit won the men’s team prize at the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race organised by the club.

Lewis Morris (first under 20 man and second overall in 32 minutes 55 seconds), Matthew Douglass (third in 33:30), Michael Young (fourth in 33:38), and Steve King (first over 50 man and ninth overall in 36:05) combined for the team victory.

Joy Hickman knocked 26 seconds of her June 2025 time to improve her club record for 10k to 44:45, and the time is also a new over-60 age group record time for the Guilden Sutton 10k, slicing more than two minutes off the previous time set in 2011.

Wullie McGarrell and Jeff Gifford were first and second in the over-60 men’s age group with times of 39:01 and 40:49 respectively.

Steve Fernyhough was second over-45 man in 36:55, while Rob Little clocked 38:39 for third place in his over-45 age category.

Andrew Clague was sixth in his over-55 age group with 41:13, while Paul Cain finished eighth in his over-55 age group with 43:35.

Joseph Boden (Wallasey AC) won the race in 31:52, and Fay Hughes (Wirral AC) won the women’s race in 36:36.

LUCAS SAWYER (8:54) and Abby Gamble (10:33) were first boy and first girl in the 1.5 miles Guilden Sutton Fun Run.

ARWEN THORNE represented Merseyside in the Intermediate Women’s heptathlon at the English Schools Combined Events Championships at Chelmsford, Essex, and finished 15th with 3,964 points.

Arwen posted 12.91 seconds in the 80m hurdles, high jumped 1-56m, hit 10.75m in the shot, clocked 29.05 seconds in the 800m, long jumped 4.60m, launched the javelin 36.26m, and rounded the 800m in 2:55.31.

LEWIS MORRIS, Dan Walker and Ben Newall teamed up for ninth spot with a time of 28:48 in the under 17 men’s race at the Northern Road Relay Championships held in Saturday’s challenging weather conditions at Leigh Sports Village.

Eleanor Wheeler, Emilia Pyper and Sophie Mulcaster combined for 16th place with a time of 36:12 in the under 17 women’s event.

Nia Manson, Margaux Schmidlin, and Lauren Higgins teamed up for 30th spot in the under 15 girls race with a time of 11:44.

The quartet of Claire Harris, Emma Nutt, Anest Muller and Joy Hickman teamed up to clock 1:50:51 for 42nd position in the Senior Women’s race.

FIXTURES this weekend include the North Staffs Cross Country League first round at Betley Court Farm, near Crewe, on Saturday; the Final Fling Competition at Wrexham, on Saturday and Sunday; a Trafford AC Open Medal Meeting on Sunday; and the Borders Road Running League first round at Tattenhall, on Sunday (11am start).

A RECORD 51 West Cheshire AC members are entered for this season’s North Wales Cross-country League, beginning on Saturday, October 4, at St. Asaph.

The first fixture is a new venue at Llanerch Hall, St. Asaph, LL170BD, situated between Denbigh and St. Asaph, just off the A525.

Other fixtures for the season are: Saturday, October 25 at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7SP; Saturday, November 22, at Bala, LL23 7NG; Saturday, January 31, at Shrewsbury, SY4 3AP; Saturday, February 14, at Marches School, Oswestry, SY11 2AP.

The race order is: Under 15 Boys (10-30am start), followed by: U13 Boys/U15 Girls; U11 Boys/U13 Girls; U11 Girls.

In the afternoon the races are: 1pm – U17 Men/Women-U17 through to 80+/M65+; 2pm – U20 Men through to M64. 

WEST CHESHIRE AC will be competing in this season’s North West Sportshall Athletics League catering for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s. Fixtures are scheduled to be held on Sundays, October 5, November 2, November 30, and January 18.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 28th September, Tattenhall (hosted by Chester Tri); 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THE dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

THIS winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held on Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

THE Northern Indoor Track and Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Seniors, Under 20 and Under 17 on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11, while the Under 15 and Under 13 fixture will be held on Sunday February 1.

