April has been a non-stop month of activity with athletes taking on new challenges, new events and reaching new personal goals. We’ve seen superb performances at the marathon (and the mini version), excellent track and field events, road relays, EYAL, more schools success and lots of athletes continuing to reach new PBs at parkrun. Well done to all!
Essex Road Relays
It was a brilliant day for Team Beagles at the Essex Road Relays with 4 team victories and lots of amazing running!
Starting things off were our U11 runners who set the tone for the day with a brilliant team victory for our girls team! Amazing running from Blossom Smith 2nd (7:47), Isobel Larner 3rd (7:49) and Nadia Price 7th (8:32). Our boys were also brilliant finishing 4th team overall. Well done to Austin Lever 9th (7:39), Oscar Gander 14th (7:43), Liam Worth 23rd (9:03) and Oliver Kindler 24th (9:17).
The girls relay races were up next with all the age group teams running together and results awarded in the age categories. And it was fair to say we saw Beagles domination with the first three teams to finish our U15’s, U17’s and U13’s who all therefore took victory in their age categories. Really amazing teamwork from everyone! Our U15s finished in 27:05 with Heidi Woodley (8:39), Isabel Forrest (9:46) and Summer Smith (8:39). Well done too to Izzy Young also running the first leg (9:45). The U17s finished in 27:32 and were led off by Evie Warn (9:07) with Jemimah Knightbridge on leg 2 (9:43) and Olivia Forrest bringing them home (8:41). Finally our U13 relay team continued their brilliant form finishing in 27:50. A strong first leg by Amalie Twydell (9:41), was followed by a super run from Sophie Bickerstaff (9:15) and an excellent effort by Madison Kindler (8:53).
Next up were the boys races with an excellent 5th place finish by our under 15 boys team, two of whom were making the return from injury. A brilliant first leg by Ollie Johnson (9:14), was followed by a great effort from Joshua Lever (10:08) and a strong finish from Matthew Jones (9:47) saw a combined time of 29:11. The U13 boys also showed real promise finishing 4th in their age category with a time of 30:35. Well done to Cameron Young (10:04), Henry Greenwood (11:05) and George Bangs (9:25).
Our vet 40 men really held their own against strong competition and were agonisingly close to the medals finishing 4th in their age group with a combined time of 49:26. On the first leg Robin Smith was superb finishing his stint in 2nd (16:09). Simon Knightbridge took over and kept up the pace with a great run (16:56) and Alex Young brought the team home with his strong effort (16:20).
Finally our senior men’s team really enjoyed their outing and showed they were in contention amidst some very competitive clubs by finishing in 9th – 68:44. Scott Brooks was very strong on the first leg handing over in 3rd place (15:56). Kurt Brooks is showing a great return to form post injury with a brilliant effort (17:03) whilst Phil Price kept the team in the race with a good run (18:55). Finally Will Gazzard gave his all in bringing the team home (16:49).
Well done to everyone who ran – it was a wonderful day and great to see such teamwork and enthusiasm leading to brilliant results!
EYAL – Round 1
April saw the opening event of our EYAL campaign at Thurrock. And despite teams heavily hit by holiday plans, we still scored our biggest EYAL total to date finishing 5th overall. Well done to all of our amazing athletes for giving their absolute all, to our brilliant officials and parent volunteers for giving up their time to help and to all the Beagles supporters for the cheering!
Our under 17 teams featured some of our most experienced athletes and some of our most committed! A particular note of thanks to Jake Mitchell who spent most of the week in hospital and still came and competed in three events outside of his comfort zone for the points, and to Matthew Jones who also avoided his normal events due to injury and still scored us points!
Our under 17 women’s team actually finished 3rd overall with a brilliant performance and lots of people helping out by scoring points outside their comfort zones!
Ava Carter did the sprint double with a 13.7 in the 100m and a 28.8 in the 200m. Daisy Willingale matched her 200m sprint of 29.1, with a triple jump of 8.96m and a shot performance of 7.38m. Isabel Forrest did both extreme ends of distance with a 100m effort of 16.5 and a 1500m of 5:26.0. She even found time for a new javelin PB of 10.28m.
Running the 300 / 800m double were Jess Page and Missy Tiller and it was a very successful partnership with some great point scoring! In the 300m Jess ran a 44.9 with Missy sprinting 45.6. And in the 800m Missy won the race in 2:24.1 and Jess had a great run of 2:34.3. In their field events, Jess picked up another new PB and first place finish – 38.09. Whilst Missy had a best long jump of 4.02m.
