Press Report: Northern Medals for Tristan and Saskia

TRISTAN LEE and Saskia Keresturova produced a memorable double act in Sheffield on Sunday.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club youngsters impressed at the North of England Indoor Track and Field Championships held in the English Institute of Sport Arena.

Tristan was crowned under 13 boys 60m and 200m champion with new personal best times of 8.10 seconds and 26.77 seconds respectively.

And Saskia secured silver medals in the under 13 girls 60m and 200m with times of 8.79 seconds and 28.99 seconds respectively.

Amelia Snowden (2:23:73), Nia Manson (2:28:11), and Rose Sheppard (2:38:68) represented West Cheshire in the under 15 girls 800m.

Freya Whittaker cleared 1-40m in the under 15 girls high jump alongside Poppy McKenna who achieved 1-35m and added new personal bests of 4.11m in the long jump and 10.23 seconds in the 60m hurdles.

Lucas Sawyer rounded the under 15 boys 800m in a new personal best time of 2:22:32, and Kade Harris clocked 25.96 seconds in his under 15 boys 200m having qualified with a new personal best of 25.44 seconds in his heat.

ABBY GAMBLE was victorious in the under 11 girls race at Leaton Forest, Shrewsbury, in the latest round of the North Wales Junior Cross Country League on Saturday.

Abby was backed up by team mates Evelyn Edwards (fifth), and Heidi Anstey (seventh), to win the team competition on the day and are now second team overall.

Nia Manson achieved second position in the under 15 girls race and Finlay Stewart claimed fourth spot in the under 15 boys event.

Poppy McKenna (fourth), Heidi Wetherall (seventh), Florence Hain (ninth), and Emilia Hughes (10th) combined for top spot in the team event and are first overall with one round remaining.

Atharva Ganesh (12th) and Henry Cobb (13th) completed the under 13 boys race for sixth team position on the day and second team position overall.

Josh Coates (fifth), Toby Honeyborne-Kelly (12th), and James Thomas (21st) combined for fourth team position on the day and fourth place overall. 

Claire Harris (third over-35 lady and seventh overall), Emma Nutt (third senior lady and eighth overall), Anest Muller (seventh over-40 lady and 29th overall), Ellie Robinson (fifth over-50 lady and 37th overall), Deb Bemand (eighth over-50 lady and 66th overall), and Alex Duffey (13th over-50 lady and 86th overall) combined to earn fourth team spot on the day and fifth place overall in the Division One standings, while the club’s female masters finished third team on the day and lie fifth overall.  

Paul Morrison (20th), Jeff Gifford (48th), Andrew Clague (62nd), and Ian Pritchard (77th), combined for third team spot on the day and eighth place overall in the Division Two standings.

The final round of the North Wales Cross Country League is scheduled to be held at Marches School, Oswestry, on Saturday, February 14.

LEWIS MORRIS headed West Cheshire’s charge at Sunday’s Borders Road Running League fixture at Thurstaston.

Lewis finished third and clocked 25:18 for the 7.9km course, supported by Michael Young (fifth in 25:45), Dave Shearer (26th in 27:36), Scott Wells (48th in 28:54), Graham Wells (52nd in 29:05), David Assheton (58th in 29:11), Luke Squirrell (69th in 29:41), Paul Morrison (73rd in 29:46), Luke Pearson (93rd in 30:36), Ian-Paul Flanders (109th in 31:24), Kevin Eaton (150th in 33:16), Jake Hidden Deveson (165th in 34:10), Jeff Gifford (166th in 34:16), Ian Pritchard (169th in 34:20), Andrew Clague (177th in 34:41), Phil Gent (234th in 39:32), Andy Carter (243rd in 40:58), Tony Kennedy (269th in 47:03), and Dave Tiernan (277th in 54:58).

Lottie Rowedder was West Cheshire’s first lady to finish, posting 32:31 for 12th place, backed up by Emma Nutt (14th in 32:47), Julie Taillard (18th in 33:09), Joy Hickman (44th in 36:35), Anest Muller (48th in 36:49), Amy Mills (65th in 38:52), and Deb Bemand (74th in 40:54).

TEAM STANDINGS (after three rounds)

WOMEN’S DIVISION ONE: 1 Helsby 338 points; 2 West Cheshire 401; 3 Deeside 483; 4 Chester Tri 492; 5 Wallasey 749; 6 Buckley 898; 7 Eryri 1566. 