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

Press Report: Medals Galore in both Road & Track Championships

WEST CHESHIRE ATHLETIC CLUB won a fistful of medals at the Cheshire and North West Road Relay Championships.

The purple and gold-vested outfit impressed at the event held at Birkenhead Park on Sunday in challenging weather conditions.

Nia Manson (nine minutes two seconds), Rose Sheppard (10:20), and Margaux Schmidlin (9:19) combined to celebrate gold medals in the under 15 girls Cheshire fixture and 15th spot in the North West fixture.

Lewis Morris (14:37), Dan Walker (16:50), and Ben Newall (16:06) teamed up for first position in the Cheshire under 17 men’s competition and 12th place in the North West event.

George Grimsditch (8:24), Max Henderson (8:01), and Finley Stewart (8:37) combined for silver medals in the Cheshire under 15 boys fixture and 12th spot in the North West competition.

Logan Blackburn (7:13), Sam Arnold (7:39), and Max Molloy (7:18) grabbed silver medals from the Cheshire under 11 boys event and were 17th in the North West fixture.

Heidi Anstey (7:57), Ivy Bowden (8:25) and Abby Gamble (7:46) teamed up for bronze medals from the Cheshire under 11 girls event and finished 18th in the North West fixture.

Jack Arnold (9:07), Xander Whelan (10:19), and Finley Edwards (10:16) combined for bronze medals in the under 13 boys Cheshire competition and were 27th in the North West fixture.

Heidi Wetherall (10:17), Rosie Grimsditch (9:33), and Poppy McKenna (9:41) teamed up for fourth place in the under 13 girls Cheshire event and 15th spot in the North West Competition.

Ella Teheri (9:30), Hermione Allison (8:43), and Evelyn Edwards (9:01) combined for fifth place in the under 11 girls Cheshire fixture and 28th spot in the North West event.

And Matthew Douglass (15:23), Steve King (16:28), Henry Robinson (16:16) and Paul Morrison (17:13) teamed up for sixth position in the Cheshire senior men’s event and 33rd spot in the North West competition.

WEST CHESHIRE AC members secured a hat-trick of podium places at the British Masters Track and Field Championships held at Derby’s Moorways Stadium.

Second claim member, Charles Ryder, clocked a winning time of 32.11 seconds in the over 75 men’s 200m, while Alan Littler pocketed a silver medal in the over 35 men’s High Jump with a clearance of 1.65m, and Dave McKay hit 48.95m for a silver medal in the over 40 men’s javelin.

POPPY McKENNA finished sixth with 2,214 points in the under 13 girls pentathlon at the Trafford AC Combined Events Competition with 12.04 seconds in the 70m hurdles, 1-39m in the high jump, 6.46m (shot), 3.96m (long jump), and 2:42.22 (800m).

Freya Whittaker was ninth with 1,833 points (13.14 seconds, 70m hurdles; 1-42m high jump; 5.22m shot; 3.96m long jump, and 3:05.56 for the 800m), while Felicity Snowden finished 16th with 1,563 points (13.13 seconds 70m hurdles; 1-21m high jump; 4.67m shot; 3.34m long jump; and 2:53.99 for the 800m).

Amelia Snowden compiled 2,343 points for eighth place in the under 15 girls event with 13.30 seconds in the 70m hurdles; 1-36m in the high jump; 6.56m shot; 4.22m long jump; and 2:32.02 for the 800m, while Evie Whittaker was 10th with 2,224 points after posting 13.35 seconds in the hurdles; high jumping 1-51m; shot putting 5.60m; long jumping 4.42m; and rounding the 800m in 2:55.89.

NATHAN OWEN and Louis Grimes grabbed end of season 100m personal bests at Trafford.

