City of Southend on Sea Athletic Club

Author: June Cork

  • Weekend of 4 January 2025

    Weekend of 4 January 2025

    ESSEX CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS BASILDON

    In keeping with the weather recently it was a decidely chilly trip to Gloucester Park in Basildon.

    Slightly disappointing was the turnout (well done to all those who turned out) – we only managed two full teams – the U15 Boys and the Senior Men!!

    The Under 15 Boys managed an excellent 4th place (missing 1 key runner) missing out on 3rd place by 2 points.

    Congratulations to Lewis Jopling whose 6th place earned him an automatic qualifying place to represent Essex at the Inter Counties at Woollaton Hall in Nottingham.

    Amongst the medallists was Toby Jones witha silver medal in the U17 Men. He was 2 seconds behind Jacob Parrott of Chelmsford and 3 seconds ahead of Freddy Rowe from Havering.  All qualified for Nottingham.

     Last but not least was our 19 strong Senior Men’s team all of which helped us to secure team Gold and individual Gold for Adam Hickey.  Adam and Sam Norris qualify for Nottingham.

    BFTTA OPEN LEE VALLEY

    A small but dedicated band of athletes took the journey to Lee Valley for a very long meeting.  Pleased to see some PBs

    Also good to see the return of Joe Agbodza after a lengthy absence due to studying and a niggling injury

    There were field events butthe result are unaavailable at the time of going to press. I hear that Thomas Lay and Emily Archer competed and Emily produced a PB – height awaited.

    There was much excitement on the track – a 15 year old – Divine Iheme from Radley produced a World Record (subject to ratification of course) of 6.71 for 60m for his age group.

    Full Track Results

    COSAC results

    ESSEX CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS BASILDON (CONTINUED)

    Report from Athletics Weekly

    Athletics Weekly

    A series of links about the champs

    Results from the Timing Company

    Event Chip Timing

    Photos from Steve Wilkin from Chelmsford on the Essex Website

    Steve Wilkin Pictures

    I was clicking away as well

    Links to U13B

    U13B

    Links to U13G

    U13G

    Links to U15B

    U15B

    Links to U15G

    U15G

    SM Photos

    Senior Men

    U11 Photos

    U11

    SW AND U20M

    SW AND U20M

    U17M U20W U17W

    U17M U20W U17W 

    Weekend of 4 January 2025

    Click on Image for Results

  • Christmas and New Year

    Christmas and New Year

    Annual pier Race

    This year saw the 70th Anniversary of the Pier Race by members of Southend Athletic Club.  The race is a handicap race which should if the handicapper does his job correctly – everyone should finish the race together.  That unfortunately did not happen – remind me to try harder!!

    Why the pier – the instigator – John Tyler, a member of the club, nearly made it to the GB Athletics team.  He discovered that the pier’s boards aided his training regime .  Apparently, several tracks in the 1950s had wooden boards like the pier. 

    So, he started the race for the benefit and enjoyment of the Club members and has up to recently been a staunch supporter if not organiser of the race.

    Unfortunately, John now aged 92 was unable to be at the race as he suffered a stroke in October 2023 and is still convalescing. He was no doubt there in spirit.  37 hardy souls completed the course

    Hope for the future – two 10-year-olds were 1st and 2nd back – Elliot Potton and Leo Hickey

    At the other end of the age scale there were 2 men in their 70’s – Peter Binns and Bill Lee and one in his 80’s – Dave Rosser who was a race walker and competed for England at the Commonwealth Games in 1960’s/1970’s

    As per usual there were 3 cups on offer – first person back – Elliott Potton (aged 10), fastest female – Izzy Carlin and fastest male – Adam Hickey.  All photos taken with June Cork – Club Secretary.

    Pier Race Results 2024

    LEE VALLEY OPEN

    Unless I missed anyone the only one I could for this New Years Day Event was Josh Robinson a 6th place in a very tightly contested race in 1:57:71. The winner was just over 1:55

    NYE BATTERSEA PARK

    David Smale celebrating a PB for 5K of 14:51.  In the same race Toby Jones clocked 15:21 for second place in his category.  Hugo Jones clocked 18:08 in a separate race.

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

    There is a bumper number of parkruns for this period as I haven’t had time over Christmas to update the site. Apologies!!

    Rumour has it that someone got up early on the morning of 21 December and decided at 8.30am – Oh I think I will go out for a parkrun and under an hour later recorded the 5th fastest time in the UK for the week – well done Adam Hickey!!

  • Weekend of 14 December 2024

    Weekend of 14 December 2024

    Essex County Vets Cross Country Champs – Chingford

    Welcome at last to some proper cross country conditions – Mud!!

    The men had a great day with a 1-2 in the Vet50 category with Gold for Christian Holmes and Silver for Mark Waller.  I believe we also achieved a team gold with assitance from Sean McFarlane and Richard Lewis.

