NIA SHOWS HER FORM ON TRACK AND ROAD
NIA Clatworthy (Cardiff AAC) last week turned in two rousing performances in events organised by Welsh Athletics, writes Tony Poole. The former Porthcawl Comprehensive School student won the U20 Women’s section of the Endurance Open Meeting that was contested over 1,500m, and staged at Swansea University Sports Centre in Sketty Lane.
And earlier she was runner-up in the same age group at the Cardiff Sunset 5K Road Race.
The winning time for Nia in the Endurance Open 1,500m was 4:42, and it secured her 11th place overall in an event won by Luke Williams (San Domenico) 4:03 from Ben Miles (Cardiff AAC) 4:07 and David John Williams (Les Croupiers) 4:10.
In the Cardiff Sunset 5K event, Nia clocked 18:16 with Ashleigh Willis (Swansea Harriers) taking the Women’s U20 section in 18:06.
Top female was Charlotte Arter (Cardiff AAC), who came home in 15:59, while the outright winner was Osian Perrin (Menai Track & Field) 14:35 ahead of Mattie Edwards (Cardiff AAC) 14:35 and Guy Smith (Swansea Harriers) 14:46.
Welsh Athletics held this invitational event in the Welsh capital for elite athletes to restart competitive road racing in Wales. However, only 22 competitors faced the starter owing to current COVID-19 legislation.
The runners followed a flat course around Bute Park that down the years has proved popular during the SSAFA 5K Road Races.
I BEAT STEVE CHALLENGE
BRIDGEND star Steve Brace is the latest top athlete to throw down the gauntlet to fellow runners in a Run4Wales 5K virtual challenge.
The former Great Britain Olympic Games marathon runner, who in his pomp back in 1995 ran a personal best 5K of 13:50, is coming out of retirement to challenge the latest generation of club runners.
“Though these days you’re more likely to see Steve Brace at start and finish lines as an organiser, he’s decided to put his running shoes back on for a Run4Wales virtual challenge in his name,” said a Run4Wales spokesman.
Owing to coronavirus restrictions, Brace hasn’t been unable to arrange the weekly Parkrun event in Porthcawl while the second staging of the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K back in July was another major casualty.
But he’s lacing on his trainers for the “I Beat Steve Challenge” next month in a bid to keep runners active while at the same time having a spot of fun.
And Brace, who will set the challenge for competitors to beat during mid-October, has already been spotted pounding the Porthcawl Parkrun course from the seafront up to Rest Bay.
And if rumours are to be believed, the 59-year-old veteran runner has already clocked a splendid time of 24:28 for a distance of 5:06K.
These Run4Wales events were launched back in August when former Great Britain Olympic Games 400m sprint star Iwan Thomas, who is now a Healthspan ambassador, held a similar challenge.
LONDON MARATHON
PRIMARY Schools across the United Kingdom are being invited to become part of the 40th staging this Sunday of the Virgin Money London Marathon.
The Mini London Marathon is aiming to get young runners active following the cancellation of the normal run owing to COVID-19.
In the past, 1,600 competitors representing the London Boroughs and runners from across the United Kingdom have covered the last three miles of the London Marathon course that embraces the finish down The Mall.
Instead this year, children are being asked to run 2.6 miles on a course of their choice before October 9.
Schools can now register, and all who participate will be given resources to promote the event.
And every child that completes the challenge will receive free of charge an official London Marathon medal together with a certificate.
“Statistics on obesity levels in children during primary school years are shocking,” said London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher.
He continued: “And the lockdown earlier in the year resulted in a significant amount of children returning to school after months of little or no physical activity.
“Activity levels of an hour per day plummeted from 47% of children to just 19%, and it’s one of the main reasons for us looking to inspire young athletes to take part in the virtual Mini London Marathon.’’
The event is targeting children of all running abilities, and the 2.6 miles can be covered by a run, jog or walk either in one session or over a number of days.
And disabled children can complete the event in a way that meets their needs either through walking, being pushed or with the aid of crutches.