Nathan clocked a new under 17 men’s 100m best of 11.41 seconds and posted 23.69 for the 200m, while Louis celebrated a new under 15 boys 100m best of 12.68 seconds and added 41.03 seconds in the 300m.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race on Sunday (11am start) and Fun Run (12.15pm start) being organised by West Cheshire Athletic Club; the English Schools Combined Events Championships Finals at Chelmsford on Saturday and Sunday; and the Northern Road Relays at Leigh Sports Village, on Saturday.

ENTRIES for September’s final race of the Tuesday night Multi-terrain series at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, on September 23 are open. The online entry link is: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 28th September, Tattenhall (hosted by Chester Tri); 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THE dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

THIS winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held on Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

THE Northern Indoor Track and Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Seniors, Under 20 and Under 17 on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11, while the Under 15 and Under 13 fixture will be held on Sunday February 1.

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

WCAC News #536 19-9-2025

CLUB CELEBRATION EVENING TICKETS NOW ON SALE

All Club members and their families are invited to a night of celebration of our club at the Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Christleton on Friday 10th October 2025.

The evening’s programme will include:

  • A raffle, with superb prizes (card payments accepted)
  • A motivational talk from our special guest, European, World and Olympic gold medallist, Sabrina Fortune
  • Achievement awards in all categories from under 11 to senior and veteran athletes presented by Sabrina Fortune
  • A hot baked potato buffet with a selection of fillings including vegetarian

The online link to buy tickets is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Celebration-Evening-2025

INDOOR SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS

The Club has booked half of the sportshall at Ellesmere Port Sports Village this Friday (19th September) between 6-8pm and every Friday until March 2026 with the intention of delivering sportshall athletics training sessions for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s, and competing in the North West Sportshall Athletics League, with fixtures scheduled to be held on Sundays, 5th October, 2nd November, 30th November, and 18th January.

But help and support is required from coaches and parents to make this happen.

If you are interested in getting involved at the training sessions and/or league fixtures, please contact Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]

EPSV TRACK TRAINING

Please note that the Saturday run-jump-throw junior training session supervised by Dennis, Jane, and Joanne, at the EPSV Track (10am-12 noon), will be taking place.

THIS SUNDAY’S CLUB ROAD RACE… 

The Guilden Sutton 10K Road Race (11am start) and Fun Run (12.15pm start) are taking place this Sunday (21st September).

Entries are still open for the 10k and the online entry link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Guilden-Sutton-10k-Sun-21-Sep-2025

And entries will be accepted on the day in Guilden Sutton Village Hall for the Fun Run.

If you can help please email Dennis Wall ASAP at: [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED…

The Club is helping to organise the Ellesmere Port Primary Schools Cross Country Races, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Wednesday 24th September (1.30pm start).

Helpers are needed to set up the course from 11am, marshall from 1.30pm, and tidy away from 3pm.

And the Club is helping to organise the Ellesmere Port, Neston  and Halton High Schools District Cross Country Schools Championships at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Tuesday 21st October (1pm start).

Please contact Dennis Wall ASAP if you can help at: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

Message for our ambitious (English) over-35s: The 1st round of the North Staffs Cross-country League, at Betley, on Saturday, 27th September 2025, will include the trial race for the England Masters/ Vets team for the British and Irish Masters International Cross-country at Roundhay Park, Leeds on Saturday November 15th 2025.

Entry deadline for the trial race is September 19th 2025, via BMAF Opentrack, i.e. NOT via the North Staffs League entry system.

And for our similarly ambitious Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish over-35s, their countries’ selection criteria for the International are outlined on the BMAF website.

BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE FIXTURES

The first race of the season is on Sunday 28th September at Tattenhall (11am start).

If anyone hasn’t run before and would like to be registered please send your name and date of birth ASAP to: [email protected]

Please forward on to any members age 15 and over who may want to run in the Borders League – a series of road races generally 5-6 miles from September to May.