MEN’S DIVISION ONE: 1 Helsby 1013; 2 Buckley 1061; 3 Chester Tri 1358; 4 Wallasey 1533; 5 Wrexham 2020; 6 Wirral 2817; 7 Ellesmere Port 4585.

WOMEN’S DIVISION TWO: 1 Prestatyn 464; 2 Ellesmere Port 561; 3 Wirral 588; 4 UTS 686; 5 Wrexham 710; 6 Pensby 939; 7 Birkenhead 1093; 8 Wrecsam Tri 1096; 9 Deestriders 1142; 10 Tattenhall 1714; 11 Cybi 1832.

MEN’S DIVISION TWO: 1 Deeside 633; 2 West Cheshire 1126; 3 Prestatyn 1492; 4 Eryri 2601; 5 Birkenhead 3105; 6 UTS 3548; 7 Deestriders 3639; 8 Wrecsam Tri 3918; 9 Pensby 3976; 10 Cybi 5652; 11 Tattenhall 7596.

The next round of the Borders Road Running League is scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 22, at New Brighton.

ALICE ROBERTS-PAGE and Jack Arnold secured Bishop’s Bluecoat a double success story on Saturday at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

Alice won the year seven girls race ahead of runner-up Zara Evans (Bishop Heber) and third placed Maisy Roberts-Page (Bishop’s Bluecoat) at the penultimate round of the West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series.

Jack celebrated a victory in the year seven boys race, ahead of runner-up Morgan Edwards (Bishop;s Bluecoat), and third placed Daniel Kuzia (Queen’s Park), while Zach Dowdeswell (Ellesmere Port Church of England Academy) won the year eight boys race.

Niall Betteridge (Hoole) won the year six boys race ahead of Max Molloy (Ysgol y Waen), and Logan Blackburn (Hoole) in third spot.

Polly Morait (Farndon) won the year six race ahead of Hermione Allison (Whitby Heath), and Anna Dooley (Meadow) who were second and third respectively.

Arthur Jones (King’s) grabbed glory in the year five boys race ahead of Blake Robinson (Farndon) and Sam Arnold (Upton Heath) who were second and third.

Ivy Bowden (Tushingham) won the year five girls race ahead of runner up Arianwen Setters (Hoole) and Chloe Golightly (Oldfield) who were second and third.

Dash Clarke (Farndon) celebrated success in the year four boys race ahead of Harry Nicholson (Christleton) and Seb Close (Woodfall) who were second and third.

Lyra Allison (Whitby Heath) grabbed glory in the year four girls race ahead of runner up Hattie Miller (Farndon) and third placed Viola Gilligan (Upton Heath).

Woodfall pair Lucas Cairns and Freddie Latham finished first and second in the year three boys race ahead of third placed Albie Potter (Christeton).

And Amelie Grant (St Martin’s Academy) won the year three girls race ahead of Newton’s Paisley Herriman and Upton Heath’s Willow Parry who were second and third respectively.

The final round of the West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series will be held at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday, March 7 (10am start).

FIXTURES this weekend include the Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships on Saturday, at Knights Grange, Winsford; the Manchester Area Cross Country League at Heaton Park, on Saturday; the England Athletics Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20 Indoor Track and Field Championships, at Sheffield, on Saturday and Sunday; the Welsh Indoor Under 17 and Senior Track and Field Championships at Cardiff, on Saturday and Sunday; the Sale Harriers Indoor Track and Field Open Meeting at SportCity, Manchester, on Sunday; the UK Cross Country Challenge at London, on Saturday; and the England Athletics Midlands and North Winter Long Throws Championships at Leigh, on Saturday and Sunday.

ENTRIES have opened for the Chester Spring Five Milers Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC on Wednesday, April 15. The entry link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5123

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: March 22, New Brighton Promenade; April 19, Delamere Forest; May 6 (to be confirmed), Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the date and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

March 7-8: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries are open on Roster, closing on February 22.

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

WCAC Schools Cross-country Series

Well done to all who took part in yesterday’s penultimate round of the West Cheshire AC Schools’ Cross-country Series at Ellesmere Port Sports Village last Saturday. Provisional results are available near the bottom of the Off-road page of the club website.

Press Report: Northern Bronze for Lewis

ATHLETICS

by Dennis Wall

LEWIS MORRIS pocketed a bronze medal at Pontefract on Saturday.

The talented West Cheshire Athletic Club runner registered a time of 18 minutes 33 seconds to finish third in the under 17 men’s 5.68km race at the North of England Cross Country Championships.

