ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUN MORNING

West Cheshire AC’s Annual Christmas Fun Morning will be held on Saturday 21^st December, at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sportshall between 10am and 12 noon. The morning will be a ‘fun/games’ element, fancy dress is optional. The cost is £1.50, the proceeds of which will go to a local charity. If you wish to come, please put your name down on the list in the Track Office. You can bring your brothers and sisters along but please note any child under the age of 8½ years old will need an adult with them at all times.

THIS WEEKEND

CROSS COUNTRY FIXTURE: Saturday, 7th December – Liverpool and District Cross Country League Round Three, at Beacon Park, Beacon Lane, Skelmersdale, WN8 7RU, 11am start, (Senior and Veteran Men and Women Races). Further information: https://www.lps-athletics.co.uk/ld-cross-country/

CROSS COUNTRY FIXTURE: Sunday, 8th December – Manchester Area Cross Country League Round Three (PRE-ENTRY ONLY VIA WEST CHESHIRE AC), at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH49 5LW. Further information: http://maccl.co.uk/

SPORTSHALL TRAINING: An indoor sportshall athletics training session, will take place on Saturday, 7th December (10am-12 noon), at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Old School Sportshall. Everyone needs to register first at the Track Office.

HIGH JUMP TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a high jump training session supervised by Jane Palmer, at Deeside Indoor Athletics Centre, Kelsterton Road, Connahs Quay, CH5 4BR, on Friday, 6th December (6.30pm start). The cost to use the facility is £4 per athlete.

THROWS TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a throws training session supervised by Dave McKay, at Deeside Indoor Athletics Centre, Kelsterton Road, Connahs Quay, CH5 4BR, on Friday, 6th December (6.30pm start). The cost to use the facility is £4 per athlete.

LONG & TRIPLE JUMP TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a jumps session supervised by Carl Foster at Robin Park Indoor Athletics Centre, Wigan, Postcode: WN5 0UH, on Sunday, 8th December (10am-12 noon). The cost to use the indoor track is £3.60 for juniors £4.50 for adults (levied by the Arena) – coaches and spectators are free.

HELPERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR BOXING DAY CHESTER WALLS RACE

Members, parents and friends are needed to help out on Boxing Day at the Essar Chester Walls Race. If you are taking part, then please ensure that you provide a family member / friend to marshal in your place. This is a major fundraiser for the club and we need your support. If you can help please email Dennis Wall ASAP at: [email protected]

PROMOTIONAL CLUB VIDEO

The Club is planning to produce a promotional video to be screened at the Club Awards Evening in February. If any members don’t want to be shown on the video please let Dennis Wall know ASAP by email at: [email protected]

COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry fees will be paid by the club for members wanting to run in the Cheshire, Northern, and/or English National Cross Country Championships, on the basis that members who ask to be entered turn up on the day.

No qualification needed, all abilities represented. Run in any one event or all three. The only requirements are that you are a FIRST-CLAIM member of West Cheshire AC and, for the Cheshire Championships only, you must either have been born in Cheshire or have been living in Cheshire for at least nine months before the race, and must not have competed in another county’s championships since October 1st 2019. The races are:

Cheshire County AA Cross-country Championships at Knights Grange, Winsford. Saturday January 4th 2020. Age groups from under 11s to veterans.

Northern Athletics Cross-country Championships at The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS. Saturday January 25th 2020. Age groups from under 13s to veterans.

English NationalCross-country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE. Saturday February 22nd 2020.

IF YOU WANT TO RUN PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] (don’t just reply via Facebook or tell a coach!) with your name, date of birth and the name of the championships you want to run in, by the following dates: Cheshire: December 20th 2019; Northern: January 3rd 2020; National: January 3rd 2020.

Any entries for the Cheshire Championships, after the Cheshire closing date above, must be done by the entrants themselves, who will have to pay an entry fee. It appears that there is no individual entry to the Northern or National championships, so please let us know by the dates shown above if you want to run!

IMPORTANT: The club is paying members’ entry fees again this year on the basis that people commit to showing up on the day unless there are legitimate unforeseen circumstances, eg illness or injury. If members who are fit to compete decide to pull out after entering, the club will expect to be reimbursed for their entry fees. Please be sure that you want to run before committing to do so.

URGENT HELP NEEDED

The Club needs urgent help, support, and assistance from parents during Tuesday evening (6.30pm-8pm) and Saturday morning (10am-12 noon) training sessions at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track (6.30pm-8pm).

PARENTS who can help should contact Dennis Wall on 07968643038 or email: [email protected]

BE SEEN AND BE SAFE

All Club members training at night on routes that involve crossing roads and where there is traffic are reminded to wear bright and reflective clothing. Please be safe.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

All parents of youngsters attending track training sessions are reminded to collect their sons and daughters from the track – not from the car park. The Club wants to ensure everyone stays safe and that every youngster safely leaves every track training session.

All youngsters attending track training sessions should bring along warm clothing, preferably waterproofs, hats, gloves, as well as a bottle of water.

