Alex Wood -Super Trouper. Get well soon Alex

After a smooth start in his heat 300m Alex Wood put his foot down on the bend only to pull up in agony. After being stretchered off and a trip to A&E, it was found he had suffered a hip avulsion fracture which is a specific type of hip injury that occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone from the hip.

However despite this, the next day Alex was determined to be a part of the team and so returned to the stadium on his crutches to take part in the parade. As I said, Super Trouper indeed.

English Schools National Track and Field Athletics Championships

Report – Paul Bearman

Three athletes from Stratford upon Avon AC were selected to compete for Warwickshire and one for Gloucestershire at the English Schools National Track and Field Athletics Championships, which is the 4^thbiggest athletics competition in the world. Over 1700 of England’s top young athletes from 45 counties competed over two days that were held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

The ESAA programme runs like clockwork by the top notch team of Officials with heats and finals on the track and field all over the stadium from early morning to early evening. Stratford were represented in the Officials team by the ever efficient Graham Thompson and Emma Sparrow.

Qualifying for the championships is a tough enough ask but to step up to this national level is very hard, but once again Stratford athletes proved worthy and capable of competing against the very best athletes in England. Competing on such a big stage can affect an individual performance and the Stratford contingent went away with varying degrees of satisfaction with their performances but all of them will have gained invaluable experience for the future.

Representing Gloucestershire, Ruby Edwards endeared herself to her team when they all had to get up very early and leave their hotel to get to the stadium because she was in the very first event, the Inter Triple Jump.

This was Ruby’s first major national championships and her first jump was a foul but a safe second round jump enabled her to go for a big third round jump and managed 10.29 which wasn’t good enough to get into the top 8 for another 3 jumps.

Like Ruby this was Sam Lambert’s first experience of a major T&F championships and running in the Inter 800m he found the pace very hot in his heat and went through the first very fast lap in the bunch but as often happens the pace accelerated from the bell and Sam finished in 7^th place in another sub 2 minute time of 1.59.46.

Both did very well in their respective events and were disappointed with their performances but despite the disappointments the experience gained from preparing and competing at this level is invaluable for the future

Olisa Odiamma McKenzie was next up in the junior High Jump. Olisa has been the “find of the season” after only starting in the club a few weeks ago. 

Essentially Kaili Woodward and I have had to put his him through a crash course in High Jumping and he’s proved what a great student and raw talent he is.

In drizzling and chilly conditions Olisa started at the minimum opening height on 1.59 to build some rhythm and he gradually worked his way up through the heights passing his previous PB of 1.72 and with other competitors dropping out along the way until there were only 3 left fighting for the medals.

At 1.81, a massive 9cm PB and 3 very good attempts at 1.84 he had his small wet band of supporters and family jumping out of their seats because we knew he had a medal, but it was only at the podium that we learned he had won a silver medal on count back. A truly magnificent performance.

Olisa combined with Rugby & Northampton athletes as a part of the junior mixed 4x100m relay team and they reached the final only to be run out of the medals finishing 5^th.

Sadly, there was a huge disappointment for U15 Alex Wood who went to the championships as one of the top 2 ranked competitors in the 300m and was aiming for a place on the podium if not the top spot.

After a smooth start in his heat Alex put his foot down on the bend only to pull up in agony. Medics ambled to his assistance and after being stretchered off and a trip to A&E it was found he has suffered a hip avulsion fracture which is a specific type of hip injury that occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of bone from the hip.

The day after Alex, determined to be a part of the team, returned to the stadium on his crutches to take part in the parade. Despite the huge disappointment a pragmatic Alex reflected “this year was going to be my big chance of doing well at the ESAA and England Athletics champs but its not to be and when I get back to training in the autumn, I’ll be working hard to train for the U17s and moving up to 400m”.

With Seb Hillard, Megan Thomas and Louie Newton on the reserve list, this was another good reflection on the on the hard graft all our athletes but in all year round and they are an inspiration to all of what you can achieve with hard work coupled with talent…..and of course our coaches supporting them..