    Not to be outdone Lee Taylor took Gold in the Vet 45 category.

    It was good to welcome back Lindsey Colman back after a long enforced layoff following a serious bike accident earlier in the year.

    Photos

    Full Results

     

    SOUTHEND RUDOLPH RUN

    Noticed on Leigh Striders Facebook page – well done Stephen Kirsh

    Parkrun

    At 8.30 in the morning someone decides to try a Parkrun and by 9.20 has recorded the fastest time in the UK this week – well done  Adam!!

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 7 December 2024

    Be Fit Today Track Academy Indoor Series

    A small representation  – well done Evie and George.

    60m       
    PosPerfNameAGSBPB 
    78.16George HillU157.957.95 
    60m       
    PosPerfName AGSBPB
    18.03Evie BoyglePBU158.038.03
    200m      
    PosPerfName AGSBPB
    126.01George HillPBU1526.0126.01
    200m      
    PosPerfNameAGSBPB 
    126.57Evie BoygleU1526.5226.52 

    Sikhs in the City ultra

    That was some run Matt – not only is 5 and a half  miles more than a marathon BUT also in digusting conditions!!

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 30 November 2024

    Weekend of 30 November 2024

    Essex Cross Country League r4 – writtle

    Attendance was a bit like the “curate’s egg” – good in parts.

    Great to have participation in the U13 Boys at last – welcome Jack and well done.

    As a result of one injury after another the U15 Boys have been depleted thus far.  Saturday – a full team and 3rd team place.

    U17 Women have yet to field a team but aagain Saturday we have a full team and 3rd place.

    Our men were in the driving seat again leading the pack – Sam in 2nd and Bob in 3rd.  59 points scored against  Havering 118.  My instincts tell me that we have won the title with one match to go.

    Results

    Photos

    Victoria Park Half Marathon

    Essex and more particularly Southend had a great day on Sunday.  Unsure of whether these were both PBs.  In addition first female spot was taken by Kirsty Fitzgibbon, a Basildon Runner

    PosNameGun TimeChip TimeCategoryNet Cat PosNet Gender Pos
    1Adam Hickey01:05:4101:05:39V35 Male11
    4Rhys Gillard01:12:1301:12:11Senior Male34

    Lee Valley Indoor open

    A mixture of injuries, some apathy and leaving matters to the last minute restricted our entries to 2.  Even the races restricted Emma Frisby to one race because of a recurring back injury.

    Good News – 3 PBs recorded

    60m Hurdles U15W      
    710.74Emma FrisbyPBU1510.7410.74
           
    60m      
    28.05George HillPBU158.058.05
    58.05George Hill U158.058.05
           
    300m      
    242.02George HillPBU1542.0242.02

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 23 November

    Only Parkruns this Week

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 16 November 2024

    Weekend of 16 November 2024

    June Cork

    Brighton 10K

    Essex competed in the Southern Inter-Counties at the Brighton 10k on Sunday.

    The teams finished 2nd in the Men’s category, 4th in the Women’s and 3rd overall in the Mixed.

    30:06 Paul Whittaker
    31:15 Stephen Strange
    31:36 Toby Jones
    32:18 Charlie Everest

    36:35 Lauren Reed
    37:16 Abby Rex
    38:02 Hayley Lamkin
    38:19 Steph Migliorini

    Nice to know that there is one present and two former members of the club.

    Undoubtedly the star of the show was Toby Jones – 15th overall and first U20 home and a new PB of 31:36.  Not a bad day at the office!!

    Not the only Southend Runners in Brighton this weekend.  Full list below

    PositionGun TimeChip TimeNameCategoryCategory Position
    1500:31:3700:31:36Toby JonesMU201
    78100:47:1400:46:34Vanessa MathersFV5510
    102000:50:3300:49:48Alastair KendrickMV707
    169101:00:0800:58:52Natasha LagdenFV5063

    Essex Cross Country League R3 – Colchester

    Hilly Fields in Colchester does what is says on the can – it is a field and it is hilly with a special steep hill – called Kill Hill.  I will leave that to your imagination!!

    Again we were short in many of the age categories – we only managed full teams in U15 Boys and Senior Men and Women.

    Absences were for a number of reasons – injuries, family events, accident on the A127, Brighton 10K and the best one of all – Lochlan Dyer 20 out of 147 at the London Youth Games CC at Parliament Hill Fields

    A spaecial mention to Team Randall – with two new recruits – Isla and Kandi.  Only Leanne to join the Senior Women!!

    Full Results

    Full Gallery on Facebook

    Full Gallery

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 9 November 2024

    Weekend of 9 November 2024

    Essex Grand Prix

    Over the summer and the following races – 20 Miles, Marathon, 10K, 5 Miles, 1/2 Marathon  and 10 Miles (Stebbing) – the winner is SHANE BOXALL.