INDOOR CIRCUIT TRAINING

Dave McKay and Jenny Manning will be supervising winter circuit training for club members on Wednesdays in the old Stanney High School Sportshall (Annexe) from 7pm.

BECOME ONE OF OUR CLUB COACHES

Any parents of West Cheshire AC members wanting to become qualified coaches will be fully supported by the Club who will pay for coaching courses.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about coaching can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/qualifications-landing-page/

REGIONAL COACH AND ATHLETE TRAINING DAYS

England Athletics is running a series of Regional Coach & Athlete Training Days across the country between September 2019 and March 2020. Delivered by elite-level coaches, these practical event-specific sessions are tailored to either Speed, Endurance, Jumps or Throws and are perfect for club-based athletes and coaches looking to develop in areas including training, preparation and technique.

Further details can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/development/regional-coach-athlete-training-days/

REGIONAL ENDURANCE WORKSHOP

West Cheshire AC has agreed to host England Athletics Regional Endurance Coaching Workshops this Winter at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track.

The target audience will be Coaches working with athletes who are County standard or higher, and athletes aged 11-18. The duration will be up to three hours to include Q&A/discussion.

A threshold training session will take place on Thursday, 5th March.

WHY NOT BECOME AN OFFICIAL?

West Cheshire AC is keen to help any parents of members wanting to become qualified officials. The Club will pay for parents of members wanting to attend an officials course.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about officiating can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/news/on-your-marks-become-an-athletics-official-this-year/

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, west cheshire ac jnr to u20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

CLUB KIT

Anyone wanting to purchase club vests and/or hoodies is reminded that parents Vikki Brett and Joanne Lark will sell club kit at the EPSV Track Office AFTER Tuesday night training sessions.

Payment can be made by cash, or by cheque made payable to West Cheshire AC.

PHYSIO SUPPORT

Club member Heather McLintock is a qualified physiotherapist and offers substantial discounted prices for West Cheshire AC members on production of their membership card. Heather can be contacted on 01244 381350 or 07885 462487.

WEEKLY PRESS REPORT

This week’s press report can be found here: https://www.westcheshireac.co.uk/2019/12/03/press-report-wcac-are-winners-at-widnes/

FIXTURES

SATURDAY, 7TH DECEMBER – Liverpool and District Cross Country League Round Three, at Beacon Park, Skelmersdale, WN8 7RU, 11am start, (Senior and Veteran Men and Women Races). Further information: https://www.lps-athletics.co.uk/ld-cross-country/

SUNDAY, 8TH DECEMBER – Manchester Area Cross Country League Round Three (PRE-ENTRY ONLY VIA WEST CHESHIRE AC), at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH49 5LW. Further information: http://maccl.co.uk/

Timetable: 12 noon: Under 11 Girls and Under 11 Boys; 12.15pm: Under 13 Girls and Under 13 Boys; 12.30pm: Under 15 Girls and Under 15 Boys; 12.50pm: Under 17 Girls and Under 17 Boys; 1.30pm: Senior, Under 20 and Veteran Women; 2.30pm: Senior, Under 20, and Veteran Men.

SATURDAY, 14TH DECEMBER – North Staffs Cross Country League Round Four, at Penkridge, ST19 5PH. ALL AGE GROUPS TAKE PART.

SUNDAY, 15TH DECEMBER – Sale Harriers Open Indoor Track & Field Meeting, at SportcIty, Manchester. Further details: https://saleharriersmanchester.com/index.php/events-fixtures/winter-indoor-series

SATURDAY, 21ST DECEMBER – West Cheshire AC Annual Christmas Fun Morning, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sportshall, (10am start).

THURSDAY, 26TH DECEMBER – Essar Chester Walls Race, at Chester Racecourse, 10.30am start).

West Cheshire Athletic Club is holding the Annual Christmas Fun Morning on Saturday 21^st December, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sports hall between 10am and 12 noon. The morning will be a ‘fun/games’ element, fancy dress is optional.  The cost is £1.50, the proceeds of which will go to a local charity.  If you wish to come, please put your name down on the list in the Track Office. You can bring your brothers and sisters along but please note any child under the age of 8½ years old will need an adult with them at all times.

WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club’s youngsters are celebrating a hat-trick of victories at Widnes.

The Ellesmere Port Sports Village-based outfit won both the under 11 girls and boys team events as well as the under 13 girls team competition and were second in the under 13 boys team event at the third round of the North West Indoor Sportshall Athletics League.

Abigail Meyer, Ava Redmond, Beth Manson, Bethany Long, Daisy Ross Maddock, Eleanor Neve, Isla Entwistle, Esme Graham, Grace Fairweather, Kadie Gledhill, Mae Grant, Tianha Cliffe, and Ursula Archer combined to earn West Cheshire AC a team victory in the under 11 girls event.

Daniel Walker, James Davidson, Noah Woolgar, Theo Shepherd, Thomas Renondeau, Tom Joshua, Will Rawson, William Mallon, and Oliver Eaton teamed up for success in the under 11 boys team competition.

Teresa Arvidson, Cerys Manson, Jessica Brown, Daisy Johnson, Macy Brett, Rose Duggan, Flora Plass, Holly Bosworth, Lottie Blake and Dakota Fleming combined for a team victory in the under 13 girls competition.

