A love of running that led to romannce

WITH athletes from nine to 80+, Macclesfield Harriers is truly a club for all the family.

Children train at the athletics track alongside parents and siblings, while other parents take on roles as team managers, coaches and officials at events home and away.

There is even a couple for whom romance blossomed through the Harriers.

Sacha Sloan, who returned from the Invictus Games Trials for Team UK in July with medals in athletics, swimming and rowing, met husband Simon through an unlikely photo.

“I used to be in Macclesfield Harriers age 12 to 15.

“Simon’s profile picture was him sprinting and I recognised Macclesfield athletics track then we got talking and the rest is history!”

In the Cheshire League, which covers all age groups from U11 to Seniors, Macclesfield hope to finish in second place, thanks in no small part to at least five families who had parents and children competing.

Youngsters Charlie Orphanides, Rebecca Dilworth and Lucas Parker all gained the ‘athlete of the match’ accolade at fixtures in this league.

Also, this season, the U13 and U15 athletes gained well-deserved promotion to NW Division 1 of the National Youth Development (YDL) Track and Field league for the first time in around 10 years.

After their successful promotion in the Northern League in 2018, the U17 and seniors initially looked like they would be hard pushed to retain their position, but excellent performances in the home (1st) and final matches (3rd) were enough for the team to remain in their Division for next season.

Once again this was a family affair with parents and children making up the strong team.

Anna Carey coaches daughter Liliana and both gained maximum points in the hammer throw event.

In addition to team events, a number of individuals have excelled at Regional Championship level.

Sam Danson represented Cheshire in the prestigious English Schools event, and also gained silver in long lump at the North of England Championships.

Sam is coached by mum Ann, a former International long jumper.

Fin Proffitt, also selected for English Schools, was a North of England medallist winning bronze in the 3000m.

Charlie Orphanides, coached by dad George, now ranks 5th in the UK in U13 boys javelin having smashed the Cheshire Championship record.

Thanks to all athletes, team managers, coaches, officials and all volunteers, without whom the 2019 T&F season would not have been such a success for the club.