Calling all Middle Distance Runners...and Coaches

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 11:55 AM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The next meeting of the 'Welsh Athletics Middle Distance Initiative' will be taking place very soon. The first meeting was held at the Welsh Institute of Sport on Saturday 27th September and was attended by a number of coaches as well as interested athletes looking to develop their knowledge within the sport.
The workshop theme was 'Planning and Periodisation' and following a presentation delivered by some of the countrys top coaches, the athletes and coaches had the opportunity to interact, discuss common themes and debate the topic.
The initiative in future will look to combine a practical training session for athletes with coach focussed workshops to complement these sessions. The subject matter of each workshop will be agreed and dictated by the coaches present, looking to focus on specific issues that will best effect athlete development.
Primarily a coach led and coach focussed project, the 'Initiative' will look to encourage increased interaction between coaches (as well as athletes) allowing for the sharing of thoughts and ideas for the advancement of the event area.
The next initiative day as mentioned above will take place at the National Indoor Athletics Centre. The day will consist of an athlete training session, conducted in the morning, followed by a coach workshop focussed on the application of functional strength and conditioning for middle distance athletes. The session will look to expand on the information and theory presented at the upcoming Welsh Athletics Coaching Conference. If anyone would like any more information about the day or would like to attend, then contact the Welsh Athletics Office directly on 02920 644870.

Wales Shine at UK Championships

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 1:52 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Welsh team that took part in the recent UK track Championships secured a massive 17 medals and achieved an excellent 2nd place overall.
Setting the standard early on, Wales picked up 3 medals in the first 3 events of the day. Christina Hughes grabbed up a deserved Gold in the Pole Vault after just missing a clearance of 3.60m, which would have equalled her personal best. David Guest picked up an excellent Silver medal in the Long Jump, by leaping to a huge 6.88m, which was only 5cm less of his season's best. Rhys Hodnett secured the next medal, silver in the Hammer, throwing a remarkable personal best of 59.51m.
Day 2 started in the same way with Megan Rogers running an excellent time of 43.09 in the 300m Hurdles. Hannah Thomas won gold in the 100m, and Tomas Coleman took bronze in the men's 100m race. The Gold haul for Wales was completed by Benytta Doman who ran a perfect 800m race, Brea Leung (Discus), Ieuan Coombes (Seated Discuss) and Daniel Lucker (Wheelchair 100m).
Overall it was a superb day for Welsh Athletics and obviously all the athletes were buoyant after the success of the Senior athletes recently in Beijing. Everyone connected with Welsh athletics will be determined to see this crop of athletes pulling on the Red vest of Wales for the senior squad in the not to distant future, and with performances like these it is definitely a strong possibility.

Athletes turn up the 'Heat' in Great Wales Run

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 2:11 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hot conditions greeted the runners in the Great Wales Run 10km at the weekend. However, many Welsh athletes defied the boiling conditions and managed to record so many personal bests.
Welsh Internationals Michael Johnson and Alex Hains will be delighted with their showings on home soil.
Johnson broke the 30-minute barrier for the first time in his career, while Hains made his return to the road racing scene and was delighted with his performance after clocking 30:26.
Spectators witnessed possibly the fastest ever 10km on a Welsh course with Eshetu Wondimu of Qutar being the first man home in 27:45, while the first woman was Rita Jeptoo of Ethopia, who ran 31:36, a course record by a massive 46 seconds. This was a fantastic run out before she headed out to Bejing for the Olympic Marathon.
Teenager Dewi Griffiths ran an superb debut 10k of 31:54 and will be looking to build on this in the coming months with big competitions on the horizon.
In the women's race, Shan Morgan broke 37 mins for the first time, yet despite a few encouraging performances, it was a disappointing turnout overall in the women's race.
Former World Marathon Record Holder Steve Jones who was running for Cystic Fibrosis was happy to run around the 10km course with current Welsh International James Thie.
Commonwealth games athlete Chris Davies, who trains and competes regularly in North Wales was hoping to run close to 29 minutes but unfortunately had to drop out towards the end, while the experienced Catherine Dugdale decided last minute not to run.