And the trio of Matthew Jones, Thomas Wilson and Oliver Mallon teamed up for second spot in the under 13 boys age group event, just seven points behind the winners.

TEAM RESULTS

UNDER 11 GIRLS: 1 West Cheshire 104.25 points; 2 Warrington 100; 3 Wespa 97.25; 4 St Helens Sutton 90.5; 5 Halton and Frodsham 42.

UNDER 11 BOYS: 1 West Cheshire 103; 2 Halton and Frodsham 94; 3 Warrington 89; 4 Wespa 87.75; 5 St Helens Sutton 60.75.

UNDER 13 GIRLS: 1 West Cheshire 109.5; 2 St Helens Sutton 97.25; 3 Wespa 85.75; 4 Warrington 84.

UNDER 13 BOYS: 1 Wespa 86; 2 West Cheshire 79; 3 St Helens Sutton 59; 4 Warrington 30.

The North West Sportshall League Finals will be held at Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, on Sunday, January 19. 

CLAIRE HARRIS, Debra Bemand and Clare Mallon ensured West Cheshire AC women remain on course for promotion in the Borders Road Running League.

Harris (16th in 38:01), Bemand (third over-45 lady and 28th overall in 39:25), and Mallon (fifth over-45 lady in 42:04) combined to earn joint second place at the latest round staged at Birkenhead Park and second place overall after three rounds.

The trio were backed up at the 5.5 miles race by Ellen McMahon (53rd in 43:53), Su Baird (fifth over-55 lady in 45:33), Lisa Davies (eighth over-45 lady in 46:04).

Tom Booth (29th in 31:06) steered West Cheshire AC’s men’s team home to fourth spot on the day and fifth place overall, backed up by Sion Roberts (second under 20 man in 31:09), Michael Young (33rd in 31:16), Neil Finegan (second over 45 man in 31:26), Andrew Cooper (46th in 32:27), Isaac Tait (fourth under 20 man in 32:29), Graham Wells (sixth over-45 man in 32:30), Paul Morrison (fifth under 20 man in 32:31), Steve Fernyhough (54th in 32:32), and Mark Davies (11th over-40 man in 33:19).

The 10 scoring counters received support from Danny Paddock (76th in 33:46), John Parlevliet (12th over-40 man in 33:53), Andy Carter (11th over-45 man in 34:03), Andrew Clague (sixth over-50 man in 34:03), Steven King (14th over-45 man in 34:56), Tony Woodall (15th over-45 man in 35:34), Neil Field (150th in 38:57), Julian Tegg (177th in 41:04), Richard Hunt (181st in 42:06), Darren Shillington (199th in 43:34), Tony Kennedy (10th over-60 man in 44:14), and Richard Batterham (seventh over-65 man in 48:10).

The next round will be held at Pensarn, Abergele, on Sunday, January 12, (11am start).

RUBY PHILLIPS grabbed glory at the third round of the Essar West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series.

The Sutton Green pupil posted a winning time of five minutes 10 seconds in the year six girls race at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, ahead of King’s duo Holly Coates and Grace Henderson who finished second and third respectively.

Tom Yates (Newton) clocked a winning time of 5:13 in the year six boys race, ahead of runner-up Daniel Walker (Tarvin) and third placed Noah Woolgar (Boughton Heath).

Cerys Rowlands (Whitby) won the year seven girls race in 8:27, ahead of Molly Brennan (Christleton) and Rebecca Smith (Chester Catholic High), while Christleton’s Alex Oliver won the year seven boys race in 8:43, ahead of Upton’s Camren Booth and Oliver Mallon (King’s).

Jessica Lark (Upton) posted 10:45 for victory in the year eight girls race, ahead of Aimee Phillips (Whitby) and Holly Sutcliffe (King’s), while Zak Ireland (Bishop Heber) clocked 10:37 for success in the year eight boys race ahead of Matthew Jones (Upton) and Sam Bailey (Bishops Bluecoat).

Thomas Rimmer (Overleigh St Marys) clocked 5:12 for victory in the year five boys race ahead of Joshua Evans (Farndon) and Hugo McLintock (Mill View), while Ruby McIlveen (Bishop Wilson) won the year five girls race ahead of Edith Carr (Acresfield) and Miley McNab (St Clares).

Anna Birkett-Evans (The Firs) won the year four girls race in 3:53 ahead of Lowri Phoenix (Tarporley) and Ava Hancock (Mickle Trafford), while Logan Sefton (King’s) posted 3:28 for success in the year four boys race ahead of Leo Anstey (Boughton Heath) and Dylan Chandler (Christleton).

Olivia Zarac (Upton Heath) posted 3:56 for victory in the year three girls race ahead of Willaston pair Emma Gauller and Isla Corran, while Ben Brassington (Newton) won the year three boys race in 3:38 ahead of Noah Booth (Upton Heath) and Michael Gray (Newton).

The final round of the Essar West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series takes place on Saturday, February 8, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.

JON PARK and Joseph Morrison have both smashed West Cheshire Athletic Club records.

