Women book their National place

3:36pm Wednesday 11th April 2001

THE womens section of Blackheath Harriers, Bromley, made a small piece of club history when they competed in the South Of England six-stage road relay for the first time.

And they were rewarded for their efforts on the traffic-free course at Milton Keynes with eighth place and automatic qualification for the National event in three weeks time.

Thirty-five teams entered and with many clubs putting their best runners on the first leg, Birmingham University student Cath Castledine had a sensible run in 23rd place.

She handed to Jennie Butler, who showed no adverse effect to a recent leg injury, carving her way through the field to move the team up to 12th with her time of 20mins 11secs being the third-fastest of the stage.

Siobhan Budd flew back from her studies at university in Barcelona and she moved the team up to a heady fifth place, and good runs from Karyn O'Mahoney, Gemma Viney and Hazel Barker achieved the target of a top-10 position.

In contrast, in the mens' 12-stage event a plethora of injuries and prior engagements meant only 11 athletes were available and the team had to pull out after the 11th leg while in a National qualifying place.

Symptomatic of the shortage of athletes was the appearance of 50-year-old Ken Daniel in his first run in the event for 12 years, but his time of 19mins 6secs was quicker than many younger runners. There were solid runs from Pat Calnan, Giles Clifford, John Morland and Richard Parrott on long stages, while another promising aspect of the afternoon was to see the number of athletes who have joined the club as youngsters developing to compete at senior level.

This looks set to continue with 40 new members elected at the most recent committee meeting with the club agreeing a three-year sponsorship deal to support primary school athletics in the Bromley borough.

In liason with the Bromley Primary Schools' Athletics Association and the Bromley Primary Schools' Cross-Country Association, the club will support six track and field events and two cross-country races each year.

For more details about the club, call Dave Liston on 01322 663504 or visit the website: www.blackheath-harriers.org.uk

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