This year, Northern Athletics had agreed to support more young athletes and send under 20 teams to the Cardiff 5k, alongside the two senior teams. Selection for both teams had been based on the Northern Athletics Area 12 and 6 stage road relays results at Redcar at the end of March.
So, 4 teams were entered for Cardiff, both male and female under 20 and senior age group in the inter area competition that included Armed Forces, Midlands team, North Wales and England under 20 teams.
The Whitchurch locals were certainly out in numbers to support the race. As 7pm approached, 3 high performance vehicles drove around the course, giving an impression of the speed to come.
The race did not disappoint! The undulating course brings the athletes almost back to the finish just after the 4k mark, after which they make three right turns on their way to the finishing gantry.
The NA senior men’s team finished in 2nd place, with Sam Hopkins (Salford) 8th, Joe Moores (Salford) in 15th and Angus Cole (Leeds) in 23rd. These 46 points were sufficient for a 2nd place finish behind a strong Midlands team. The Midlands team won with 33 points. 4th NA team member was Alex Brown (Morpeth), who suffered with illness during the race and finally had to withdraw after 3.5k, despite his strong desire to complete the course.
The NA senior women’s position equalled that of the men, with a brilliant second place. First counter and 3rd individual overall in the race was Sophie Pikett (Elswick). She was well supported by Jess Eaton (Tyne Bridge) and Amelia Bratt (Salford). Fourth member of the team was Ruth Jones (Leeds), in position 265, only 11 seconds behind Amelia.
One big disappointment for the men’s team was the initial results error, which deprived them of their place on the podium. Results were rectified after the presentation.
The event also proved to be an outstanding success for the younger athletes, as the U20 men won the inter area team result. Joe Dixon (Morpeth) was first counter for the team in 45th position in a time of 15.18. Jonson Hughes (Rotherham) and Zak Kettle (Tyne Bridge) both were given the same time of 15.24 but in 51st and 53rd position with the team points sufficient to place them as first U20 team in the inter area team event. Sonnyboy Hughes (Rotherham) finished 102nd in a time of 16.15.
Northern Athletics had entered a Under 20 women’s team but injuries had reduced the 4 women down to just Katie Francis (Birtley) who finished 227th overall in a time of 17.42.
Senior Men: 2nd place
Positions: 8th in 14.29, Sam Hopkins
15th in 14.39, Joseph Moores
23rd in 14.47, Angus Cole
Unfortunately, Alex Brown had to pull out of the race at 3.5k because of illness.
Senior Women: 2nd place
Positions: 101 in 16.12, Sophie Pikett
200 in 17.23, Jess Eaton
244 in 17.54, Amelia Bratt
265 in 18.05, Ruth Jones
U20 Men: Winners
Positions: 45 in 15.18, Joe Dixon
51 in 15.24, Jonson Hughes
53 in 15.24, Zak Kettle
102 in 16.15, Sonnyboy Hughes
U20 Women: Incomplete team, one athlete
Position: 227 in 17.42, Katie Francis
Full results can be found HERE.
The next senior team event will be the Telford 10k. Team selection will be primarily based on the 6&4 Stage road relay at Leigh, Sunday 21st September. We look forward to another strong team performance at Telford!
Many thanks to Ruth Hirst for the below pictures. A further Gallery by Ruth can be found HERE.
Many thanks also to Eileen Ingham for the below photos:
