Matthew’s medal joy for England
ATHLETICS STEVE DUXBURY MATTHEW Mackay’s international fell running career got off to a brilliant start when he made his debut in an England vest in Gagliano del Capo in southern Italy last week.
Teams of four from over ten European countries, plus the USA, competed in the International Mountain Running Youth Cup and Matthew’s U18 team won a fantastic team bronze behind first placed Turkey and Italy second.
A combination of the 35 degree heat of southern Italy and the quick and very technical course was a challenge to the English runners but Matthew rose to it to finish as third team counter and in ninth place overall from over 50 runners.
It was a great experience for Matthew and one he hopes to repeat as he has another year in the U18 age group.
The future looks bright for Rossendale Harriers, who celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year and another great prospect, Joel Taylor illustrated that by winning the classic Tor Mile race, one of the oldest fell races in the books, beating several good local senior runners at the same time.
On the track Rob Webb won the Blackburn Harriers Open Mile event in 4mins 27.1secs.
The mile has become more popular in recent times having been superseded by the 1500 metres event, so it was a first opportunity for Rob to run the classic distance.
On the roads Kris Armitage finished in a very creditable sixth place in the Colshaw Hall 10K road race, crossing the line after 35mins 44secs.
In the midweek Witton Trail relays the senior men’s team of Rob Webb, Grant Cunliffe and Chris Fell won convincingly by over a minute, having led from start to finish.
Rob’s first leg was the quickest of the evening on a course that climbs up to Billinge Woods before descending to the showground.
Grant opened up a gap on second placed Barlick Fell Runners and then Chris sealed the victory, running the fastest veteran leg of the evening. The harriers also fielded several teams from the Monday evening adult beginners group.
On the track at Stretford Matty Harris smashed his three year old personal best by over a minute and a half, crossing the line in 1min 52.92secs, a fantastic achievement and one earned after a winter of hard work and dedication.
There were also several harriers in action at the Mid Lancs Track & Field League at Preston on Saturday.
Ryan Heneghan won the U15 Boys 1500 metres, clocking 4mins 43secs and was also second in the 200 metres with 26.30secs. ●● Matthew Mackay in Gagliano del Capo
Max Cunningham ran a very good time of 2mins 14.7secs for second place in the U15 Boys 800 metres and thrower, Hayley Robinson, was second in the U15 Girls shot put with 7m 34cm and fourth in the javelin with 21m 67cm.
Charlotte Mahoney also competed in the U13 Girls 100 metres. ●● Matthew Mackay on the Italian course