Press Report

Campbell and Muir battle well in world trials - CAU Inter Counties Cross Country Championships Saturday 11th March

Ilford athletes Iain Campbell and Malcolm Muir provided the Essex team backbone with excellent positions of 145th (42.36)  and 177th (43.18) in the prestigious CAU Inter Counties Cross Country championships held over a12k course at Wollaton Park Nottingham last Saturday.  Muir and Campbell represented the County team for the second year in a row, with the outstanding 46 year old Campbell making sixth scorer for the team. The pair are known for their pace judgement and stayed away from the lightening fast start up the slope to the top of Wollaton Park, working their way steadily through the field as others died away.

Campbell is the oldest runner to represent Essex in the senior ranks and admitted that his ageing legs betrayed him in the sprint finish.  Muir improved throughout the four lap race, but despite his excellent form, could not repeat the county trials and catch Campbell.  Muir stated that while he was delighted with his performance, he would have been more successful on a harsher, muddier cross country course.  The championships, which double up as the world trials was dominated by Essex with two team victories, two individual medals and high placings in all of the age groups.

 

Finchley 20 miles - Sunday 12th March.

 

Ilford AC were well represented in the historic Finchley 20 mile road race on Sunday. Bree Nordin and Sally Gillam both well advanced in their preparations for next month's London Marathon turned in excellent performances despite a chill crosswind on a 4 lap undulating course. Bree Nordin recovering from a stomach disorder was slightly off her best but nevertheless her time of 2hrs.29mins and 25 secs  was good enough to secure her the first woman over 45 prize. Sally Gillam clocked her customary personal best clocking 2hrs 42mins 32 secs a full 4 minutes quicker than her time last year.