JACK SPRINTS TO 200M WIN
JACK O’Brien (Bridgend) stormed to victory in the 200m section of the Junior Sports Open that was staged last week at Cardiff International Sports Centre, writes Tony Poole.
This was a sports specific event open meeting for athletes in age groups 13 – 15, and it embraced races at both 100m and 200m.
The event capacity was limited in each competition to ensure that numbers complied with the Welsh Government’s guidelines in the sizes of gatherings for outdoor activities.
However, no competitors from Caerphilly County Borough were able to take part, owing to the imposed lockdown.
No spectators were allowed into the stadium either, but athletes were allowed either a coach or advisor to be in attendance.
Former Bridgend Junior Parkrun star O’Brien, who was in the Boys U15 bracket, took the honours in a tasty time of 26:85.
Lucy Wintle (U15 Girls) of the Pembrokeshire Harriers club in Haverfordwest was runner-up in a time of 27:15 from Olivia Gillespie (Newport Harriers) 27:23, Evan Morris (Swansea Harriers) 27:28 and Sean Hopkins (Cardiff AAC) 27:53.
Other decent times from young Bridgend runners were recorded by Tomos Davies (U13 Boys) 30:84 (16th), Georgia Smele (U15 Girls) 31:35 (19th) and Skye Evans (U13 Girls) 36:01 (27th).
The competition was spread over eight heats with times then compared to determine final placings.
VIRTUAL I BEAT IWAN CHALLENGE
FIVE Bridgend County runners managed to beat Iwan Thomas in a special virtual challenge that was organised throughout August by the Run4Wales organisation.
Four were members of the Porthcawl Runners club – Geraint Lewis, Dave Bennett, Alun Williams and William Edwards – while Steven Powell (Cornelly Striders) also beat the time set by the former Olympic Games silver medallist.
The competition resulted in hundreds of runners throughout the United Kingdom taking up the challenge on a virtual basis of bettering the time set by Thomas for a 10K run.
This was the first in a series of virtual events that Run4Wales are organising.
Thomas ran his 10K in 42:59 and the time was then released so that competitors had ample time in which to beat the Healthspan ambassador.
And his run that covered 6.2 miles resulted in him taking 18th place on the leaderboard.
The main reason for staging these events during the coronavirus pandemic is because mass participation runs have been barred, and they are now providing a motivating goal and a training incentive.
All Healthspan events during 2020 have been cancelled, including the intended second staging of the Porthcawl 10K event back in July.
“With the usual running calendar in Wales somewhat lacking in events this year, this virtual event gave me the incentive I needed to stay on top of my fitness,” explained Thomas, who also won honours in the Commonwealth Games along with the European and World Championships.
“I’m glad the event inspired so many other runners to get involved and push themselves to log the best times possible while also raising money for good causes.’’
Edward Land was landed in winning the “I Beat Iwan Challenge” in a splendid time of 35:58 while Geraint Lewis from Porthcawl Runners was just 54 seconds in arrears.
Ollie George (Crymych) took third place in 37:27 from Paul Williams (Aberystwyth) 37:36, Dave Bennett 38:39, Alun Williams (both Porthcawl Runners) 39:42, Steven Powell (Cornelly Striders) 40:23 and 11th-placed William Edwards (Porthcawl Runners) 41:40.
The only female to “Beat Iwan” was 14th-placed Helen Oliver of the Les
Croupiers club in Cardiff, who registered a time of 42:13.
CARDIFF HALF MARATHON
A NEW date has been announced for the 19th staging of the popular Cardiff Half Marathon.
Owing to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the event back in March was delayed, and it’s now been decided to stage it next on October 3, 2021 with entries now open.
The event has grown in popularity down the years, as there’s no pressure to record fast times or even run the full course – and nowadays fancy dress is extremely popular.
And the enjoyment theme is launched the day before with running for all age groups and abilities, entertainment and fun activities that include the Mascot Race.