Athletics Trio do Region Proud at International

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 1:58 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Three North Wales Athletes did their region proud at the recent International Track and Field fixture in Bedford.
Sprinter, long and high jumper Hannah Thomas (St Joseph's) was in great form in the Sprinting events. Hannah opted not to compete in the high jump so that she could put all her efforts into the Track races, a decision that definately paid off. Going into the short sprint with a best of 12.11secs, Hannah flew down the track and gave Irish runner Joan Healey, who had just returned from the World Junior Championships in Poland, a huge scare to claim the silver medal with a fantastic personal best time of 11.98secs and take her to 4th in the UK ranking list. It was the first time that a Welsh Under 17 sprinter had broken the 12secs barrier in over 20-years. Hannah's form in the short sprint got even better when she took to the track in the 200 metres. A best of 25.20secs prior to the race did not really put her in contention for a medal but with the team getting on the podium regularly, she ignored the disadvantage of having the tight inside lane, to clock a great time of 24.34secs and claim a remarkable first place.
In the 300 metres hurdles, 15-year old Megan Rogers (Maelor Penley), in her first year at the event, defied the strong headwind in the back straight in this tough event. Despite favourite Jenny White of England being in very good form, the talented North Walian edged ahead of the opposition as she blasted over the first three flights of hurdles in spectacular fashion. Coming into the home straight a clear five metres ahead, her rivals failed to close the gap and she crossed the line in 44.54secs to secure the gold medal.
The third golden performance from a North Wales competitor came from pole vaulter Christina Hughes (Mold Alun). At the Welsh Schools' Championships two weeks prior in terrible conditions she lost to her teammate Rebecca Davies (Hawarden), but in blustery conditions at Bedford, Christina not only reclaimed the National record with a vault of 3.60meters, but she also secured a third gold for her team and North Wales, rounding off a fantastic afternoon for the Region.

BUPA Great Wales Run on the Horizon

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 11:59 AM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The famous BUPA Great Wales Run will take place this year on July 27th, so there is still plenty of time to enter. The 10km race that takes place in Cardiff is a fantastic race for all people, of all abilities to take part. There is a link at the bottom of this article where you can get an entry form, and also a couple of websites to get any training advice you may need.
Competing on the day will be many famous runners past and present, and none more successful than former World record holder for the Marathon, Steve Jones.
Jones, who is now based in the United States is no longer a competitive runner but is eager as he did 12 months ago, to complete the scenic 10 kilometres race around Cardiff Bay.
Last year the 53-year-old ran as a celebrity along with many big names from the world of entertainment and god-daughter Shelley Brace, whose father was also a world class Welsh marathon runner.
The marathon legend was one of thousands of leisure entrants who enjoyed the exalted company which also included Enzo Maccarinelli who had recently defended his WBO world cruiserweight title for a third time.
The nation's greatest-ever Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey- Thompson, also returned to her home city to support what she described as a brilliant event.
"Steve is delighted to be returning from his Colorado home and once again see first hand, the massive developments which have taken place in the Principality and of course many the many landmarks are on the course," said David Hart, communications director for the event.
Hart added: "He had a phenomenal record when competing and is still active organising and taking part at training camps in Boulder where he lives." Jones ran his first competitive marathon in Chicago in 1984 breaking the world record of the Australian, Robert de Castella with a time of 2hr 8min 05sec.
The following spring he went on to clinch the London Marathon title before returning to Chicago in October of that year where he set his awesome long standing British record.
Then showing his versatility he took the bronze medal over 10,000m at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and was the first Welsh athlete to appear on the cover of the prestigious athletics magazine Running Times. Hart said: “Steve also won the New York and Toronto marathons and of course finished second in our flagship event the Great North Run in 1986. “We’re delighted to see him once again giving his support to the Bupa Great Wales Run. I'm sure a great reception awaits him."
Over 2,000 entries have been received to date for the second staging of the event, which starts and finishes in the Cardiff Bay area and will have the benefit of a fast and flat course. Entries are available at www.greatrun.org
For tips on training, running, exercise and general health information visit www.bupa.com and www.bupa.co.uk/running.