Park recorded 2:38:21 at the Valencia Marathon to slice almost 90 seconds off Kenny Begley’s 2004 senior men’s club record, while Morrison clocked 1:22:88 at the Sale Harriers Indoor Open Meeting at Manchester.

ANDY CARTER finished runner-up in his over-50 age group at the Lanzarote International Running Challenge, completing the 10k in 38:49, the 13k in 55:30, the 5k in 19:37, and the 21k in 1:32:16.

STEVE FERNYHOUGH represented West Cheshire AC at Sefton Park, Liverpool, in the UK Cross Challenge and posted 39:03 to finish 183rd in the men’s race.

FIXTURES this weekend include the Manchester Area Cross Country League third round at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, on Sunday (12 noon start), and the Liverpool and District Cross Country League at Beacon Park, Skelmersdale, on Saturday.

RAFFLE PRIZES NEEDED FOR CLUB AWARDS All club members are requested to donate a raffle prize to help cut our costs at the West Cheshire AC Annual Awards to be held on 1st February 2020, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester, CH1 2BD. Raffle prizes can be delivered to the EPSV Track Office before or after a Club Training Session. Please can this be done as soon as possible, so that the raffle tickets advertise the prizes on offer.

THIS WEEKEND: EGM AND AGM
Please come along and support the Club EGM and AGM to be held at the Ellesmere Port Athletics Trackside Community Room on Friday, 29th November, 7:30pm start.

CROSS COUNTRY FIXTURE: Saturday, 30th November – Essar West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series at Ellesmere Port Sports Village. Registration from 9.15am, First Race is at 10am.

ROAD RACE FIXTURE: Sunday, 1st December – Borders League at Birkenhead Park. The race will start and finish in the park opposite Birkenhead 6th Form College, on Park Road West, CH43 8SQ.

SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS FIXTURE: Sunday, 1st December – Under 11s, under 13s, and under 15s are being urged to represent the club at the third round of the North West Indoor Sportshall Athletics League taking place at Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, WA8 7QH, (12.30pm start).

HELPERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR BOXING DAY CHESTER WALLS RACE

Members, parents and friends are needed to help out on Boxing Day at the Essar Chester Walls Race. If you are taking part, then please ensure that you provide a family member / friend to marshal in your place. This is a major fundraiser for the club and we need your support. If you can help please email Dennis Wall ASAP at: [email protected]

PROMOTIONAL CLUB VIDEO

The club is planning to produce a promotional video to be screened at the Club Awards Evening in February. If any members don’t want to be shown on the video please let Dennis Wall know ASAP by email at: [email protected]

CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry fees will be paid by the club for members wanting to run in the Cheshire, Northern, and/or English National Cross Country Championships, on the basis that members who ask to be entered turn up on the day.

No qualification needed, all abilities represented. Run in any one event or all three. The only requirements are that you are a FIRST-CLAIM member of West Cheshire AC and, for the Cheshire Championships only, you must either have been born in Cheshire or have been living in Cheshire for at least nine months before the race, and must not have competed in another county’s championships since October 1st 2019. The races are:

Cheshire County AA Cross-country Championships at Knights Grange, Winsford. Saturday January 4th 2020. Age groups from under 11s to veterans.

Northern Athletics Cross-country Championships at The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS. Saturday January 25th 2020. Age groups from under 13s to veterans.

English National Cross-country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE. Saturday February 22nd 2020.

IF YOU WANT TO RUN PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] (don’t just reply via Facebook or tell a coach!) with your name, date of birth and the name of the championships you want to run in, by the following dates: Cheshire: December 20th 2019 Northern: January 3rd 2020 National: January  3rd 2020.

Any entries for the Cheshire Championships, after the Cheshire closing date above, must be done by the entrants themselves, who will have to pay an entry fee. It appears that there is no individual entry to the Northern or National championships, so please let us know by the dates shown above if you want to run!

IMPORTANT The club is paying members’ entry fees again this year on the basis that people commit to showing up on the day unless there are legitimate unforeseen circumstances, eg illness or injury. If members who are fit to compete decide to pull out after entering, the club will expect to be reimbursed for their entry fees. Please be sure that you want to run before committing to do so.

TRACK UPDATE

The Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track is open as normal again now after work to remove moss and clean the track was completed. Work on the floodlights down the back straight is scheduled to start on 27th November, but please keep a look out on our club website for further news updates, as well as the club Facebook Page, Twitter Account, and via a Niftyentries email to your inbox.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUN MORNING

West Cheshire AC’s Annual Christmas Fun Morning will be held on Saturday 21^st December, at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sportshall between 10am and 12 noon. The morning will be a ‘fun/games’ element, fancy dress is optional. The cost is £1.50, the proceeds of which will go to a local charity. If you wish to come, please put your name down on the list in the Track Office. You can bring your brothers and sisters along but please note any child under the age of 8½ years old will need an adult with them at all times.

URGENT HELP NEEDED

The Club needs urgent help, support, and assistance from parents during Tuesday evening (6.30pm-8pm) and Saturday morning (10am-12 noon) training sessions at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track (6.30pm-8pm).