  • Club vest must be worn
  • Emergency contact details should be carried throughout the event. WCAC ICE tags, which can be attached to shoe laces, are available for new runners.
  • Bring your barcode for scanning after the race
  • Women are in Division 1 with 6 runners to score
  • Men are in Division 2 with 7 runners to score

Fixtures – Borders LeagueRace 1: 11:00 Sun 28 Sep 2025 – staged by Chester Tri at Tattenhall: https://www.bordersleague.org.uk/fixtures/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM6EVhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBwbExyNkJJTm8zSUJVYWd3AR5IWTaiCUPb89NyjP6-MO-gVgF1i-c1706CmYs3biuWECXFHpEPD5PzJQq-mg_aem_uKIU9wMO3iIJhkOleyy5uQ

Race 2: 11:00 Sun 16 Nov 2025 – staged by West Cheshire AC at Delamere Forest (tbc)

Race 3: 11:00 Sun 07 Dec 2025 – staged by Cybi Striders at Trac Mon, Anglesey

Race 4: 11:00 Sun 01 Feb 2026 – staged by Pensby RC, venue tbc

Race 5: 11:00 Sun 01 Mar 2026 – staged by Wrecsam Tri, venue tbc

Race 6: 10:00 Sun 22 Mar 2026 – staged by Wirral AC at New Brighton (tbc)

May 2026 (exact date tbc): Relay and Presentation Evening – staged by Prestatyn RC at Nova Prestatyn

GET YOUR ENTRY IN…

TRAFFORD AC are accepting entries for their Medal Meeting on Sunday 28th September. The online entry link is: https://www.traffordac.co.uk/php/index.php?script=openMeetsHome&menu_id=76

WREXHAM AC is organising the Final Fling Competition at the Queensway Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. Details at: [email protected]

FIXTURES…

Friday, September 19 – Sportshall Athletics Training, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village (6-8pm).

Saturday, September 20 – North of England Road Relay Championships, at Leigh Sports Village

Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21 – English Schools Combined Events Championships, at Chelmsford, Essex.

Sunday, September 21 – Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race (11am start) and Fun Run (12.15pm start).

Tuesday, September 23 – Wirral Multi Terrain League, at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

Wednesday, September 24 – Ellesmere Port Primary Schools Cross Country Races, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village (1.30pm start). 

Saturday, September 27 – North Staffs Cross Country League Round One, at Betley Farm, near Crewe.

Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28 – Wrexham Final Fling, at Queensway Stadium, Wrexham: [email protected]

Sunday, September 28 – Borders Road Running League Round One, at Tattenhall (hosted by Chester Tri).

Sunday 28th September – Trafford AC Medal Meeting: https://www.traffordac.co.uk/php/index.php?script=openMeetsHome&menu_id=76

Good luck to all West Cheshire AC athletes and officials!

WEST CHESHIRE AC SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY RACE SERIES…

The dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

NORTH WALES CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE 2025/26 SEASON.

A record 51 members are entered for this season’s North Wales Cross-country League, beginning on Saturday October 4th, at St. Asaph.

If you think you have requested an entry but are not on the entry list, or are a paid-up first-claim member desperate to run but haven’t yet requested an entry, please email club cross country secretary, Dave Alexander, ASAP at: [email protected]

The first fixture is a new venue at Llanerch Hall, St. Asaph LL17 0BD on Saturday 4th October.

The new course is between Denbigh and St. Asaph, just off the A525. It is just on the Trefnant side of the Tweedmill Shopping Centre. It is signposted Trmeirchion – ignore “Road Closure” signs.

Please DO NOT park at the Tweedmill Shopping Centre unless you are going to visit. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO CHANGING ROOMS but there will be porta loos and a refreshment van.

What 3 words for the car park entrance are: English: ///described.cabbage.unite Welsh: ///ffugenwi.gwyddor.holodd

The remaining fixtures for the season are:

Saturday 25 October – Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay LL29 7SP

Saturday 22 November – Bala LL23 7NG

Saturday 31 January – Shrewsbury SY4 3AP

Saturday 14 February – Marches School, Oswestry SY11 2AP

U15 Boys race starts at 10-30am followed by:

U13 Boys/U15 Girls.