Sarah Storms to Relay Gold

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 8:19 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wrexham sprinter Sarah Davies secured a fantastic Gold Medal for Bath University at the recent British University Championships (BUSA champs) in Sheffield. She was part of the 4 by 200m relay squad that took gold in this high-class event.
Experienced running coach Les Baldwin trained the former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil for many years, before she started her degree at Bath, a university that boasts some of the countries top facilities. One of her training partners down at Wrexham Athletics Club, James Mills, is also currently competing for Bath and was too racing in the BUSA champs. He just missed out on the Gold in the 1500m, but will still be greatly satisfied in taking the Silver medal in such a well respected and prestigious annual event. Overall it was great to see two North Wales athletes getting on the podium to receive medals for their university.
Elsewhere on the regions athletics scene, Deeside’s Ricky Challinor will be looking to run some fast times this summer. He recently put in a very good performance for Wales over in Dublin on a fast cross country course as well as taking the Gold medal at last weekends North Wales 3000m championships.
For all you Road Runners the North Wales 5km Road Race Championships is on the horizon. It will take place in Rhyl on Wednesday 28th May, so if you fancy a run on a warm summers evening then get yourself entered!

Excellent Turnout at North Wales Championships

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 11:16 PM | add or read comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It was great to see so many of North Wales’ athletes taking part in last weekends Regional Track and Field Championships and also to see an abundance of fantastic performances by a number of individuals.
The day kicked off with a closely contested 3000m race that was eventually won by Deeside’s Ricky Challinor in a very decent time of 9 minutes and 12 seconds.
The sprint hurdles events are always well represented every year, and this again was the case. Michael Craig of Bangor secured the gold medal in the 110m hurdles with a splendid time of 17.8s, with Megan Roberts of Wrexham edging the women’s 80m hurdles event in a time of 12.1s.
The Senior Men’s 800m race turned out to be a cracker, with some excellent times produced. Bangor’s Fabian Downs smashed the two minute barrier by clocking 1min 57. He just out sprinted Lee Jones of Deeside who was a second behind in 1min 58. The bronze medal went to Wrexham’s Chris Bailey who completed the 2-lap event in 2-01. The final of the Under 13 girls 800m went right down to the wire with all 6 finalists putting in good displays. Eventual winner Georgia Bates of Deeside will be pleased with her time of 2-47.
Thirteen athletes took to the track for the Under 11 girls 600m. The talented Nia Jones of Wrexham grabbed the gold, with Maisy Blake of Ynys Mon taking silver.
The 100m events churned out some thrilling contests on the day. Bradley Williams (Deeside) narrowly snatched gold in the senior men’s event after powering to a time of 11.2 seconds.
0.4 of a second separated 4 runners in the Under 13 girls 100m. Beth Sargent, also of Deeside won by a whisker ahead of Colwyn Bays Elin Jones.
Like I mentioned earlier it was great to see so many of North Wales’ athletes taking part and supporting the regional championships. This excellent turnout just shows what potential and talent we already have here in the North. I have included the full Track results from the day below for you to look through,starting with the 3000m and ending with the 200m finals and 1500m walk.