Olivia Forrest won the 1500m with her run of 4:39.7. She also matched her high jump PB of 1.30m and had a best triple jump of 8.54m. Imogen Hutton produced some great throws – 7.67m in the shot and 14.28m in the discus both PBs.
Our U17 men’s team saw Jude Hearn did the distance range too – 100m in 13.2 seconds (PB) and the 1500m (win) in 4:40.4. He also had a best long jump of 4.95m also a PB. Jake Mitchell also attempted the 100m running 13.9 seconds. And in his throws events he managed 6.94m in the shot and a PB of 14.34m in the discus.
Mattie Delea covered a range of track distances with a 200m sprint of 26.5 (PB), a 400m effort of 55.2 and a 800m run of 2:07.0. David Wilson had a best shot of 8.48m and a javelin throw of 37.40m. Whilst Matthew Jones managed a PB of 11.31m in the discus.
Our U15 EYAL teams were a mixture of experienced EYAL’ers and newcomers but they all put in great performances.
The girls team saw Evie Abbot produce a good 100m sprint of 14.0 and Hollie Poyton sprinting well over 200m – 30.1. Robyn Colyer made the step up to U15 look easy with her 200m sprint of 29.3 – a PB, a long jump of 4.03m and a javelin throw of 16.35m.
Doing the 300/800m double were Amalie Twydell and Sophie Bickerstaff. Amalie showed absolute commitment to both events giving her all with a 50.4 PB in the 300 and a 2:38.6 in the 800. She also managed to fit in some long jump with a best effort of 3.36m. Sophie spent the morning at a duathlon but still managed a good 300m sprint PB of 55.8 and an 800m of 2:43.7.
Beagles dominance came in the 1500m with a superb 1-2 from Summer Smith (4:36.0) and Heidi Woodley in a new PB (4:38.5). Excellent running too from Izzy Young who picked up a great new PB – 5:20.3. Summer also managed a great discus throw of 18.41m. Also brilliant at throws was Jessica Arnold who won the discus with her throw of 22.12m, had a best shot of 7.37m and a great javelin throw of 16.36m.
On the boys side Patrick Barden did the sprint double with a 100m effort and PB of 13.4 and a 200m PB of 27.3. Ollie Johnson looked strong across his events – the 200m in a PB of 30.3, the 1500m in an amazing new PB of 5:00.4 (25 seconds off!) and the long jump with a best effort and another PB 4.21m. Also covering a range of events was Adam Armour with a 300m PB of 51.5, a discus throw of 13.13 and a javelin effort of 20.63m.
The 800m saw a double Beagles win with Will Hughes taking a new PB in 2:10.0 and George Bangs taking a new PB of 2:22.0. Joshua Lever had a good 1500m run finishing in 5:23.8 – a PB.
And finally… our U13 teams were full of enthusiasm and potential and that led to some brilliant performances in the track and field events. We can’t wait to watch these athletes progress this season!
Leading the way for the girls was a superb double sprint from Natanya Itiola – in the 100m it was 13.8 and in the 200m a win in 29.3. Natanya also had a brilliant long jump effort of 3.54m. Elsie Martin-Boucherb also had a strong day with a 100m sprint of 15.9, a 200m effort of 33.6 and a shot put of 3.65m.
Madison Kindler was unable to run but still picked up valuable field points with a high jump performance of 1.10m and a javelin effort of 11.57m. Jumping well was Amelie Irvine who had a best long jump effort of 3.75m. She has had a good 100m sprint of 14.4. Isla Foley produced a good discus throw of 9.97m, a 100m sprint of 16.5 and a long jump of 2.74m. And Poppy Monk completed the team with her javelin throw of 7.03m and a 100m sprint of 18.3.
On the boys side it was another day of brilliance from Max Cheetham who won all three of his events – the 100m in 12.7, the 200m in 27.1 and the long jump in 4.42m. Zac Niyazi was also producing some strong results – in the 100m it was a PB of 15.5, a discus throw of 10.73m and a javelin throw of 8.32m.