U11 Boys/U13 Girls.

U11 Girls.

In the afternoon the races are:

1pm – U17 Men/Women -U17 through to 80+/M65+

2pm – U20 Men through to M64.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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

Colin Berry, Amy Mills, Evan Miller, Sidney Shorrock, Emilia Pyper, Louis Grimes, Maya Jennings, Harriet Beattie, Ava Hancock, Belle Thompson, Rosie Broome, Thomas Booth, Lily Freeman.

NORTHERN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATE

The Northern Indoor Track & Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Sen, Under 20 & Under 17 – Saturday & Sunday January 10th & 11th.

Under 15 & Under 13 – Sunday February 1st.

MANCHESTER INDOOR OPEN TRACK & FIELD MEETINGS

The dates for this winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings are: Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

CLUB FORUMS

The England Athletics North West Forum takes place on Saturday 11th October at the Leigh Sports Stadium. This is an opportunity for you to come together to collaborate, network and have your voices heard. England Athletics staff and Regional Council members will be in attendance and we hope to see many of you there. 

Everyone is welcome from club committees, coaches, officials and anyone with a passion for North West athletics and running or their club come and join us! 

For more information and to register please visit: https://www.englandathletics.org/news/register-for-our-regional-club-forums-a-chance-to-share-your-ideas/

CONGRATULATIONS!

Well done to new club age group record breakers Alan Littler (v35 High Jump – 1.65m) and Sharon Stoll (v55 Discus – 14.73m) at the British Masters Championships in Derby after recent birthdays, and everyone who has represented the club in recent fixtures.

This week’s Club Press Report can be foundΒ here:Β https://www.westcheshireac.co.uk/2025/09/20/press-report-medals-galore-in-both-road-track-championships/

CLUB RECORDS

Mike Lamb has produced interactive track and field progression tables of male and female records for all age groups and events, showing who held the record and when since the club was formed in 1998.

And Mike has also produced up-to-date progressions of age group road records for female and male club members since the club was formed.

The link is: https://www.westcheshireac.co.uk/club-records/

PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO URGENTLY HELP YOUR CLUB

Helpers are urgently needed from 5.50pm on Tuesdays and 6.20pm on Thursdays to register everyone on the tablet who attends EPSV training sessions.

And volunteers are always needed to assist with club track training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Please help if you can!

West Cheshire AC Celebration Evening

All members of West Cheshire AC and their families are invited to a night of celebration of our club at the Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Christleton on Friday October 10th 2025.

The evening’s programme will include:

A raffle, with superb prizes (card payments accepted)

A motivational talk from our special guest, European, World and Olympic gold medallist, Sabrina Fortune

Achievement awards in all categories from under 11 to senior and veteran athletes presented by Sabrina Fortune

A hot baked potato buffet with a selection of fillings including vegetarian.

Get your tickets here!

WCAC Endurance League

Into the final month, and it is Emma and Michael clear at the top of the women’s and men’s tables, as are Claire and Mark in 2nd place. Still only two points between 3rd and 4th in both competitions, with Jeff and Joy just ahead of Steve and Deb.
See the Races page for full tables. Please address any queries to [email protected].

Press Report: Success in Last Lap of Grand Prix

WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club members celebrated victories and personal bests at the final round of the Cheshire Grand Prix at Macclesfield on Saturday.

Joy Hickman achieved a new over 60 women’s club record 200m time of 35.99 seconds, just one week after achieving a new 400m club record of 82.76 seconds.

Dylan Gledhill broke the under 15 boys javelin club record with a winning throw of 44.76m.

Heidi Anstey was crowned under 11 girls Quadrathlon champion after clocking 11.03 seconds for the 75m, 2:11.25 for the 600m, long jumped 3.23m, and hit 7.82m with the howler.

Abby Gamble finished third in the under 11 girls Quadrathlon courtesy of a winning 600m time of 2:04.06 and 11.50m howler throw.