Lucas Sawyer achieved sixth position in the under 13 boys 3.23km race, ahead of team mate Atharva Ganesh who was 122nd.

Poppy McKenna clocked 13:29 for 49th spot in the under 13 girls 3.23km event.

Emilia Pyper finished 59th in the under 17 women’s 5km race with a time of 22:40.

Nia Manson rounded the under 15 girls 4.31km race in 68th position with a time of 18 minutes, supported by club mate Harriet Beattie who was 95th in 19:17.

Ellie Robinson (107th in 42:46) and Joy Hickman (115th in 43:49) completed the senior women’s 8.37km race, and Henry Robinson rounded the senior men’s 12.36km race in 48:06 for 139th position. 

ISAAC THOMPSON played his part in a county success story on Sunday at Wigan.

The West Cheshire AC youngster helped earn the Cheshire under 13 boys a team victory at the North West Regional Sportshall Athletics Championships, held at Robin Park Leisure Centre.

Isaac will now represent the Cheshire’s Under 13 boys team at the UK Sportshall Athletics Finals to be held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Fenton, Stoke on Trent, on Saturday, April 11.

Issac was joined at Wigan by West Cheshire’s Louisa Cogan, Abby Gamble, and Heidi Anstey who helped Cheshire under 11 girls finish second, and by Charles Uchenna who helped Cheshire under 11 boys finish second, and by Amber Cogan (under 13) and Sophie Baker (under 15).

EMMA HOLMES has produced record-breaking performances in America.

The West Cheshire AC sprinter, representing Tarleton State, in Texas, shattered her own 400m record to become the first Texan student to run a sub-54 second or sub-55 second 400m in indoor program history.

Emma not only broke the school record in 53.86 seconds at the Stan Scott Invitational fixture on Friday, but also took home the individual crown in the event.

Emma beat her own school record by over a second, a record she set the previous weekend at the Corky Classic in 55.18 seconds and now owns a top-25 time in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) as well.

FIXTURES this weekend include the third round of the West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday (10am start); the North Wales Cross Country League, at Leaton Farm Estate Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, on Saturday (10.30am start for juniors, and 1pm start from seniors); the Borders Road Running League at Thurstaston Country Park, on Sunday (11am start); and the Northern Indoor Under 13s and Under 15s Track and Field Championships, on Sunday, at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport Arena (10.15am start).

ENTRIES have opened for the Chester Spring Five Milers Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC on Wednesday, April 15. The entry link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5123

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: February 1, Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston; March 22, New Brighton Promenade; April 19, Delamere Forest; May 6 (to be confirmed), Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the date and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

March 7-8: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on February 2, closing on February 22. 

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

Press Report: Fiona to Run for England

ATHLETICS

by Dennis Wall

FIONA COOK has been selected to represent England.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club distance running ace will line up for her country at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km.

The event will take place in Ireland on Saturday, March 21, and the competition sees teams from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland participating.

Fiona, who has received a GB Ultras sponsored invitation for the event said: “I’m so pleased to announce that @gbultras have invited me to be one of their sponsored athletes!!

“It feels pretty overwhelming that such an amazing organisation want me on their team, but I couldn’t be happier.

“GB Ultras have been one of the most welcoming race organisers I have ever had the pleasure to run and volunteer with. The team and community they have created are the reason I have fallen in love with ultra running so much and now I am one of their athletes!

“Thank you so much for having so much faith in me and I promise to put my all into everything, whether it be racing, volunteering or helping to support others in anyway I can! Bring on the 2026 season!”

Fiona will be joined in the England team by Katie Young (Fulham Running Club), Nicole Funnell (Springfield Striders), Sophie Power (Guildford and Godalming), Joseph Turner (Cambridge and Coleridge AC), Hugh Tibbs (Cambridge Harriers), David Barrat (Salford Harriers), and Gary Marshall (Ryde Harriers).

England Team manager, Robbie Britton, said: “Once again I’m delighted we’re taking a strong team to the Anglo Celtic Plate, one that is bristling with experienced 100k runners and others new to the distance with huge potential.

“With the announcement of a World 100km Championships in Spain for September we know the competition will be strong, but this year we hope to bring back team gold for both the men’s and women’s race.”

Andrew Heyes, England National Endurance Manager for Off-Track added: “The Anglo-Celtic Plate provides a vital platform for athletes to test themselves, experience international competition, and continue their development towards potential World Championship selections and GB representation. What is great about this event is that it’s not just about individual performance – there is a strong team aspect that plays a key role in preparing athletes for global championships.”