Albert Heighton made his club debut in style with a 200m sprint of 31.6, and an 800m run of 2:48. He also had a best long jump of 3.91m. Also running well over 800m was Freddie Bangs who finished in 2:44.9. Over 1500m we had plenty of Beagles interest – Hugo Wilks finished in 5:23.5, Jamie Murphy in 5:34.0, Cameron Young in 5:36.6 and Austin Lever in 5:38.6.
Oliver Nevill did some good scoring in his events – a 75m hurdle effort of 15.5, a high jump of 1.15m and a long jump of 3:42m. Patrick Connor also braved the hurdles showing good technique with his effort of 18.9 seconds. Patrick also threw the shot 2.98m. Arthur Mitchell had a great shot of 3.78m and a good 100m – 19.2. Max Tomlin was good in the javelin with his throw of 10.68m and sprinted well in the 100m – 16.5. Jacob Stanley also showed improvement in the javelin with a best throw of 10.52m.
London Mini Marathon
The Beagles travelled to London to compete in this year’s Mini London Marathon. 12 Beagles were selected for the championship races which are run across U13/U15/U17 age groups – an amazing achievement!
Max Sanderson was the first Beagle to run in the U17 men’s race and he set a high standard amongst incredible competition – finishing 35th in 7:39. In the U15 boys race, Mattie Delea and Orly Morton were neck and neck finishing 128th and 129th both in 9:00.
In the girls events, Olivia Forrest led out the U17 women finishing strongly to take 3rd overall in 8:27. Evie Warn was also running well in 33rd – 8:55 and Jess Page (running up an age group) was 107th in 10:11.
The U15 girls race saw a similar show of Beagles strength – Summer Smith was 5th overall in 8:25 with Heidi Woodley 21st in 8:54 and Isabel Forrest 91st in 9:53.
Finally the U13 girls saw another Beagles podium with Madison Kindler finishing 2nd overall in 8:53. Well done too to Aria Sabado who finished 61st in 9:58.
We also saw some brilliant running from our junior Beagles in the main waves – well done to all of those and thank you to everyone who shared their performances:
- Evie Foley – 11:21
- Isla Foley –11.21
- Samuel Slattery – 12:37
- Blossom Smith – 10:51
- Willow Smith – 11.21
- Luke Morris – 10:41
- Jack Collier – 11:33
London Marathon
London Marathon day saw the hours of hard work and many, many miles of training pay off for our Beagles who all did amazingly in their marathons!
Scott Brooks turned in another impressive marathon and looked strong throughout the 26.2 miles finishing in under 3 hours – 2:56.07.
Daniel Jaycock was also in great form and appeared to enjoy himself as he finished in just over 3 hours – 3:02.10 – a time that put him 200th in his age category and in the good for age bracket for next year! Apologies for missing you with the camera!
Lorraine Massarella was the winner of the Beagles club place this year and she really dedicated herself to her training in order to give her best on the day. This effort resulted in a superb performance, and a humongous PB of 3:31.41 (309th in her age group today) which earns her a good for age place for next years marathon!!
Last year’s Beagles place had gone to Yvo Heidemans who sadly was struck by injury and couldn’t run in 2024. However today he made it to the start line and gave his absolute all on the course to finish in 3:46.53.
Finally, marathon veteran Keith Thornton once again did us proud using his experience to produce a brilliant run of 3:40.53 which put him 228th in his age group!
Well done to all of you – we are so incredibly impressed at the commitment you showed to your training plans and your dedication. We hope you have your feet up now!
Steeplechase & Walks Festival
This event in Bury St Edmunds incorporated the County Walks Championships and it was a brilliant Essex V45 win for Celia Cordran over 3000m who took gold in 31:13.37. Well done Celia!
Also at the event, Adam Armour made his steeplechase debut over 1200m with a great effort of 4:48.45 to finish 2nd.
Over a flat 1500m, Amalie Twydell ran a SB of 5:22.02 and Jude Hearn finished first with a strong run of 4:19.12.
BFTTA
Always popular events for our sprinters, the BFTTA opens provide a great double sprint opportunity. Taking advantage of the latest event was Max Cheetham whose double 100m effort saw him sprint 12.58 and 12.63. He was also storming over 200m with a run of 26.43.
Also sprinting well at the event was Justin Waithe who was just outside his best over 100m with his two runs of 13.32 and 13.45. Stuart Carter was great form two over the same distance – 13.04 and 13.20.
Mattie Delea had a good run over 800m at the same event, picking up a new SB of 2:04.35.