Kade Harris posted a winning time of 26.06 seconds in the under 15 boys 200m A final.

Kara Stoll (42.49m), Megan Kettle (37.62m), Dun Xue (37.20m), Sharon Stoll (23.61m), and Debra Erskine (22.85m) all impressed in the hammer throwing age group events.

Saskia Keresturova won the under 13 girls 800m B Final (2:59.41), hit a javelin personal best of 17.64m, and clocked 29.63 seconds in her 200m.

Arwen Thorne won the under 17 ladies javelin (39.56m) and long jump (4.81m).

Evie Whittaker cleared a winning height of 1-55m in the under 15 girls high jump and posted 28.46 in her 200m.

Atharva Ganesh hit a new under 13 boys javelin personal best of 15.08m.

Rosie Grimsditch rounded the under 13 girls 800m in a new personal best of 2:46.11.

Leon Betteridge clocked a new under 13 boys 800m personal best of 2:32.54 for second spot in the A final.

Luke Gardner achieved a new under 13 boys 800m personal best of 3:00.36 for fourth place in the B final.

Hayley Holland rounded the under 20 women’s 800m in a personal best of 2:32.20 for second position.

John Velasquez long jumped 4.09m, rounded the 300m in 43.21, and the under 15 boys 200m in 27.04m.

Freya Whittaker cleared 1-35m in the under 13 girls high jump, while Arianwen Setters clocked 13.03 (75m) and 2:21.23 (600m) and long jumped 3.15m in the under 11 girls events alongside Ivy Bowden with 13.61 (75m), 2.44m (Long jump), 2:25.03 (600m), and howler throw (5.71m).

Max Molloy posted 11.61 (75m), 1:565.84), long jump (3.46m), and 16.57m (howler throw), alongside Niall Betteridge who clocked 11.90 (75m), 1:53.36 (600m), 3.27m (long jump), and 10.86m (howler) in the under 11 boys competition.

Lauren Higgins posted a new 300m under 15 girls personal best of 50.58 seconds.

Alan Littler rounded the senior men’s 400m in 55.92 seconds, and George Grimsditch clocked 2:29.36 in his under 15 boys 800m.

ANDREW GORE achieved a new over 40 men’s club pole vault record of 3.30m for victory in West Cheshire’s final round of the Northern Track and Field League at Trafford.

SAM OLIVER was first home for West Cheshire AC at the opening round of the Wirral Multi Terrain League held at Royden Park, clocking 28:02 for sixth spot, ahead of Duncan Harris, Noah Woolgar, Adam Harris, Andrew Clague, Andy Manson, Jeff Gifford, Emilia Pyper, Mark Davies, Ian Pritchard, Phil Gent, Andy Carter, and Tony Kennedy.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Trafford AC Combined Events Classic on Saturday and Sunday; the North West and Cheshire Road Relay Championships, at Birkenhead Park, on Sunday; and the Helena Tipping Wrexham 10k Road Race on Sunday.

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race being organised by West Cheshire Athletic Club on Sunday, September 21. The race will be fixture 7 in the 2025 Cheshire AA Road Running Grand Prix series and the entry fee is Β£15 for UKA Affiliated Runners (Β£17 for non-affiliated runners). The online entry link for is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/

WIRRAL AC are accepting entries for their Evening Open Track and Field Meeting being held at Bebington Oval on Wednesday 17th September. The online entry link is: https://www.race-results.co.uk/

FORTHCOMING fixtures include the Northern Road Relays at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday 21st September.

ENTRIES for September’s Tuesday night Multi-terrain series have opened. 

The remaining dates and venues are: 16th at Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston; and 23rd at Arrowe Park.

Everyone who enters the whole series will get a free Multi Terrain Series T Shirt. For those who don’t enter the full series there will be the opportunity to purchase at Β£15 later on.