North Wales Regional Championships 2008

T1.11.15 3000
200 VM Sean McCormack Abergele 10.07.4 1stNR
179 SM Angus Mackay Bangor 10.01.2 1st
198 SM Andrew John Bangor 10.57.3 2nd
197 u20 Ricky Challinor Deeside 9.12.2 NR
196 u20 Phil Edge Deeside 9.36.7 2nd
172 U20W Gina Paletta Wrexham 11.28.4 NR
195 U20W Suzy Blandford Bangor 12.49.4
T211.30 110H SM
191 Michael Craig Bangor 17.8
192 Neil Edwards Wrexham 19.2
T3 11.35 100H
98 Dan Burton Deeside 15.7
96 David Hooson Wrexham 16.4
T4 11.40 80H U17W EQUALR
89 Megan Rogers Wrexham 12.1
87 Sian Swanson Maldwyn 14.00
90 Patricia Byrne Deeside 15.6
T5 11.45 75H U15G
132 Rachel Trotter Deeside 13.2
136 Laura Brady Maldwyn 14.2
135 Siony Rudd Maldwyn 14.5
134 Rachel Liscombe Maldwyn 15.7
T611.45 75H U13B
21 AaronD SpeedPhillips Maldwyn 21.1
T7.11.55 70H
3 Rhian Williams Deeside 12.9
11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 13.2
9 Hannah Browning Wrexham 13.5
25 Emily Baldwin Maldwyn 14.8
10 Melys Edwards Wrexham 15.2
T8.12.00 800M U20W/SW
192 Rebecca Nuttall Deeside 2.17.0 NR
800M U17W
93 Jade Ellis David Hughes 2.39.6
T912.05 U15G 800M
177 Sian Messum Deeside 2.29.1
73 Lily Owen Maldwyn 2.41.5
57 Shannon Chiltern Deeside 2.47.3
140 Sophie Sheridan Deeside 2.58.0
T10.12.10 U13G 800M
22 Georgia Bates Deeside 2.47.4
24 Georgia Garner ColwynBay 2.49.9
7 Rosie Unwin Maldwyn 2.51.1
23 Philipa Wright Deeside 2.55.4
20 Emily Rowlands Wrexham 2.58.7
25 Emily Baldwin Maldwyn 3.03.7
T11.12.15 U17M 800M
181 Lewis Myatt ColwynBay 2.08.0
75 Hughen Cranshaw DinasBran 2.25.1
U15B 800M
143 David Blower Wrexham 2.14.9
147 Tom Earley C/BAY 2.27.0
T 12.12.20 VM 800M
200 Sean McCormack Abergele 2.24.6 nr
SM 800M
189 Fabian Downs Bangor 1.57.4
39 Lee Jones Deeside 1.58.4
184 Chris Bailey Wrexham 2.01.8
U20M 800M
37 Tom Snowden Deeside 2.15.9
182 Steven McCormack Abergele 2.24.6
35 Dave McCardle Colwyn Bay dsq
T13.12.30 1500M U15B
144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 4.45.4
178 George Oliver Deeside 5.02.8
T14.12.40 1500M U15G
176 Sarah Livett Menai 5.08.4
84 Carys Edwards Deeside 5.22.9
76 Jenny Lampkin Deeside 5.22.9
1500M U13G
183 Catherine Roberts Deeside 5.27.2 nr
26 Sara Rudd Maldwyn 5.48.9
T15.12.50 1500M U13B
29 Andrew Williams Deeside 5.04.4 nr
77 Rhys LlewelynJames Menai 5.14.8
27 Connor Rogers Dinas Bran 5.25.5
J Lloyd Dinas Bran 5.29.1
15 Nathan Harvey Menai 5.30.1
28 Gethin Morris Dinas Bran 5.53.6
T16.1.00 600M U11BOYS
48 Michael McNee Wrexham 1.53.9
43 Joe Baker Oswestry 2.01.0
44 Timothy Mann ColwynBay 2.06.7
50 Bertie Brock Maldwyn 2.13.5
85 Oliver Wild Maldwyn 2.16.0
49 Sean Perks Maldwyn 2.31.4
51 Harry Revell Maldwyn 2.42.3
T17.1.10 600M U11G
99 Nia Jones Wrexham 1.59.2
61 Maisy Blake YnysMon 2.02.0
60 Fern Davies ColwynBay 2.09.9
65 Chloe Hughes Deeside 2.12.5
184 Georgina Hardy Deeside 2.16.4
131 Georgia Lee Deeside 2.16.4
63 Heather Williams YnysMon 2.18.7
62 Melissa Williams YnysMon 2.19.7
64 Gina Parcesepe Wrexham 2.27.7
72 Olivier Davies Maldwyn 2.29.0
36 Jessica Morris Maldwyn 2.34.2
66 Millie Williams Deeside 2.36.3
69 Molly Gregorious Deeside 2.40.2
T18.1.20 100M U13G Heat1
4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 13.5
5 Adele Nicoll Oswestry 13.8
1 Emma Salmon Deeside 14.0
11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 15.4
6 Louise Orritt Dinas Bran 16.8
100m U13G Heat 2
2 Beth Sargent Deeside 14.5
14 Megan BrookeJones Deeside 15.2
12 Meiner Vaughan Menai 15.4
10 Melys Edwards Wrexham 15.6
T19.1.35 100M FINAL U13B
17 Kieran Cooper Wrexham 13.6 NR
18 Luke Jones C/BAY 14.7
15 Nathan Harvey Menai 15.8
20 William Anderson Dinas Bran 15.8
74 Aaron Phillips Maldwyn 16.0
128 Jake Parry Ynys Mon 17.9
8 Sion Sanderson Ynys Mon 18.1
T20.1.40 100M FINAL U15G
139 Rachel Johncock ColwynBay 12.6 NR
148 Chloe Jones Wrexham 13.3
138 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 13.8
141 Helen Blower Wrexham 14.7
142 Gemma Rudd Maldwyn 15.2
T21.1.45 100M FINAL U15B
146 Aled V Thomas Menai 14.1
16 Scott Milan Ynys Mon 14.5
145 Joseph DosSantos ColwynBay 15.4
T22.1.50 100M FINAL U17W
88 Alex Elliot Deeside 13.0
83 Rebecca Salmon Deeside 13.1
52 Nia Breeze Wrexham 13.3
85 Sophie Roberts Menai 13.7
129 B Rodngies Ynys Mon 16.0
T23.1.55 100M FINAL U17M
94 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 11.6 EQ
99 Gareth Bennett Wrexham 12.2
97 Connor Moore Deeside 14.2
T24.2.00 100M FINAL U20W
75 Hannah Pendlebury Deeside 12.7
77 Emma Roberts Menai 13.6
T.25.2.05 100M FINAL U20M