PARENTS who can help should contact Dennis Wall on 07968643038 or email:[email protected]

BE SEEN AND BE SAFE

All Club members training at night on routes that involve crossing roads and where there is traffic are reminded to wear bright and reflective clothing. Please be safe.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

All parents of youngsters attending track training sessions are reminded to collect their sons and daughters from the track – not from the car park. The Club wants to ensure everyone stays safe and that every youngster safely leaves every track training session.

All youngsters attending track training sessions should bring along warm clothing, preferably waterproofs, hats, gloves, as well as a bottle of water.

INDOOR CIRCUIT TRAINING

Dave McKay and Jenny Manning will be supervising winter circuit training for club members on Wednesdays in the old Stanney High School Sportshall (Annexe) from 7pm.

BECOME ONE OF OUR CLUB COACHES

Any parents of West Cheshire AC members wanting to become qualified coaches will be fully supported by the Club who will pay for coaching courses.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about coaching can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/qualifications-landing-page/

REGIONAL COACH AND ATHLETE TRAINING DAYS

England Athletics is running a series of Regional Coach & Athlete Training Days across the country between September 2019 and March 2020. Delivered by elite-level coaches, these practical event-specific sessions are tailored to either Speed, Endurance, Jumps or Throws and are perfect for club-based athletes and coaches looking to develop in areas including training, preparation and technique.

Further details can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/development/regional-coach-athlete-training-days/

REGIONAL ENDURANCE WORKSHOP

West Cheshire AC has agreed to host England Athletics Regional Endurance Coaching Workshops this Winter at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track.

The target audience will be Coaches working with athletes who are County standard or higher, and athletes aged 11-18. The duration will be up to three hours to include Q&A/discussion.

An interval training session will be held on Thursday, 5th December, and a threshold training session will take place on Thursday, 5th March.

WHY NOT BECOME AN OFFICIAL?

West Cheshire AC is keen to help any parents of members wanting to become qualified officials. The Club will pay for parents of members wanting to attend an officials course.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about officiating can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/news/on-your-marks-become-an-athletics-official-this-year/

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, west cheshire ac jnr to u20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

CLUB KIT

Anyone wanting to purchase club vests and/or hoodies is reminded that parents Vikki Brett and Joanne Lark will sell club kit at the EPSV Track Office AFTER Tuesday night training sessions.

Payment can be made by cash, or by cheque made payable to West Cheshire AC.

PHYSIO SUPPORT

Club member Heather McLintock is a qualified physiotherapist and offers substantial discounted prices for West Cheshire AC members on production of their membership card. Heather can be contacted on 01244 381350 or 07885 462487.

WEEKLY PRESS REPORT

This week’s press report can be found here.

FIXTURES

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29: West Cheshire AC EGM AND AGM at the Ellesmere Port Athletics Trackside Community Room, 7:30pm start.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30: Essar West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series at Ellesmere Port Sports Village. Registration from 9.15am, First Race is at 10am.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1: Borders Road Running League at Birkenhead Park, 11am start. The race will start and finish in the park opposite Birkenhead 6th Form College, on Park Road West, CH43 8SQ.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1: North West Indoor Sportshall Athletics League at Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, WA8 7QH, (12:30pm start)

The club can now use the full 400m EPSV athletics track following repairs today (Wed 27-11-19) to the back straight floodlights.

LUCIA PYNE maintained West Cheshire Athletic Club’s title push at Dolgellau.

The talented teenager was first home for the women’s team at the third round of the North Wales Cross Country League.

Pyne, who was second home in her under 17 age group, finished 11th overall in the women’s race with a time of 31 minutes six seconds and was supported by Claire Harris (15th in 31:17), Ellie Robinson (27th in 32:27), Anest Muller (35th in 33:29), Ellen McMahon (54th in 35:37), and Alex Duffey (95th In 40:39).

West Cheshire AC’s women finished second on the day and are now third in Division One after three rounds.

Joseph Morrison headed West Cheshire AC’s men home after clocking 35:49 for sixth position and second position in his under 20 age group.

Dave Alexander was first home in his over 50 age group and 38th overall with a time of 39:00.

Paul Morrison posted 40:40 for 56th spot, while Andrew Clague (59th in 41:02), Tony Woodall (76th in 42:22), Richard Hayes (43:08), and Dave Tiernan (54:23) all provided back up to earn sixth team place on the day and sixth position overall after three rounds.

The next round of the North Wales Cross Country League will be held on January 11, at Roman Road Sports Centre, Shrewsbury.

CARYS ROBERTS produced a top 10 finish at the UK Cross Country Challenge fixture at Sefton Park, Liverpool.

Roberts, representing West Cheshire AC, covered the under 15 girls 3km course in a time of 11:34 to secure 10th position and was supported by club mates Sophie Grainger (52nd in 12:30), Jodi Bemand (110th in 13:41), and Sarah Kefford (13:56).

Jamie Richardson finished 13th in the 3km under 15 boys event with a time of 10:19, ahead of Club mate Sammy Hollins (63rd in 11:13).

