Clubs’ backing is crucial as event keeps growing
BIG ENTRY IN TRACK AND FIELD FINALS
THIS weekend’s North East Counties Track and Field Championships at Gateshead Stadium has seen an increase in entries for the fifth year in a row.
Following a sluggish start after the entries were opened eight weeks ago, championship secretary Keith Willshire has been inundated with enquiries from all age groups - from clubs to the north of the county like Alnwick and Morpeth down to the likes of the two Middlesbrough clubs in the south.
Track and field competition can sometimes be the poor relations as far as athletics is concerned, especially with the continued rise in endurance running in the region.
However, Willshire is delighted clubs have encouraged their members to support the championships in such big numbers.
He said: “At present we have in the region of 550 athletes registered doing more than 900 events for Saturday and Sunday’s championships which reflects hugely on all the good work coaches and backroom staff at our clubs are doing.
“I am delighted so see the numbers increasing year-on-year and in no small way that is down to clubs realising how important the county championships are in the development of their athletes.
“We have a sprinkling of internationals entered as well as first-timers and one of the things which really stands out is we have more than 100 senior men taking part over the two days, which is hugely encouraging.
“However, the opposite is the case when it comes to senior women – disappointingly, I have only received 26 entries - the lowest we have had for the past five years.
“There is a good entry in the under-15 girls’ age group (95) and some of the other younger sections which augurs well for the future.
“Last year we saw eight new championship records set and, providing the weather is kind this weekend, I see no reason why that cannot be repeated or even bettered.’’
Records are there to be broken but one that has stood the test of time is the senior men’s discus.
In 1968 North Shields Poly’s Arthur McKenzie winged the 2k disc out to 54:62m - and no one has managed to better that since.
However, there is every chance his long-standing record could be erased this weekend as among the entries is former Gateshead Harrier Alan Toward who, already this season, has thrown further on two occasions.
For the past few years Toward, now competing for the Sheffield and Dearne club, has come close to McKenzie’s record and, three years ago, he actually equalled the great man’s figures.
While he has thrown further this year than ever before, he knows producing the goods in a championship is another thing.
Championship action on Saturday and Sunday at the International Stadium gets under way at 10.00 and spectators are welcome.