Preston Harriers were well represented at this popular Bank Holiday race, held in wet and windy conditions. The race was won by former Harrier David Rigby, now running for Salford, in 16.03. Rob Affleck was 2nd in 16.35 and Harriers then packed in well with Kevin Hunt 8th in 18.12, David Watson 9th in 18.16 and Steve Hallas 10th in 18.23 to claim the team prize from Salford by a single point. Other Harriers finishers were Paul Lightfoot (12th in 18.34), Dominic Moon (18th in 19.11), Dougie Potter (28th in 20.30), Andrew Tranter (38th in 21.33), Victoria Duckett (49th in 22.07), Emily Reynolds (25.41), Angela Tranter (28.18), Judith Deakin (28.52) and Kirsty Williams (29.22).

Lovely weather for the 2nd Trafford open medal meeting of the season and some outstanding performances from the Preston Harriers athletes. 12 year old Will Whiteside got 3 personal bests and 3 Golds in 100M, Long Jump and High Jump (1.37M). 10 year old James Ince did the triple and got Gold in 600m, 150m and Long jump with a PB of 4.05M in the LJ and 1.49.7 in the 600M. Jay Whiteside & Sebastian Chiarella both got PBs in the U11s 75M. Eleanor Noblet did well in the U13s 75M and got a PB and Bronze, whilst Faye Houghton got a PB and Silver in the 1200M. Ethan Warren and Ton Durney both got PBs and won Silver and Bronze respectively in the U13s 1500M, whilst Tomas Roberts won Silver in the U15s 800M and an outstanding Gold for Harvey Noble in the Javelin. In the U15 girls Drew Illingworth-Turner got Bronze in the 200M . Well done to everyone who performed.

Seven members of Preston Harriers made the journey to the capital to run the Virgin Money London Marathon. First to finish was Gary Pennington in an outstanding time of 2:29:40 for 11th place in the V50-54 age category. Another superb performance came from Sue Wickham who ran at an even pace throughout to clock 4:29:54 and knock a massive 35 minutes off her previous best. Other Harriers finishers were Russell Codd (3:22:01), Kevin Curran (3:12:00), Brian Dewhurst (3:13:55), Kari Edwards (5:38:04) and Chris Wales (2:58:49).

Four Harriers, Nichola Jackson, Kevin Hunt, Billy Johnstone & Michael Brennand and honorary Harrier for the day Barry Thomas, made the trip across to Teesside for this year’s National Duathlon Championships, held on closed roads in Stockton-on-Tees. All five were competing in the standard distance event comprising a 10k run, 40k bike and 5k run. Despite the cold and windy conditions, the event attracted a strong field of some of the country’s best triathletes across the various categories, but this didn't deter Preston's own Nichola Jackson, storming through in 2:08:44 to take the National Honours in her age group and finish 2nd Female overall. Strong performances from Kevin Hunt (2:08:51, 4th in category) Barry Thomas (2:22:47), Billy Johnstone (2:26:17, 12th in category) and Michael Brennand (2:35:50, 16th in category) rounded off a great showing from the Preston Harriers team.

Harriers start on their quest to reach another National Final saw a weakened team cross the Pennines to Sheffield. Enthusiasm and true grit helped Harriers to secure second place behind Sale in the Northern Top League for under 15 and under 13 athletes. Harriers finished 34 points ahead of hosts Sheffield and will go to the National Final if they continue to hold onto second place throughout the season.

At the Combined Events Championships, Preston Harrier Jasmine Jolly had a convincing win in the under 15 girls Pentathlon, retaining the championship she won last year. The difference was that last year Jasmine only took the lead after the final event, and won by a mere 7 points. This time she took the lead in the first event and was never headed, winning the championship by a huge margin of 848 points and scoring an outdoor best of 3140 points.
In the under 15 Boys Pentathlon William Lancaster also performed well, starting with the second fastest hurdles time of the day and retaining that second place throughout the event to finish in the silver medal position.

Lancashire AA are staging a 5000m Club Team Challenge again in the Saturday programme at the Lancs T&F; Champs on 14th May. Entry form for advance entries here. The closing date is 11th May. Please ensure that advance entries will arrive ON 11th May i.e. last posting day 10th May WITH FIRST CLASS STAMP.

Last Updated (Monday, 02 May 2016 17:52)

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