Just three seconds separated Jessica Lark (31st in 12:43) and Ruby Phillips (32nd in 12:46) in the 3km under 13 girls race, ahead of club mates Aimee Phillips (42nd in 13:06) and Sophie Haslam (61st in 13:40).

STEVE FERNYHOUGH represented West Cheshire AC in the senior men’s race, posting 39 minutes three seconds to finish in 183rd position.

KATIE CLARKE celebrated a podium place at the NAIA National Cross country championships.

The West Cheshire AC distance runner clocked 17:41.3 for third place in the field of 341 finishers at the event held in Vancouver, Washington, USA.

Clarke finished just eight seconds behind second-placed SCAD Atlanta team mate Emily Kearney, while Hannah Stoffel of Huntington University won the race in 17:18.4.

FIXTURES this week include the West Cheshire AC EGM and AGM at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Trackside Community Room on Friday (7.30pm start); and the third round of the ESSAR West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series on Saturday (9.15am registration for 10am start).

The third round of the Borders Road Running League takes place at Birkenhead Park, on Sunday (11am start), and the third round of the North West Sportshall Athletics League takes place on Sunday (12.30pm start), while the first Sale Harriers Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting takes place on Sunday (10am start).

WEST CHESHIRE AC members are being urged to compete in the Cheshire, Northern and English National Cross Country Championships this winter.

The Cheshire event takes place at Knights Grange, Winsford, on Saturday, January 4; while the Northern event is at The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale, Yorkshire, on Saturday, January 25; and the English event is at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday February 22.

CLUB AWARDS GUEST SPEAKER REVEALED

Great Britain’s number one female long jumper, Abigail Irozuru, will be the guest speaker at the West Cheshire AC Annual Awards to be held on 1st February 2020, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester, CH1 2BD.

Ticket details will be announced very soon, but a considerable amount of money has been spent on organising the annual event and we need 220 Club members buying tickets to ensure we break even. All Club members are also being requested to donate a raffle prize to help cut our costs which can be delivered to the EPSV Track Office before or after a Club Training Session.

THIS WEEKEND

CROSS-COUNTRY FIXTURE: Saturday, 23rd November – UK Cross Country Challenge at Sefton Park, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 3AL.

Start Times – 10.45am Under 11 Boys (2000m), 10.55am Under 11 Girls (2000m), 11.05am Under 13 Girls (3000m), 11.20am Under 13 Boys (3000m), 11.35am Under 15 Boys (3000m), 11.50am Under 15 Girls (3000m), 12.05pm, Under 17 and 20 Women (4400m), 12.25pm, Under 17 Men (5500m), 12.45pm, Under 20 Men (6700m), 1.05pm, Senior Women (8100m), 2.05pm, Senior Men (9800m).

CROSS-COUNTRY FIXTURE: Saturday, 23rd November – North Wales Cross Country League third round at Dolgellau Leisure Centre. Parking at Dolgellau Town Centre, LL40 1UU. Start time: Women 2pm; Men 2.45pm. More details: https://www.northwalesxc.com/dolgellau/

SPORTSHALL TRAINING: An indoor sportshall athletics training session, will take place on Saturday, 23rd November (10am-12 noon), at Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sportshall. Everyone needs to register first at the Track Office.

HIGH JUMP TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a high jump training session supervised by Jane Palmer, at Deeside Indoor Athletics Centre, Kelsterton Road, Connahs Quay, CH5 4BR, on Friday, 22nd November (6.30pm start). The cost to use the facility is £4 per athlete.

THROWS TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a throws training session supervised by Dave McKay, at Deeside Indoor Athletics Centre, Kelsterton Road, Connahs Quay, CH5 4BR, on Friday, 22nd November (6.30pm start). The cost to use the facility is £4 per athlete.

JUMPS TRAINING: All members in the Under 13s age group and above are invited to a jumps session supervised by Carl Foster at Robin Park Indoor Athletics Centre, Wigan, Postcode: WN5 0UH, on Sunday, 24th November (10am-12 noon). The cost to use the indoor track is £3.60 for juniors £4.50 for adults (levied by the Arena) – coaches and spectators are free.

HELPERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR BOXING DAY CHESTER WALLS RACE

Members, parents and friends are needed to help out on Boxing Day at the Essar Chester Walls Race. If you are taking part, then please ensure that you provide a family member / friend to marshal in your place. This is a major fundraiser for the club and we need your support. If you can help please email Dennis Wall ASAP at: [email protected]

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday, 29th November – Please come along and support the Club EGM and AGM, to be held at the Ellesmere Port Athletics Trackside Community Room, (7.30pm start).

PROMOTIONAL CLUB VIDEO

The club is planning to produce a promotional video to be screened at the Club Awards Evening in February. If any members don’t want to be shown on the video please let Dennis Wall know ASAP by email at: [email protected]

COUNTY CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry fees will be paid by the club for members wanting to run in the Cheshire, Northern, and/or English National Cross Country Championships, on the basis that members who ask to be entered turn up on the day.