WULLIE McGARRELL won his over-60 age group category at Sunday’s Helsby Four Villages Half Marathon.

Wullie clocked one hour 24 minutes and was joined on the podium by Neil Hershaw who finished second in the over 60 age group with a time of 1:26:06.

Keely Smith finished second over-40 lady and fourth lady overall with a time of 1:24:01, and Michael Young was third in his over35 age category and seventh overall with 1:11:53.

Other West Cheshire finishers included Dave Shearer (1:16:35), Isaac McKenna (1:20:05), Duncan Harris (1:26:50), Jeff Gifford (1:30:34), Emma Nutt (1:31:52), Andrew Clague (1:34:42), Mark Robinson (1:35:10), Ian Pritchard (1:35:50), Ian Gloyne-Phillips (1:36:02), Luke Ellis (1:38:24), Brian Cremin (1:37:41), Steve Hillier (1:40:29), Julie Douzant (1:40:21), Laura Farmer (1:44:55), Phil Gent (1:48:22), Julian Tegg (1:52:11), and Angela Tegg (1:52:11).

WEST CHESHIRE AC’s Under 11 girls pocketed team bronze medals at the final round of the North West Sportshall Athletics League held on Sunday, at Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool.

Heidi Anstey, Abby Gamble, Hermione Allison, Lyra Allison, Chloe Golightly, and Louisa Cogan combined for a place on the podium.

Sophie Baker secured a bronze medal in the under 15 girls age group, and other West Cheshire team members included Toby Honeyborne-Kelly, Sammy Thwaites, Aiden Wall, Charles Uchenna, Will Rigby, Isaac Thompson, James Wallis, Harriet Oliver and Amber Cogan.

EMMA HOLMES and Niamh Le’Gall have clocked new West Cheshire AC indoor club records at the Owen Hewitt Invitational Meeting held in Norman, Oklahoma.

Emma, representing Tarleton State, posted a new under 23 women’s 200m record of 24.30 seconds, and clocked 55.18 seconds in her 400m, while Niamh, representing East Texas, registered a new under 20 women’s 60m record of 7.66 seconds.

LEWIS MORRIS rounded the British Milers Club 3,000m at the English Institute of Sport Indoor Arena in Sheffield with a time of 8:41:01, while club mate Dan Walker clocked 2:00.66 for the 800m.

ERIN BARNARD posted 8.76 seconds in the under 17 women’s 60m and 28.30 for the 200m at the Sale Harriers Indoor Meeting in Manchester alongside club mate Kade Harris who clocked 8.24 and 26.84 for his 60m and 200m respectively.

Alan Littler rounded the men’s 600m in 1:29, while Rose Sheppard clocked 1:50 in her under 15 girls 800m, and Eleanor Wheeler posted 28.39 seconds for her under 17 women’s 200m.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Northern Cross Country Championships at Pontefract, on Saturday; the and the North West Regional Sportshall Athletics Championships at Robin Park, Wigan, on Sunday.

ENTRIES have opened for the Chester Spring Five Miles Road Race being organised by West Cheshire AC on Wednesday, April 15. The entry link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Chester-Spring-5123

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: February 1, Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston; March 22, New Brighton Promenade; April 19, Delamere Forest; May 6 (to be confirmed), Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the date and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

March 7-8: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on February 2, closing on February 22. 

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

WCAC Endurance League

At the end of 2025, Anest is a point ahead of Joy in the women’s Endurance League, with Emma a further point behind in 3rd. Paul is two points head of Andrew in the men’s tables, followed a further five points back by Michael, Jeff and Ian.

See the Races page for full tables. Please address any queries to [email protected].

Press Report: Indoor Medals for Holly and Mia

by Dennis Wall

MIA JOHNSON and Holly Bosworth both medalled at the Northern Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club duo impressed in the regional fixture held at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport Arena on Saturday and Sunday.

Mia clocked a new under 17 women’s 200m club record of 25.10 seconds in her semi-final, before posting 25.16 seconds for second position in her final, and added a bronze medal in the 300m final with a season’s best time of 41.24 seconds.

And Holly achieved a silver medal performance in the under 20 women’s 200m with a season’s best time of 25.29 seconds having won her qualifying heat with a time of 25.49 seconds, and ran a season’s best 400m time of 59.04 seconds for fifth spot in the final.

Josh Stirling was another record-breaker in Sheffield after clocking an under 20 men’s 200m time of 24.25 seconds in his qualifying heat, and he posted a new 60m personal best of 7.50 seconds.