91 Cynan Evans Wrexham 11.3 NR
92 Carwyn Milburn YnysMon 12.6
T.26.2.10 100M Final SM/VM
180 Bradley Williams Deeside 11.2 NR
82 Barry Edwards Menai 12.1
187 Steven Spires Wrexham 12.3
188 Gavin Price Bangor 12.3
189 David James Wrexham 13.5
T27.2.15 100M Final U13G
2 Beth Sargent Deeside 13.5
4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 13.6
1 Emma Salmon Deeside 13.8
5 Adele Nicoll Oswestry 13.9
14 Megan BrookeJones Deeside 15.1
12 Meiner Vaughan Menai 15.3
11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 15.6
T28.2.20 80M U11BOYS Time trial
81 Geraint Breeze Wrexham 12.2 1
44 Timothy Mann ColwynBay 12.6 3
48 Michael McNee Wrexham 12.6
50 Bertie Brock Maldwyn 14.5
51 Harry Revell Maldwyn 14.8
T29.2.30 80M U11BOYS TimeTrial
43 Joe Baker Oswestry 12.5 2
40 Pierce Jones ColwynBay 13.2
42 Jordan Jones Wrexham 13.2
85 Oliver Wild Maldwyn 13.7
49 Sean Perks Maldwyn 13.9
T30.2.35 80M U11Girls TimeTrial
65 Chloe Hughes Deeside 12.1 1
70 Neve Evans Wrexham 12.3 2
76 Georgia Lee Deeside 13.0
69 Molly Gregorious Deeside 13.5
60 Fern Davies ColwynBay 13.5
79 Tia Williams Deeside 13.8
63 Heather Williams YnysMon 13.9
72 Olivier Davies Maldwyn 14.6
T31.2.40 80M U11Girls TimeTrial
61 Maisie Blake YnysMon 12.5 3
81 Beth Jones Wrexham 12.6
68 Bethan Jones Deeside 12.9
67 Charlotte Walters Deeside 13.0
66 Millie Williams Deeside 13.6
62 Melissa Williams YnysMon 14.6
36 Jessica Morris Maldwyn 15.4
T33.2.50 400H FINAL U17M
98 Dan Burton Deeside 65.7
400H Final U20M
58 Tom Tilston Deeside 59.3
400H Final SM
191 Michael Craig Bangor 70.4
T34.3.00 300H FINAL
89 Megan Rogers Wrexham 44.9
T35.3.10 300M U17W
86 Alice Fraser Deeside 45.2
T36.3.15 300M U15B
144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 42.9
149 Jack McDonald C/BAY 45.4
147 Tom Earley C/BAY 46.4
300 U13B
27 Connor Rogers DinasBran 53.1
28 Gethin Morris Dinas Bran 60.4
T37.3.10 2000MS/C FINAL
197 Ricky Challinor Deeside u20 6.23.9
189 Fabian Downs Bangor sm 6.57.9
182 Steven McCormack Abergele vm 7.25.4
T38.3.20 1500MS/C FINAL
181 Lewis Myatt ColwynBay u17 5.10.0
T39.3.30 1500M SM/VM
189 Fabian Downs Bangor 4.17.4
184 Chris Bailey Wrexham 4.18.0
179 Angus MacKay Bangor 4.39.8
1500M U20M
196 Phil Edge Deeside 4.25.8
153 Gethin Edwards Menai 4.26.6
35 Dave McCardle ColwynBay 4.36.2
1500M U17M
171 Jamie Wright Deeside 4.17.1
99 T Cizmadia Wrexham 4.33.1
75 Hughen Cranshaw Dinas Bran 5.13.2
T40.3.40 1500M U20W
195 Suzy Blandford Bangor 5.55.2
1500m SW
194 Rebecca Riddings Menai
1500M U17W
172 Abbie Oliver Deeside 5.01.0 NR
58 Collette Holloway Menai 5.38.4
T41.3.45 400M U20W
192 Rebecca Nuttall Deeside 60.0
195 Suzy Blandford Bangor 83.7
T42.3.50 400M U20M
49 Gawain Rogers Wrexham 52.2
54 Callum McCabe Trafford 53.4
37 Tom Snowdon Deeside 57.5
T43.3.55 400M SM
186 Gary WynnJones Deeside 56.0
T43.3.55 400M vm
200 Sean McCormack Abergele 62.9
189 David James Wrexham 62.9
400M U17M
38 Callum Bennett Deeside 54.7
98 Daniel Burton Deeside 57.2
T44.4.00 SM 200M Final
180 Bradley Williams Deeside 22.5 NR
187 Steven Spires Wrexham 25.6
VM 200M Final
189 David James Deeside 28.2
T.45.4.05 200 U20W Final
75 Hannah Pendlebury Deeside 26.2
77 Emma Roberts Menai 28.8
T.46.4.10 200m U20M Final
91 Cynan Evans Wrexham 22.8
57 Tom Tilston Deeside 24.4
92 Carwyn Milburn YnysMon 26.8
T.47.4.15 200M U17W Final
84 Hannah Thomas Wrexham 25.7 NR
83 Rebecca Salmon Deeside 27.5
81 Nia Breeze Wrexham 28.5
85 Sophie Roberts Menai 29.2
82 Sian Jones Deeside 30.1
T.48.4.20 200M U17M Final
94 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 23.1 NR
99 Gareth Bennett Wrexham 25.0
96 David Hooson Wrexham 26.0
T.49.4.25 200 U15G Final
139 Rachel Johncock ColwynBay 25.3 NR
148 Chloe Jones Wrexham 26.9
138 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 27.2
137 Katy Griffiths Deeside 29.5
141 Helen Blower Wrexham 30.8
140 Sophie Sheridan Deeside 33.6
200M U15B Final
144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 26.4
143 David Blower Wrexham 27.2
146 AledV Thomas ColwynBay 29.4
16 S Mulan Ynys Mon 30.3
18 30.5
145 Joseph DosSantos ColwynBay 32.1
T50.4.30 200M U13G Final
4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 28.0
1 Emma Salmon Deeside 28.7
2 Beth Sargent Deeside 29.7
7 Rosie Unwin Maldwyn 32.3
6 Louise Orritt Dinas Bran 36.1
T51.4.35
200M U13B Final
19 Joshua Lloyd Dinas Bran 31.3
15 Nathan Harvey Menai 32.8
T52.4.40 1500WALK VM/SM/SW
198 Andrew John Bangor 8.26.6
179 Angus MacKay Bangor 8.27.5
188 Gavin Price Bangor 8.49.6
132 8.57.2

