The first major event of the Autumn/Winter calendar saw Charnwood's athletes at the Midland Counties Road Relays at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield last Saturday (21st Sept 2019) and whilst the mid July-like temperatures were fine for spectators it made for gruelling running conditions.

 

In the under 13 boys, the 'A' trio of Harry Blewitt-Jenkins (16 minutes 36), Dan Oakland (16:16) and James Norman (15:43) claimed 16th spot from 30 complete finishing teams. The 'B' team of Harry Adamski (16:24) Harry Nurse (18:58) and Aidan Seed (16:41) took 26th.

 

The under 13 girls claimed a creditable 10th place out of 33 with Erin Stuart (18:39), Florrie Mitchell (16:23) and Savana Smith (15:01)

 

The under 15 boys finished 18th from 33 with Tom Dixon (13:58), Sam Haines (15:50) and Keiran Ashman (15:15)

 

The under 15 girls 'A' took 7th spot from 27 with Gracie-Rose Walters (15:43), Isabel Oakland (16:13) and Amelie McCann (16:30) with the 'B' team of Isabel Edwards (17:00) Abigail Cook (21:26) and Alice McDermott (18:01) in 25th.

 

The first podium finish of the day came with the under 17 men, where a tremendous second leg from Vinnie Dawson brought the team up to medal contention, and the squad of Seamas Hurst (12:44) Vinnie Dawson (12:13) and Ryan Elston (13:19) took third place from 26. There were also fine runs from Jamie Day (12:50) and Max Potter (14:01) as an incomplete team.

 

A fine race from the under 17 women saw them finish just out of the medals in 4 place from 20, with Olivia Bonshor (14:40), Lexie McLoughlin (14:54) and Gemma Newport (15:42)

 

With two 17 year olds making their senior debut, the senior men claimed a highly creditable 31st place from 104 with Kieren Coleman-Smith (19:39) Mark Couldwell (19:44) Paul Harmer (21:59) Martin Lewis (21:06) Ethan O'Shea (19:52) and Mick Kingsbury (23.33)

 

Two teenagers were also in the senior women's 'A' team who took a fine second podium place, with silver from 107, with 17 year old Mia Atkinson making her debut at this level and leaving the team well placed in 5th after the first leg. The team comprised Mia Atkinson (15:32) Juliet Potter (15:14) Eleanor Here (16:52) and Gemma Steel (15:02)

 

The 'B' team also had a good race in 21st place, with Elsie Butler (16:25) Hollie Elliott (17:27) Natalie Egginton (19:22) and Aimee Seager (18:09)

 

Julie Bonshor also had a good run (20:14) as an incomplete team

 

Next up its back to Sutton Park in early October for the National competition.