    Not to be outdone – Lee Taylor took the V45 Category and Alistair Kendrick 2nd in the V70 Category. Not to be forgotten (although I did!!) – Jacqui Sutton 3rd in the V40 Category.

    Not to mention joint 2nd team over the season

    Men’s GP Standings

    Women’s GP Standings

    Stebbing 10 Mile

    This race is usually on or near Remembrance Day.

    A strong contingent from Southend.  Some good results as well – 3rd for Shane Boxall in the Senior Men, 1st for Christian Holmes in the Vet 50 Category and 3rd for Alistair Kendrick in the Vet 70 Category

    Name

    Gun time

    Chip time

    Shane Boxall

    54:04

    54:04

    Rhys Gillard

    54:42

    54:42

    Stephen Kirsh

    57:10

    57:10

    Christian Holmes

    57:28

    57:27

    Lee Taylor

    57:59

    57:57

    Georgia Couzens

    01:08:53

    01:08:48

    Mathew Gillard

    01:19:38

    01:19:08

    Jacqueline Sutton

    01:23:25

    01:23:16

    Alastair Kendrick

    01:23:47

    01:23:38

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results.

    Dominic LeMere goes international with a Parkrun in Copenhagen.

    Toby Jones – normally at or near the front – pacing his younger brother James to a PB.

  • Weekend of 2 November 2024

    Weekend of 2 November 2024

    Billericay 10K

    More success for the Red, White and Black – second in the Mens to Adam Hickey, first for Lindsey Colman (and Vet 40 as well) and 3rd for Juliette LeMare.

    Sarah Griffith was 5th Senior Woman.

    Also spied amongst the results – Londa Donnelly and Alistair Kendrick

    New York Marathon

    John Taunton suitably dressed in the Red, White and Black with a magnificent 2:52:49 PM

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

  • Weekend of 26 October

    Weekend of 26 October

    Essex Cross Country League 2024 R2 GLOUCESTER PARK

    The good points first – Adam Hickey won the Senior Mens and we continue to keep Havering at bay as we have won both matches.

    Congratulations to Hayden Potton and Lewis Jopling who will represent Essex at the Inter Counties in December.

    Well done to Elliot Potton – 10th place in his first Cross Country in the U11s.  He is only a year 5 and you can bet most of those are in Year 6!!  Also he was the only Southend representative.

    Now the down side – we failed to field full teams in U13B (none at all), U13G, U15B, U15G, U17M and U17W.

    I know in most cases there is a good reason for non attendance.

    Therefore a special shout out for Olivia Atkinson and Leo Smith who were Southend’s sole representatives – well done for flying the the flag.

    Not forgetting Harry Fairbrass, Chloe Fotherby and Sophie Dixon who were also in short teams!!

    Carmen Jones was the only finisher in her race – unfortunately Florence Wallace collide wih a tree – she must be ok now as she was 1st Female in the LOSS 5K

    Combined Results

    All photos can be found at

    Gloucester Park Photos

    LOSS 10K SPOOKTACULAR

    Our club continues dominance of this race with some outstanding performances with Adam Hickey leading the pack closely followed in 3rd place by Hugo Jones in 3rd place with a PB of 35:26 and the gong for U20.

    There were some significant uphill stretches

    Also note that a significant number of participants had also run in the Cross Country the day before!!

    Full Results 

    Pictures

    Before the Race

    The Start

    10K Race

    After the Race

    LOSS 5K SPOOKTACULAR

    Not content with winning the 10K the club won 1st place in both the male and female categories – Lewis Jopling – overall winner and Chloe Fotherby and Florence Wallace joint female winners

    Parkrun

    Click on Image for Results

    Hyrox Madrid
    WOW – Lindsey Colman
     
    Women’s Open – first singles Hyrox event
    🥇 AG 40-44
    🥇 Overall winner
    Qualified for Hyrox World Champs 2025 
     
    Lindsey’s words
     
    When we booked this event/half term break away at the beginning of the year, it was just for fun at the end of my triathlon season. Unfortunately, my triathlon season ended short with an accident After not being able to exercise for 5 weeks, I then made Hyrox Madrid start line my one and only goal. For the last 8 and half weeks I’ve done everything in my power to recover, speed up the healing process and get some fitness back. I would love to say it has been easy and pain free, but it really hasn’t, I’m still rehabbing my physical injuries.
     
    I had zero expectations for this race, I just wanted to get to the finish line, do my family proud and pick up my finishing patch So when I found myself in the lead after the sled pull, I just pushed on and gave it everything I had. I definitely faded a little towards the end, I haven’t worked that hard in ages!!!
     
    What excites me most about this, is I know with some consistent training, building my running back up and working on the Hyrox station movements I can improve
    I big shout out to my family and friends for your support over the last few months