No qualification needed, all abilities represented. Run in any one event or all three. The only requirements are that you are a FIRST-CLAIM member of West Cheshire AC and, for the Cheshire Championships only, you must either have been born in Cheshire or have been living in Cheshire for at least nine months before the race, and must not have competed in another county’s championships since October 1st 2019. The races are:

Cheshire County AA Cross-country Championships at Knights Grange, Winsford. Saturday January 4th 2020. Age groups from under 11s to veterans.

Northern Athletics Cross-country Championships at The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale DL8 2LS. Saturday January 25th 2020. Age groups from under 13s to veterans.

English National Cross-country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE. Saturday February 22nd 2020.

IF YOU WANT TO RUN PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected] (don’t just reply via Facebook or tell a coach!) with your name, date of birth and the name of the championships you want to run in, by the following dates: Cheshire: December 20th 2019 Northern: January 3rd 2020 National: January  3rd 2020.

Any entries for the Cheshire Championships, after the Cheshire closing date above, must be done by the entrants themselves, who will have to pay an entry fee. It appears that there is no individual entry to the Northern or National championships, so please let us know by the dates shown above if you want to run!

IMPORTANT The club is paying members’ entry fees again this year on the basis that people commit to showing up on the day unless there are legitimate unforeseen circumstances, eg illness or injury. If members who are fit to compete decide to pull out after entering, the club will expect to be reimbursed for their entry fees. Please be sure that you want to run before committing to do so.

TRACK UPDATE

The Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track is open as normal again now after work to remove moss and clean the track was completed. Work on the floodlights down the back straight is scheduled to start on 27th November, but please keep a look out on our Club Website: www.westcheshireac.co.uk for further news updates, as well as the Club Facebook Page, Twitter Account, and via a Niftyentries email to your inbox.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUN MORNING

West Cheshire AC’s Annual Christmas Fun Morning will be held on Saturday 21^st December, at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Sportshall between 10am and 12 noon. The morning will be a ‘fun/games’ element, fancy dress is optional. The cost is £1.50, the proceeds of which will go to a local charity. If you wish to come, please put your name down on the list in the Track Office. You can bring your brothers and sisters along but please note any child under the age of 8½ years old will need an adult with them at all times.

URGENT HELP NEEDED

The Club needs urgent help, support, and assistance from parents during Tuesday evening (6.30pm-8pm) and Saturday morning (10am-12 noon) training sessions at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track (6.30pm-8pm).

PARENTS who can help should contact Dennis Wall on 07968643038 or email:[email protected]

BE SEEN AND BE SAFE

All Club members training at night on routes that involve crossing roads and where there is traffic are reminded to wear bright and reflective clothing. Please be safe.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

All parents of youngsters attending track training sessions are reminded to collect their sons and daughters from the track – not from the car park. The Club wants to ensure everyone stays safe and that every youngster safely leaves every track training session.

All youngsters attending track training sessions should bring along warm clothing, preferably waterproofs, hats, gloves, as well as a bottle of water.

INDOOR CIRCUIT TRAINING

Dave McKay and Jenny Manning will be supervising winter circuit training for club members on Wednesdays in the old Stanney High School Sportshall (Annexe) from 7pm.

BECOME ONE OF OUR CLUB COACHES

Any parents of West Cheshire AC members wanting to become qualified coaches will be fully supported by the Club who will pay for coaching courses.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about coaching can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/qualifications-landing-page/

REGIONAL COACH AND ATHLETE TRAINING DAYS

England Athletics is running a series of Regional Coach & Athlete Training Days across the country between September 2019 and March 2020. Delivered by elite-level coaches, these practical event-specific sessions are tailored to either Speed, Endurance, Jumps or Throws and are perfect for club-based athletes and coaches looking to develop in areas including training, preparation and technique.

Further details can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/coaching/development/regional-coach-athlete-training-days/

REGIONAL ENDURANCE WORKSHOP

West Cheshire AC has agreed to host England Athletics Regional Endurance Coaching Workshops this Winter at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track.

The target audience will be Coaches working with athletes who are County standard or higher, and athletes aged 11-18. The duration will be up to three hours to include Q&A/discussion.

An interval training session will be held on Thursday, 5th December, and a threshold training session will take place on Thursday, 5th March.

WHY NOT BECOME AN OFFICIAL?

West Cheshire AC is keen to help any parents of members wanting to become qualified officials. The Club will pay for parents of members wanting to attend an officials course.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at [email protected]

Further details about officiating can be found here: https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/news/on-your-marks-become-an-athletics-official-this-year/

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, west cheshire ac jnr to u20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

CLUB KIT

Anyone wanting to purchase club vests and/or hoodies is reminded that parents Vikki Brett and Joanne Lark will sell club kit at the EPSV Track Office AFTER Tuesday night training sessions.

Payment can be made by cash, or by cheque made payable to West Cheshire AC.

PHYSIO SUPPORT

Club member Heather McLintock is a qualified physiotherapist and offers substantial discounted prices for West Cheshire AC members on production of their membership card. Heather can be contacted on 01244 381350 or 07885 462487.

WEEKLY PRESS REPORT

This week’s press report can be found here.