Ex Stratford athlete Alex Adams, in his last ESAA championships competed in the senior 1500m and in his heat he ran 4.01.91 and made it to the final and in a very fast race he finished in 12th place in 4.08.23. In 3 weeks time he is off to Washburn University, Kansas and I’m sure we all wish him well.

SUAAC Volunteers at English Schools Athletics
T & F Championships

Report – Carolyne Johnston

Following the fantastic impact our volunteer team made to the smooth running of the English Schools Championships in 2023, we were contacted again to ask if we would be willing to organise a team of young athletes to support this year’s event. 

Of course, we said a big ‘Yes’ as this is such an opportunity to help our young athletes gain experience in a major championship and be given the responsibility of leading a very important role during the event.

We had 24 of our youngsters from the Track & Field U11s to U17s age groups who volunteered along with 2 Coaches, 1 Official and 3 parents. Duties varied from kit carrying for the athletes competing to Call Room duties, such as leading athletes to their events.

What an amazing day they all had, kitted out in their very smart ESAA T shirts, carrying athletes kit, some of which hardly fitted into their buckets because they had so many belongings! Not only that, they walked miles! Amelia confirmed they had walked 20,372 steps! 

Gwil Price who is the chief selector of the Warwickshire athletes’ team would normally organise behind the scenes on the day. Unfortunately, he was unable to be there due to ill health but sent the message to say he is always immensely grateful to SUAAC for how we offer our support.

English Schools Athletic Association asked our volunteers to join the ‘Grand Parade of Competitors’ to thank and acknowledge them for their support in helping the event run smoothly. They all received the greatest and most richly deserved applause from the spectators, athletes and officials in recognition of their phenomenal help! 

Not only that, in recognition of SUAAC providing so many athletes and parents at yet another ESAA Championships, we were asked to nominate 2 volunteers to accompany the 2 Warwickshire athletes carrying the St George and ESAA flags.  Sam McKenzie and Will Hovell had the privilege of this honour, proudly leading the parade of counties into the main arena.

Thank you to our adult volunteers, you were an amazing group taking on the responsibility of looking after and caring for our volunteers. Our young athletes, you have received many compliments saying you were brilliant, your behaviour impeccable, great company and good team spirit helping to make the day so successful despite the pressure!

We like to think this type of opportunity helps them all learn life skills as well as whatever they achieve while training with us through the years. From my observations watching them back and forth all day, there was definitely team spirit and everyone did an amazing job!

Apparently, the event is in Birmingham again next year, I’m sure ESAA will be asking us back!

Marshall Sisters in Triathlon Action at Mallory Park

Report – Kate Marshall

Charly Marshall (19) was in action on Saturday, for her best placing since a return from injury over the winter. 

Now training with Loughborough University’s triathlon squad on their Elite Sports Programme, she posted a solid national 7th place in the British Super Series Triathlon event.

A welcome return to form which has helped her secure a position representing GBR in the European Cup in Czechia later this month. 

The following day, her sister Amélie Marshall (11) raced at the same venue in the West Midlands League, with a personal best placing of 9th, knocking well over 2 minutes off her previous time for the same course.

Her T1 (transition from swimming to running) was particularly speedy, as was her run.

Following in the footsteps of her sister, she was delighted with her improvement. 

Race To The Stones  

13th July – Paul Faithfull & Adam Linforth

Report – Adam Linforth

And so it started with an email:

Adam: “…fancy doing an event together next year?”

Paul: “Yes, sure, what is it?”

Adam “well its a long way and bit different but I have secured a place through their ballot and a friend can join me too, Its called Race To The Stones”

Paul “erm that’s a long way, like 100km but at least we can do it over 2 days and camp the night, so sure”

Adam “Except for the fact that I entered to do it in one go in a day”

Paul “I am kind of committed now aren’t I?”

Adam “Yep…”

So we both managed to fit it in between events for the year and hopefully allow ourselves enough time to taper and recover between them all with Adam taking part in Long Course Weekend in Wales and Paul in the European Triathlon Championships in Coimbra, Portugal both of which were only a few weeks before on the 22nd June.