Jess Mann registered 26.06 seconds for fourth spot in the under 17 women’s 200m final having clocked a season’s best time of 25.99 seconds in her semi-final.

Ruby Billington cleared a season’s best of 1-60m for sixth position in the under 17 women’s high jump.

Beth Manson produced a season’s best time of 27.45 seconds in her under 17 women’s 200m heat to qualify for the semi-finals and posted 43.85 seconds in her 300m heat.

Maya Jennings posted 27.54 seconds in her under17 women’s 200m qualifying heat.

Nathan Owen clocked 7.73 seconds in his under 17 men’s 60m semi-final having qualified with a heat time of 7.62 seconds.

Alba March equalled her under 20 women’s 60m personal best of 8.01 seconds in her semi-final after clocking 8.10 seconds in her qualifying heat.

Amelie Bodie registered a season’s best under 20 women’s 60m time of 8.43 seconds and produced a 200m time of 27.28 seconds.

And Alan Littler warmed up for the British Masters and European Masters by posting a new senior men’s indoor 400m personal best time of 56.14 seconds, the same time as he ran in Maderia at the European Masters in October.

SAM HOLLINS registered a time of 32:36 at the Valencia 10k Road Race, just seven seconds off equalling the senior club record.

LEWIS MORRIS won the under 17 men’s race at Tatton Park in the Manchester Area Cross Country League on Saturday and then rounded the under 20 men’s 800m for a time of 2:05.77 in his qualifying heat at the Northern Indoor Championships in Sheffield on Sunday.

Lucas Sawyer finished fourth in the under 13 boys race at Tatton Park, ahead of Jack Arnold (26th) and Finley Edwards (59th).

Abby Gamble rounded the under 11 girls race to finish seventh ahead of Arianwen Setters who was 38th.

Poppy McKenna (14th), Rosie Grimsditch (27th), Florence Hain (37th), Heidi Wetherall (42nd), and Beth Jones (76th) completed the under 13 girls race.

Max Henderson (16th) and George Grimsditch (35th) rounded the under 15 boys course, and Nia Manson (18th) completed the under 15 girls event.

Sam Arnold (59th) completed the under 11 boys race, while Emma Nutt (65th) and Anest Muller (112nd) rounded the senior women’s course, and Paul Morrison (124th), Andrew Clague (269th) and Ian Pritchard (289th) finished the senior men’s race.

SEVEN West Cheshire AC youngsters have been selected to represent Cheshire at the North West Regional Sportshall Athletics Championship Finals.

Toby Honeybourne-Kelly, Abby Gamble, Heidi Anstey, Louisa Cogan, Amber Cogan, Sophie Baker, and Isaac Thompson will be in action at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan, on Sunday, January 25.

The Under 11s competition starts at 10:30am, while the Under 13s and Under 15s competitions start at 1:30pm.

FIXTURES this weekend include the England Athletics Under 20 and Senior Combined Events Championships at Sheffield, on Saturday and Sunday; the Four Villages Half Marathon on Sunday, at Helsby; the fourth round of the North West Sportshall Athletics League at Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, on Sunday; and the Sale Harriers Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting at SportCity, Manchester, on Sunday.

ENTRIES close on January 17 for the Northern Under 15 and Under 13 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on Sunday, February 1. The online entry link is: northernathletics.co.uk/events/

ENTRIES close on January 18 for the Northern Cross Country Championships being held at Pontefract, on Saturday, January 24; and the English National Cross Country Championships, will be held at Sedgefield, on Saturday, February 21.

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: February 1, TBC (Pensby); March 1, Wallasey; March 22, Promenade (Wirral AC); May 6, Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, January 18; February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the dates and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

February 7-8: England Age Group Championships. Entries open on Roster on December 15, closing on January 18.
March 7-8: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on February 2, closing on February 22. 

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

Press Report: Medals all round at Kelsall

by Dennis Wall

WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club enjoyed a memorable day at Kelsall on Saturday.

The purple and gold-vested outfit produced a number of impressive medal performances at the Cheshire County Cross Country Championships held at Kelsall Equestrian Centre.

Lewis Morris celebrated victory in the under 17 men’s race ahead of sixth-placed Scott Wells.

Niall Betteridge (second), Xavier Slinn (fourth), and Toby Honeyborne-Kelly (11th), combined to win team gold medals in the under 11 boys race alongside Hamish Robinson (12th), Sam Arnold (18th), Sam Thwaites (22nd), Jamie Thomas (23rd), Leo McKenna (24th), and Will Rigby (25th).