The online entry link is: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 28th September, Tattenhall (hosted by Chester Tri); 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THE dates for the four round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held at EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18; November 29, January 31, and March 7.

THIS winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held on Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

WCAC News #534 29-8-2025

URGENT PLEA TO ATHLETES FOR THIS SUNDAY AT TRAFFORD!

Alan Littler is urgently needing help and support from club members for this Sunday’s Northern Track & Field League fixture at Trafford. He is assembling a team of under 17s, under 20s and seniors for the match taking place this Sunday, (31st August), at Longford Park Stadium, Stretford, Manchester. Please let Alan know ASAP if you are available to compete by emailing him at:Β [email protected]. There is a particular need for female track athletes.

EPSV TRACK TRAINING IS ON

Please note that the Saturday run-jump-throw junior training session supervised by Dennis, Jane, and Joanne, at the EPSV Track (10am-12 noon), is taking place this weekend.

AND club training continues at the EPSV Track throughout the school summer holidays!

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ellie Robinson has kindly agreed to coordinate club entries for the North West and Cheshire Road Relays being held at Birkenhead Park on Sunday 14th September, and the Northern Road Relays at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday 20th September – NOT SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER AS ORIGINALLY ADVERTISED.

Ellie urgently needs to know availabilities by 1st September latest to give her enough time to sort out the teams (as she is also away on holiday that week).

Athletes (or parents) need to email Ellie directly if they are available and want to be considered to be included in a team at: [email protected]

Usual rules apply i.e.: Club vests must be worn; You must be a 1st claim member; For the event on the 14th you need to be eligible to run for Cheshire by birth or residence. (You do not need Cheshire eligibility for the event on the 20th).Details (race distances, team sizes and start times) are available on these links:

Cheshire County Champs (all age groups) Sunday 14th Sept – Birkenhead Park

North of England Champs (U13 upwards) Saturday 20th Sept – Leigh Sports Village

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CHESHIRE TRACK & FIELD GRAND PRIX

The date of Match 4 has changed to aid the availability of our officials toΒ Saturday, 6th September, hosted by Macclesfield Harriers & AC.Β Entries will open soon at this link:Β https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/about?id=27175 Officials: If you’re available to officiate at Match 4 can you please complete this form?:Β https://forms.gle/7eA7tkPyvdse7t8VA

HELPERS STILL NEEDED FOR OUR NEXT CLUB ROAD RACE… 

Helpers/Marshals are urgently needed for the Guilden Sutton 10K Road Race taking place on Sunday 21st September at 11am. If you can help please email Dennis Wall ASAP at: [email protected]Entries are now being accepted for the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race. The race will be fixture 7 in the Cheshire AA Road Running Grand Prix series and the entry fee is Β£15 for UKA Affiliated Runners (Β£17 for non-affiliated runners). The online entry link for is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Please remember to provide a friend to volunteer as a marshal if you are running in the race!

ASSISTANT CLUB COACHING COURSE

North West Regional Coach lead, Carl Foster, has confirmed that an Assistant Coaching Course will be held at St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead, on Saturday, 27th September, and the course can be booked online at this link: https://www.athleticshub.co.uk/course-list/eng

Please let Dennis know ASAP if you want to book onto the course.

GET YOUR ENTRY IN…

TRAFFORD AC are accepting entries for their Combined Events Classic on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 13th and 14th; Medal Meeting on Sunday 14th  September; and Medal Meeting on Sunday 28th September. The online entry link is: https://www.traffordac.co.uk/php/index.php?script=openMeetsHome&menu_id=76

WIRRAL AC are accepting entries for their Evening Open Track and Field Meeting being held at Bebington Oval on Wednesday 17th September. The online entry link is: https://www.race-results.co.uk/

WREXHAM AC is organising the Final Fling Competition at the Queensway Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. Details at: [email protected]

INDOOR SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS

The Club has booked half of the sportshall at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Fridays between 6-8pm from 19th September 2025 until March 2026 with the intention of delivering sportshall athletics training sessions for under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s, and competing in the North West Sportshall Athletics League, with fixtures scheduled to be held on Sundays, 5th October, 2nd November, 7th December, and 18th January.