Luker Storms to Mini-Marathon Victory

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 10:15 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welsh wheelchair racer Daniel Lucker stormed home to victory in the London Mini Wheelchair Marathon on Sunday – to the applause of racing greats Tanni Grey Thompson and Chris Hallum.
Now, the 15-year-old – who is mentored by Hallam – is aiming to build on his success and to echo his heroes:
“I’ve been given great advice by both Chris and Tanni and hope to one day be as successful. This is definitely my biggest achievement on the road to date.�
Lucker completed the three-mile route in an excellent 13min 10. Despite his young age, he demonstrated first-class tactical skills, out-manoeuvring arch-rival and race favourite Mickey Bushell – a GB international who is almost three years older than Lucker.
The teenager, who hopes to compete in London 2012, today looked back on his triumph:
“I was feeling slightly nervous but quietly confident after all the work I had put in. Chris was great and really kept me calm and motivated. Then, the adrenalin set in once I was in my racing chair and out on the road warming up.
“I started down the opposite end of the line to Mickey but could see him out of the corner of my eye. When the start gun went Mickey went off quite slow – he was probably expecting me to take off. I didn’t want to do this because he would easily have got into my draft which would
make it easier on him,� he adds.
“It turned into a tactical race with both me and Mickey still together until around the two mile mark. I was pushing well, over 20mph at times. It was on a really steep uphill when the speeds dropped dramatically to three mph that I could see Mickey dropping off. I took the opportunity and made the break!� Lucker is now in training for the Junior World Championships in New Jersey in July. He is supported by the Disability Sport Wales Academy which nurtures and cultivates young talent.