Lucas Sawyer (second), Leon Betteridge (sixth), and Jack Arnold (10th), celebrated team gold medals in the under 13 boys race, backed up by Zack Kempton (18th), Morgan Edwards (24th), Daniel Kuzia (25th), Xander Whelan (26th), Henry Cobb (27th), and Finley Edwards (29th).

Poppy McKenna (sixth), Heidi Wetherall (eighth), and Rosie Grimsditch (10th) achieved team silver medals in the under 13 girls race, alongside Emilia Hughes (17th), Beth Jones (20th), Mollie Cooke (26th), Zara Sandland (27th), and Jasmine Walker (28th).

Abbey Gamble (third), Heidi Anstey (sixth), and Ivy Bowden (14th), combined to secure team bronze medals in the under 11 girls race alongside Evelyn Edwards (17th), Hermione Allison (18th), Anna Dooley (20th), Chloe Golightly (21st), and Ella Taheri (24th).

Nia Manson secured a bronze medal in the under 15 girls race alongside Harriet Beattie who finished sixth.

Emilia Pyper grabbed a bronze medal in the under 17 women’s race, and Laura Farmer finished ninth in the under 20 women’s race, while Matthew McCreadie registered seventh place in the under 20 men’s event.

Finley Stewart (20th), Dylan Gledhill (12th), and George Grimsditch (13th), delivered fourth team spot in the under 15 boys race alongside Max Henderson (19th).

Sam Oliver (11th), Michael Young (17th), Graham Wells (38th), Paul Morrison (49th), Steve Fernyhough (52nd), and Henry Robinson (55th) secured fifth team position in the men’s race, alongside Adam Harris (62nd), Duncan Harris (64th), Neil Hershaw (70th overall and first in his over 60 age group), Jeff Gifford (77th overall and second over 60 man), Andy Manson (90th), and Ian Pritchard (91st) who were 12th team, and Richard Hayes (98th), and Mark Davies (115th).

Jodi Bemand finished eighth in the women’s race and pointed her club to 10th team position ahead of Emma Nutt (25th), Anest Muller (51st), and Joy Hickman who was 64th overall and second in her over 60 age category.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Manchester Area Cross Country League at Tatton Park, on Saturday; the Northern Under 17s, Under 20s and Seniors Indoor Track and Field Championships at Sheffield, on Saturday and Sunday; the North Wales Indoor Championships at Connah’s Quay, on Saturday; the North Wales Cross Country Championships, at Treborth, Bangor, on Saturday.

ENTRIES close on January 17 for the Northern Under 15 and Under 13 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on Sunday, February 1. The online entry link is: northernathletics.co.uk/events/

ENTRIES close on January 18 for the Northern Cross Country Championships being held at Pontefract, on Saturday, January 24; and the English National Cross Country Championships, will be held at Sedgefield, on Saturday, February 21.

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, January 18; February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the dates and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

17-18 January: The Under 20 and Senior Combined Events and Senior Para Championships (including Race Walking Championships and British Milers Club on 18 January. Entries on Roster close on 17 December.

7-8 February: England Age Group Championships. Entries open on Roster on 15 December, closing on 18 January.
7-8 March: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on 2 February, closing on 22 February. 

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

Press Report: Chris and Izzy are First Round the Walls

by Dennis Wall

CHRIS LARKIN and Izzy Gelder celebrated success at the Chester Round The Walls Race.

The duo negotiated the four miles event organised by West Cheshire Athletic Club which attracted 500 finishers at Chester Racecourse on Boxing Day.

Chris, representing Helsby Running Club, clocked 20 minutes 18 seconds for the multi-terrain course, ahead of West Cheshire AC duo Lewis Morris and Sam Hollins who finished second and third respectively with times of 21:08 and 22:06.

Izzy (Mornington Chasers) was first lady in a time of 24:23, ahead of Sarah Hunter (Ackworth Road Runners) who clocked 24:45, and third-placed Carol Parsons (Chester Dragons) in 26:21.

Host club, West Cheshire AC, was represented by Steve Fernyhough (13th in 23:55), Noah Woolgar (20th in 24:59), Adam Harris (27th in 25:38), Andrew Barratt (54th in 28:25), Emilia Pyper (11th lady in 28:43), Dave Gough (95th in 30:23), Phil Gent (185th in 35:16), and Phil Howe (196th in 36:40).