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 23: North Wales Cross Country League Round Three, at Dolgellau Leisure Centre. Parking at Dolgellau Town Centre, LL40 1UU. Start time: Women 2pm; Men 2.45pm. More details: https://www.northwalesxc.com/dolgellau/, (12 noon start). More details: http://www.nsccl.org.uk/category/fixtures/

Saturday, November 23: UK Cross Country Challenge at Sefton Park, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool, L17 3AL. Start Times – 10.45am Under 11 Boys (2000m), 10.55am Under 11 Girls (2000m), 11.05am Under 13 Girls (3000m), 11.20am Under 13 Boys (3000m), 11.35am Under 15 Boys (3000m), 11.50am Under 15 Girls (3000m), 12.05pm, Under 17 and 20 Women (4400m), 12.25pm, Under 17 Men (5500m), 12.45pm, Under 20 Men (6700m), 1.05pm, Senior Women (8100m), 2.05pm, Senior Men (9800m).

LIZ RENONDEAU is celebrating a double success story in an England vest after battling against the odds.

The distance running ace, who runs for West Cheshire Athletic Club on the track, had been struggling with injury issues in the run up to the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International event.

And Renondeau believed she was going to have to pull out of the fixture, but a scan, a few physio appointments and a lot of cross training saw her hard work pay off.

Renondeau pocketed an individual bronze medal after finishing third in her over-40 age group in a time of 21 minutes 58 seconds for the 6km course at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool.

And her contribution rewarded England with a team gold medal alongside Kirsty Longley, who won the race in 21:00, Kelly Edwards (fourth  in 22:08), and Louise Rudd (sixth in 22:28). CARYS ROBERTS headed Cheshire Schools’ charge at the Dave Sunderland Cup Inter-Counties Cross Country Match held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

The West Cheshire AC youngster clocked 13:40 for second spot in the junior girls race supported by county colleagues Hope Smith, Rebecca Dilworth, Hattie Bain, Alice Gale, and Florence Cooke who combined to earn Cheshire team gold.

Roberts was also backed up by West Cheshire AC trio Ruby Carlile, Martha Willetts and Megan White.

Jamie Richardson was 10th in 21:22 after representing Cheshire who finished second in the intermediate boys team competition, supported by club mates Isaac Tait, Sammy Hollins, and Henry Robinson.

Sophie Haslam represented Merseyside and finished 17th with 8:33 in the minor girls event, while Nathan Broomfield and Reece Munro represented Cheshire in the junior boys race.

Lucia Pyne and Imogen Pughe combined for Merseyside in the intermediate girls race against club mate Sarah Kefford who represented Cheshire.

Cumbria won the combined age group team competition ahead of Cheshire and Merseyside who were second and third respectively, ahead of West Midlands (fourth), Shropshire (fifth), Staffordshire (sixth), and Warwickshire (seventh).

JESSICA LARK and Ruby Phillips grabbed glory at the latest round of the North Staffs Cross Country League held at Park Hall Country Park, Stoke on Trent.

Lark won the under 13 girls race, well supported by Amy Phillips (third) and Cerys Rowlands (fifth) as first team overall, while Ruby won the under 11 girls race.

Will Wright rounded the under 17 men’s race in 10th position, while sisters Georgina and Henrietta Duffey were 12th and 13th respectively in the under 15 girls race.

Ellie Robinson (39th), Lily Moorhouse (70th), Alex Duffey (112th), and Hannah Moorhouse (119th) completed the senior women’s race, earning seventh place in Division 2 for the West Cheshire women’s team.

And Paul Morrison (52nd) was first home for West Cheshire AC’s senior men, backed up by Andrew Clague (85th), Andy Carter (101st), and Rory Willson (161st), for ninth place in Division 2 for the West Cheshire men’s team.

JOSEPH MORRISON clocked 2:29:40 in the under 20 men’s 1,000m at the Northern Indoor Open Track and Field Meeting held at Sheffield, to break the long-standing club record by 21 seconds.

ENTRIES are still being accepted for this year’s Essar Chester Round The Walls Race being organised by West Cheshire AC on Boxing Day from Chester Racecourse. The online entry link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/Essar-Chester-Round-The-Walls1

FIXTURES this weekend include the UK Cross Country Challenge Races at Sefton Park, Liverpool, on Saturday (10.45am start) incorporating the Liverpool and District Cross Country League (2pm start); while the North Wales Cross Country League third round takes place at Dolgellau on Saturday (2pm start).

WEST CHESHIRE AC will stage their EGM and AGM on Friday, November 29, (7.30pm start), at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Trackside Community Room.

The next round of the Essar West Cheshire AC Schools Cross Country Race Series takes place at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, on Saturday, November 30, (9.15am registration for 10am start).

WEST CHESHIRE AC members are being urged to compete in the Cheshire, Northern and English National Cross Country Championships this winter.

The Cheshire event takes place at Knights Grange, Winsford, on Saturday, January 4; while the Northern event is at The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale, Yorkshire, on Saturday, January 25; and the English event is at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday February 22. All members should have received an email, to which they should reply if they are interested in taking part in any of these events.