But help and support is required from coaches and parents to make this happen.

If you are interested in getting involved at the training sessions and/or league fixtures, please contact Dennis ASAP at: [email protected]

WEST CHESHIRE AC SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY RACE SERIES…

The dates for the four-round West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series being held on the EPSV field (behind the leisure centre), this winter are: Saturdays, October 18, November 29, January 31, and March 7.

NORTHERN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATE…

The Northern Indoor Track & Field Championships for 2026 will take place at EIS Sheffield on the following dates:

Sen, Under 20 & Under 17 – Saturday & Sunday January 10th & 11th.

Under 15 & Under 13 – Sunday February 1st.

MANCHESTER INDOOR OPEN TRACK & FIELD MEETINGS…

The dates for this winter’s Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings are: Sundays, 30 November 2025; 21 December 2025; 18 January 2026; 8 February 2026; 22 February 2026; 15 March 2026.

CLUB FORUMS

The England Athletics North West Forum takes place on Saturday 11th October at the Leigh Sports Stadium. This is an opportunity for you to come together to collaborate, network and have your voices heard. England Athletics staff and Regional Council members will be in attendance and we hope to see many of you there. 

Everyone is welcome from club committees, coaches, officials and anyone with a passion for North West athletics and running or their club come and join us! 

For more information and to register please visit: https://www.englandathletics.org/news/register-for-our-regional-club-forums-a-chance-to-share-your-ideas/

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR MULTI-TERRAIN RACE

Entries for September Tuesday night Multi-terrain series have opened. 

Tuesday 16th at Thurstaston Country Park is the responsibility of West Cheshire AC: Mark the course with signs; Set up run in to finish – bollards, stakes and tape; Marshal the course – 5 can cover 6 marshal points plus tail marshal; and Clear up.

Please contact Mike Lamb with your availability at: [email protected]

The September series Multi Terrain entries are open for entry.

2/9 Royden Park;  9/9 Harrison Drive; 16/9 Wirral Country Park; 23/9 Arrowe Park. 

Everyone who enters the whole series will get a free Multi Terrain Series T Shirt. For those who don’t enter the full series there will be the opportunity to purchase at Β£15 later on.

The online entry link is: https://wirralmultiterrain.niftyentries.com/

FIXTURES…

Friday, August 29 – Mid Cheshire Summer 5k Road Race.

Saturday, August 30 – Manchester International Track and Field Meeting, at Sport City, Manchester.

Sunday, August 31 – Northern Track & Field League Round 4, at Trafford.

Good luck to all West Cheshire AC athletes and officials!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Well done to everyone who has represented the club in recent fixtures.

This week’s Club Press Report can be found here: www.westcheshireac.co.uk/news/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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

Colin Hunt, Dave Tiernan, Mark Povey, Claire Harris, Imogen Pughe, Molly Fields, Aaron Davies, John Velasquez, George Greaves,Oliver Lin, Skylar Pritchard.

BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE FIXTURES… 

Fixtures for this season’s Borders League are: 28th September, Tattenhall (hosted by Chester Tri); 16th November, Delamere (West Cheshire AC); 7th December, Trac Mon, Anglesey (Cybi); 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

CLUB RECORDS

Mike Lamb has produced interactive track and field progression tables of male and female records for all age groups and events, showing who held the record and when since the club was formed in 1998.

And Mike has also produced up-to-date progressions of age group road records for female and male club members since the club was formed.

The link is: https://www.westcheshireac.co.uk/club-records/

PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO URGENTLY HELP YOUR CLUB

Helpers are urgently needed from 5.50pm on Tuesdays and 6.20pm on Thursdays to register everyone on the tablet who attends EPSV training sessions.

And volunteers are always needed to assist with club track training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Please help if you can!

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