FIXTURES next weekend include the Cheshire County Cross Country Championships being held at Kelsall Equestrian Centre, on Saturday, (January 3), while the Northern Cross Country Championships, will be held at Pontefract, on Saturday, January 24; and the English National Cross Country Championships, will be held at Sedgefield, on Saturday, February 21.

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

THE North Wales Cross Country Championships will be held at the Treborth Track, Bangor, on Saturday, January 10. Entries can be made via the following link: https://www.entrycentral.com/NorthWalesCCChamps

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Northern Senior, Under 20 and Under 17 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on January 10 and 11, as well as the Northern Under 15 and Under 13 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on Sunday, February 1. The online entry link is: northernathletics.co.uk/events/

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, January 18; February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the dates and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

17-18 January: The Under 20 and Senior Combined Events and Senior Para Championships (including Race Walking Championships and British Milers Club on 18 January. Entries on Roster close on 17 December.

7-8 February: England Age Group Championships. Entries open on Roster on 15 December, closing on 18 January.
7-8 March: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on 2 February, closing on 22 February.

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

Press Report: Good Year for WCAC

by Dennis Wall

INTERNATIONAL honours, medals and records were recorded by West Cheshire Athletic Club members in 2025.

Mia Johnson, Jessica Lark, Harriet Wheeler, Niamh Le-Gall, Holly Bosworth, Kara Stoll, Alan Littler, Joseph Morrison, Lewis Morris, Lewis Parsons, Fiona Cook, Michael Young, Keely Smith, Joy Hickman, Wullie McGarrell, Alba March and Arwen Thorne provided memorable moments for the purple-vested outfit based at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

Mia won the Welsh Under 15 women’s 300m title in Swansea during June after winning the Welsh indoor 20m and 300m titles at Cardiff in February, and pocketed a silver medal at the England Indoor Championships in the 200m to end the year ranked 18th for her age in the UK. 

Jessica won the Northern Indoor Under 20 women’s 800m title in Sheffield during January and finished the year ranked second for her age in the UK indoors and third for her age outdoors, and then achieved a European Under 20 Indoor Championships standard of 4:17.06 for the 1500m in her first-ever British Indoor Championships appearance.

Harriet finished the year ranked third in the UK for the under 20 women’s javelin with a throw of 48.61m achieved while representing England at the Ron Pickering Memorial Throws International at Loughborough and secured a silver medal at the English Under 20 Championships and a bronze medal at the English Schools Championships.

Niamh celebrated a gold medal at the Northern Championships with a new under 20 women’s 200m personal best time of 24.21 seconds, alongside Holly who secured a bronze medal with a new 200m best of 24.68 seconds, while Kara nailed a throw of 41.91m for a bronze medal in the under 20 women’s hammer, and Alan cleared 1-70m for a bronze medal in the senior men’s high jump. 

Joseph completed the year ranked 18th in the senior men’s 800m UK ranking list with a personal best of 1:46.20 at Watford in July.

Lewis Morris ended the year with a victory in the Welsh Inter Regional Cross Country Championships, and Lewis Parsons secured a silver medal in the 400m at Swansea in the Welsh Under 20 Championships.

Fiona won the women’s title and finished third overall in her first ever 100 miles race at the Cheshire Ring Ultra fixture in September with a female course record time of 16 hours 32 minutes 54 seconds, having won the Chester 50 miles race earlier in the year with a course record time of seven hours 41 minutes 30 seconds, and won the Manchester to Liverpool 50 miles Race in April with a course record time of six hours 38 minutes 19 seconds. 

Michael clocked a winning time of one hour 30 minutes 15 seconds for victory in the Chester Metric Marathon, and Keely was second in the women’s race with a time of 1:47 and claimed first position in her over 40 age category.

Joy completed the year ranked second in the UK for her over 60 age group for the 2,000m steeplechase, eighth for the 800m, eighth for the 3,000m, and 13th for five miles.

Wullie secured number one spot in the UK ranking lists for his over 60-men’s age group with a time of three hours three minutes and three seconds at the Seville Marathon.

Alba claimed a gold medal in the mixed 4x100m relay at the English Schools Championships. 

Arwen delivered silver and bronze medal performances in the under 17 women’s javelin and high jump events at the Northern Championships, alongside Dylan Gledhill who achieved a silver medal in the under 15 boys javelin, and Lucas Sawyer who claimed a silver in the under 13 boys 800m. 

Dave McKay produced a silver medal in the over 45 men’s throws pentathlon at the European Masters Track and Field Championships held in Madeira during October.