It’s fair to say we had both planned to get a lot more miles in before the event, but with other events, a few niggles and life just getting in the way the longest run we got in together was the fantastic Buses and Barge’s run organised by Robin Longhorn taking place only the weekend before. Oops

Despite living in the same village we planned our race strategy over FaceTime only 10 days before having missed the deadline to book parking, only a minor hurdle, fortunately. Our key requirements agreed upon in our strategy meeting for the event were:

• Run the flat and walk the hills
• Don’t get injured
• Get each other around and stick together
• Oh yes and enjoy it

We arrived at the start in plenty of time on Saturday morning for the 6.30am start, only for Paul to continue the procrastination that had taken place over the prior 10 days over what shoes to wear? Let’s just say the shoes he jogged to the start in 1 minute before we were about to start were not the ones he crossed the start line in. Paul left Adam on his own at the start line with all competitors taking off at the horn, whilst he donned the back up shoes.

We set off about 4 minutes after everyone else and soon started to reel people in, only for Paul to feel the need to stop and take his waterproof jacket off (there’s a theme developing here), I think he just liked chasing people down and having a goal in site…

We had agreed a nice steady pace and we were absolutely not going for glory, just survival.

Soon enough though we were at the first stop and were both pleasantly surprised at the range of snacks available along with clean portaloos, medics etc etc. There were 7 stops on site with a big one at the half way stage for those doing the overnight stop and others completing merely the 50km.

The scenery was fantastic and took in some beautiful parts of the world along The Ridgeway, from Lewknor to Avebury which was very varied in terrain, from tracks, trails, gravel paths and even some streets through Streatley on Thames.

Inevitably we both went through low points in the event, but kept each other going, Paul’s was at 20km when his hip was in real pain, fortunately it settled down, providing Adam with a sigh of relief at not having to either drop out with Paul or worse still continue on his own.

Adam suffered towards the end with really bad stomach cramps, but managed to settle them down at the penultimate stop, by stretching and ditching the energy drinks and bars and moving on to water..

After one long drag of a hill that seemed to take forever to reach stop 7 we then started to descend the last 14km to the finish, which flew by.

Much as we had done the whole way we ebbed and flowed with others around us that we had run with most of the way or between stops.

Approaching the finishing straight and trying to goad Paul in to a sprint finish for the cameras, Adam was quickly rebuffed with words to the effect of “not on your life” by Paul.

We crossed the line in 14 hours and 5 minutes to much relief as you can see from the picture and as we had agreed, finishing together…

So what’s next? We are both competing in Australia, Paul in the World Triathlon Championships in Townsville for GB Age Group and Adam is taking in the Perth Half Marathon in Western Australia in a few weeks time..

Serpent Trail 50k.

 Report – Seth Turner.

This was my 3^rd run at this popular ultra trail race.

It takes place in Hampshire along a stunning long distance footpath incorporating undulating forest trails, greensand hills and heathland.

Weather for the day was overcast to start, but generally warming and getting sunnier as the day went on. A fairly strong but cooling headwind helped manage temperatures whilst running and we even had a couple of showers along the way. It had rained most of the previous day or two so the trails were somewhat softer than in previous years so I was glad I opted for my Speedgoats.

I went out at a good pace through the more technical early sections and at 25k was in a good group, moving well and ahead of pace from the year before.

At this point however I started getting some joint pain in my left knee and was finding it harder to maintain the pace. At 30k it hadn’t improved so I made the decision to back off and just enjoy the remainder of the run and ‘jog it in’ for the remaining 20k.

Enjoying the scenery and camaraderie of the trail I kept fuelling and actually started to feel stronger the further I went and even managed a little sprint over the finish line.

I came in 27^th place out of 590 runners in just under 4hrs 50 mins, slightly over half an hour slower than my previous best time but nonetheless happy to get another ultra under my belt and complete my 3^rd Marathon or greater distance race for this year.

I was just under an hour behind the winning time of 3.51, my time from last year would have put me in the top 10 this year but alas it was not my day.

I strongly recommend this event to anyone looking to try a trail ultra, it’s got a great atmosphere, stunning scenery, superb organisation and not too much elevation.

It’s not difficult to see how it sells out every year and attracts so many returning runners from across the country.