Welsh Athletics Hunts Down New Talent

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 11:48 AM | add or read comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Welsh Athletics today kicked off its head-hunting mission to find the next big talents in the Sport.
The governing body for athletics in Wales is aiming to seek out the javelin, discus, hammer and shot stars of tomorrow and today invited pupils from secondary schools in Wales to a throwing master class.
Led by former Olympic javelin star Nigel Bevan, the High Performance Coach at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), schoolchildren were treated to coaching tips at the National Indoor Athletic Centre.
Bevan – who competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games - explains, “We want to develop a Welsh development throws squad and we need to seek out the best athletes we can get hold of. We’ve seen a few here today and we’ve put the X Factor against their name! We will be encouraging them to come along to weekly training.�
He added, “The main aim is to discover a new era of Welsh throwers but, who knows, we might even turn up a future Olympian or World Champion.�
Wales’ most promising hotshots - including discus thrower Brett Morse and javelin talent Lianne Clarke – were on hand to inspire and coach the apprentices:
“The throwing disciplines are in really good hands at Welsh Athletics. We’ve got some excellent coaches on board and we have a number of athletes who are excelling and who are also willing to chip in to nurture new talent,� explains Morse. “I’ve definitely seen a few people here today who have shown talent.�
Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Matt Newman is eager to discover the outcomes of the school search.
“We’re committed to discovering the next generation of talent and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this coaching session. If it is a success, we will be keen to roll it out to the rest of Wales.�
This would be a major boost for North Wales Athletics, who also boast top class facilities, including the state of the art Indoor Arena in Deeside which would be an ideal setting for such events.

For All You Budding Road Runners...

• Posted by Matthew Jones at 8:59 PM | add or read comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For all you budding Road Runners...I have put together a fixture list
of some of the big Races around Wales coming up for anyone that might fancy having a go. Most races will consist of athletes of all ages and abilities so there is
no excuses for not having a go at some! If you look through the list below you will see many cracking races planned in the beautiful and scenic town of Caernarfon, North Wales. Let me tell you first hand that it is a spectacular part of the country to race.
In the coming weeks I will let you know of all the main Road Races just in the North Wales Area so keep your eyes peeled.

APRIL

Sun 13th Welsh Marathon Championships London

May

FRI 16th
Self-Transcendence
2 mile race
Bute Park, Cardiff
Roger Chamberlain
02920 232346

Sat 10th
Sirhowey Challenge
Ynysddu Hotel, X-Keys
Michael Heare
01495 245430

Sun 18th Ultra 100k (Welsh Champs) Cardiff

June

FRI 6th
Self-Transcendence
3 mile race
Bute Park, Cardiff
Roger Chamberlain
02920 232346

Sat 14th
Welsh Castles Relay
Caernarfon
Alan Thomas
01633 771650

Sun 15th
Welsh Castles Relay
Caernarfon
Alan Thomas
01633 771650

Fri 20th
Hare & Tortoise Race (Ladies Only)
Travellers Rest, Oakdale
Michael Heare
01495 245430

Sun 29th
Aberdare Park 5 Mile Road Race & Fun Run
Aberdare
Ann Crimmings
01685 876456

July
Fri 11th
Self-Transcendence 4 Mile race
Bute Park, Cardiff
Roger Chamberlain
02920 232346

Wed 21st
Scenic 7
Cwmcarn Forest Drive XKeys
Michael Heare
01495 245430

25th
Self-Transcendence 3 x 1 Mile race & Junior Relay
Bute Park, Cardiff
Roger Chamberlain
02920 232346

August

Sun 3rd
Brecon 10 Mile Road Race
Penlan, Brecon
Martin Gregory
01874 611731

Fri 8th
Murder Mile
Church Inn, Newbridge
Michael Heare
01495 245430

Sun 31st 10k (Welsh Championships) Caernarfon

September
Sun 7th Cardiff 10k Cardiff Original date 14th Sept
Sun 21st Masters Marathon (Welsh Ch) Anglesey