West Cheshire AC members pocketed 83 medals at the Cheshire Track and Field Championships (34 gold, 27 silver and 22 bronze), held at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village track in May.

And the club celebrated promotion in the Youth Development Track and Field Lower and Upper Age Group League Competitions to secure Premier Division status in 2026.

ENTRIES close on Sunday, December 28, for the Cheshire County Cross Country Championships being held at Kelsall Equestrian Centre, on Saturday, January 3, while the Northern Cross Country Championships, will be held at Pontefract, on Saturday, January 24; and the English National Cross Country Championships, will be held at Sedgefield, on Saturday, February 21.

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

THE North Wales Cross Country Championships will be held at the Treborth Track, Bangor, on Saturday, January 10. Entries can be made via the following link: https://www.entrycentral.com/NorthWalesCCChamps

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Northern Senior, Under 20 and Under 17 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on January 10 and 11, as well as the Northern Under 15 and Under 13 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on Sunday, February 1. The online entry link is: northernathletics.co.uk/events/

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, January 18; February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the dates and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

17-18 January: The Under 20 and Senior Combined Events and Senior Para Championships (including Race Walking Championships and British Milers Club on 18 January. Entries on Roster close on 17 December.

7-8 February: England Age Group Championships. Entries open on Roster on 15 December, closing on 18 January.
7-8 March: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on 2 February, closing on 22 February.

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

Press Report: Saskia is Busy at Connah’s Quay

ATHLETICS

by Dennis Wall

SASKIA KERESTUROVA produced three impressive performances at Connah’s Quay on Saturday.

The West Cheshire Athletic Club youngster competed in the North Wales Christmas Indoor Open Track and Field Competition held at the North Wales Indoor Athletics Centre.

Saskia hit 5.93m in the under 13 girls shot put, long jumped 4.06m, and clocked 8.94 seconds in her 60m.

Saskia was joined at the event by club mates Mia Johnson, Nathan Owen, and Jon Clarke.

Mia posted 7.99 seconds in the under 17 women’s 60m, while Nathan registered 7.52 seconds in the under 17 men’s 60m, and Jon clocked 23.06 seconds in the over 65 men’s 60m.

POPPY McKENNA secured second position in the under 13 girls race at the latest round of the North Staffs Cross Country League held at Keele University on Saturday.

JAMIE FISHER posted 1:17:57 for fifth position at Sunday’s Aintree Half Marathon.

BRIAN CREMIN clocked a season’s best time of 1:40:15 for 320th position at the Milton Keynes Half Marathon.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meeting at SportCity on Sunday.

AND forthcoming fixtures include the Chester Round The Walls Race from Chester Racecourse, on Boxing Day, which starts at 10.30am.

THE Cheshire County Cross Country Championships will be held at Kelsall Equestrian Centre, on Saturday, January 3, while the Northern Cross Country Championships, will be held at Pontefract, on Saturday, January 24; and the English National Cross Country Championships, will be held at Sedgefield, on Saturday, February 21.

THE Cheshire Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, February 7, at Knights Grange, Winsford.

THE North Wales Cross Country Championships will be held at the Treborth Track, Bangor, on Saturday, January 10. Entries can be made via the following link: https://www.entrycentral.com/NorthWalesCCChamps

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Northern Senior, Under 20 and Under 17 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on January 10 and 11, as well as the Northern Under 15 and Under 13 Indoor Track and Field Championships taking place at Sheffield on Sunday, February 1. The online entry link is: northernathletics.co.uk/events/

FIXTURES for this season’s Borders Road Running League are: 1st February, TBC (Pensby); 1st March, Wallasey; 22nd March, Promenade (Wirral AC); 6th May, Prestatyn, Relays.

THIS winter’s Sale Harriers Manchester Indoor Track and Field Open Meetings will be held at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sportcity, Manchester. M11 4FF, on the following Sundays, December 21; January 18; February 8; February 22; and March 15. The online entry link is: https://www.saleharriersmanchester.com/winter-indoor-series/

ENGLAND ATHLETICS have announced the dates and details for the 2026 Indoor Championships:

17-18 January: The Under 20 and Senior Combined Events and Senior Para Championships (including Race Walking Championships and British Milers Club on 18 January. Entries on Roster close on 17 December.

7-8 February: England Age Group Championships. Entries open on Roster on 15 December, closing on 18 January.
7-8 March: England Age Group Combined Events and Junior Para Championships. Entries open on Roster on 2 February, closing on 22 February.

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

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