If you want a good flavour of the event then Lloyd Purvis’s youTube channel – Run4Adventure – has several videos of the race from the last few years and is well worth a watch.

Man v Coast 2024 aka -The one where I nearly drowned!

Report – Karen Holt

Another adventure with the Stevens Crew, instigated by Mr Stevens of course.

Back in the midst of time this seemed like a really good idea and with doing a max of 8.5 miles off road running why wouldn’t I want to attempt 25 miles over the Cornish Coast with over 1200 metres elevation.

It is sold as a 25-mile route which takes in high cliffs, brooding moorland, picture-perfect beaches, crashing waves, big swells, rough-hewn rocks, water jumps, short swims, and a few cheeky surprises. They weren’t wrong!

Within 400m of the start, where you run along the softest sand known to man, you launch yourself into the water to swim round a buoy, thank you Rob Gisbourne for rescuing me and dragging me back to the beach coughing and spluttering.

Onwards along the beach to a stream (small river due to the torrential downpour the night before) where the idea seemed to be staying on your feet on slippery stones whilst negotiating low bridges- great pic of me and Lisa hanging onto each other as we came out from under one bridge.

 Finally, onto the tarmac with 5 miles of hills to the first feed station. Got here with 1hr 15 left before the cut off time so we where extremely happy with our efforts so far.

Onto the moorland where the trail was so narrow you couldn’t run without tripping over your own feet or adopting a very peculiar running style, but needs must, then to next feed station still with lots of time to spare.

We then undulated over some very rugged terrain to make our way to various activities such as cliff scrambles and body boarding and then to Sennen Cove…no I didn’t go into the water past my knees after my earlier attempts!! 

Lands End started to get closer and for me the miles ticked over quickly, I couldn’t believe how much I had in the tank at the end and was still trotting up the hills all the way to the finish.

The event was extremely well organised, the marshals and crew were fantastic, feed stations stocked with pasties and nearly every sweet known to man.

We all finished with smiles on our faces and as usual the show-offs managed to come in 12^th and 13^thmaking it look easy compared to the rest of Team SAC! Think we enjoyed the food stops a little too much!

Ian Stevens 4.52.10

Rob Gisbourne 4.52,26

 599^th Karen Gisbourne 8.12

602^nd Lisa Stevens 8.13

Not bad for our first attempt with a starting field of a thousand runners.

I absolutely loved this run and think I have got the trail running bug.

What next?  Oh yeah Ian is already chuntering on about doing it again next year and I am still smiling at the memory of Lisa getting stuck in a bog and having to use her hands to try to pull her leg out. 

Compton Verney 10k and Half Marathon

Report – Matt Burdus-Cook
 

Compton Verney half marathon has always been one of my favourite races.

The setting and organisation is brilliant. The roads nicely rural. The route challenging but not brutal. The conditions are generally hot. The medium sized and well supported field, strings out quickly and let’s you run against yourself and the elements.

This year the course conditions were more favourable than usual. My own condition, however, was far less favourable than previous years, with a combination of tendonitis, induced weekly mileage reduction and general poor form and fading fitness hitting hard in recent races.

I was delighted to finish in second place. My time was nearly two and a half minutes slower than last year but I felt good throughout and enjoyed every stride of my run. I inevitably needed to work hard against my lack of fitness in the final third of the race.

The result looks closer than it was. I ran most of the race just 2-3 paces behind the winner, Ryan Baker. He was running very easily and clearly managing his pace back to match mine, while I was working hard to hold  consistent mile splits. Ryan pulled away easily and strongly to a clear and winning margin with a mile of the race to go, to which I had no answer.

It was a great turnout of Stratford AC runners for both the half marathon and 10k distances. 

Heat and hills are always a factor. As such –  “the longer the time on the road, the more impressive the effort” – is my view when it comes to Compton. 

Cherwell runners have been hosting the Hornton 6 since 1994 and I ran it 5 years ago when it was still held on a Saturday night.  (I remember bragging to a marshal that I had already run the iconic Bushy parkrun earlier that day, and he in turn revealed that a relative of his had once set a world record there – turned out that I was attempting to show off to Andy Baddeley’s father-in-law).