Crown to Crown
A beautiful day for one of our favourite races – Pitsea Running Club Good Friday Crown to Crown 5k.
Conditions were excellent and our Beagles made the most. Scott Brooks, tapering for the London Marathon, was the first Beagle home in 4th – 18:01. Olivia Forrest was the first female finisher overall and very happy with her Easter Egg prize – 18:56. Dean Savery had a good run finishing in 19:19. Ollie Johnson was looking strong again with his run of 19:43 and Adam Armour also had a really good run in 20:34. Isabel Forrest was back from her Duke of Edinburgh expedition and happy with her run of 21:15. And Matthew Jones continues to show a good return post injury – 21:24.
Crawley Easter Open
It was another great event for Max Cheetham in Crawley over Easter. Taking the opportunity to run over the more unusual distances of 75m and 150m, he produced great performances in both. Over 75m it was a run of 9.59 and over 150m he sprinted to a new personal best of 19.02. Well done Max!
Mayor of Havering Run
Huge congratulation to Isla Johnson who had an amazing run of 26:31 over 5k in this Harrow Lodge based charity event. Super work by brother Ollie Johnson too who finished second overall.
Watford Wednesday – 800 / 3000
It was another successful Wednesday night trip to Watford for our Beagles where 800s and 3000s were the races on offer.
In the 800m it was double PB’s – first up from Madison Kindler who took two seconds off her best time to run 2:16.13 and then from Daniel East who took half a second off his time to run 2:02.97. Well done both.
In the 3000m races, it was a distance debut for Amalie Twydell who stayed strong throughout to run 11:26.53. Evie Warn was rewarded with a new PB following a strong start – 10:24.27. And Heidi Woodley showed great race maturity to run from the front and take a new PB of 9:50.11. Olivia Forrest ran well to reach a new SB of 9:52.35. But performance of the night went to Summer Smith who took a brilliant new PB, and went 4th on the all time U15 3000m list, with her run of 9:32.86.
Watford Wednesday – 1500 / 3000
Superb conditions at Watford Wednesday saw some outstanding runs by our Beagles over 1500 and 3000m.
First runner of the evening was Isabel Forrest who picked up a brilliant new seasons best over 1500m of 5:13.64. Ollie Johnson showed real promise of going under 5 minutes at our recent EYAL and tonight totally smashed that goal with a 4:48.95 run! Evie Warn also had a superb run in her heat with a new outdoor PB of 4:47.44.
As the races got faster, we saw a superb Beagles triple header over 1500m with Olivia Forrest, Heidi Woodley and Madison Kindler all seeded in the same race and proving that there is no competition like your team mates! Olivia Forrest picked up a strong new seasons best of 4:28.77, Heidi Woodley went under 4:30 for the first time with a huge PB and the fastest U15 girls time nationally so far this season – 4:29.39. And Madison Kindler also ran an amazing new PB to become the fastest U13 girl of all time over 1500m – 4:31.10.
Over 3000m, an inspired Max Sanderson also stormed to his own PB taking 8 seconds off his previous best – 8:25.18.
A brilliant set of results from a very memorable Watford Wednesday!
Watford Minors
The Watford Minors event saw some brilliant performances by our junior Beagles who picked up some valuable event experience. Well done to them all!
Nadia Price (Yr5) – 60m Hurdles – 3rd in 13.8, 600m – 3rd in 2:10.11, Long Jump – 2.09m
Lianne Esterhuysen (Yr6) – 800m – 3rd in 2:41.4, Long Jump – 2nd in 3.38m
Freya Brewington (Yr1) – 75m – 1st in 15.0, 400m – 1st in 1:30.6, Long Jump – 1st in 2.09m
Danel Esterhuysen (Yr3) – 75m – 16.0, 400m – 4th in 1:28.9, Long Jump – 3rd in 2.32m
Emily Brewington (Yr6) – 800m – 2:59.0, Long jump – 3.06m, Shot – 3.48m
Parkrun & junior parkrun roundup (12/13 Apr)
A busy weekend outside of parkrun saw lower numbers than usual but still plenty of good performances to highlight. Starting just outside Pretoria in South Africa, the Esterhuysen’s were taking on the Hazeldean Farm event. In an impressive field of over 250 runners, Leanne Esterhuysen (23:17)ran well to claim 5th overall and 1st female, with Daniel (23:18) just behind. Danel (29:46) also performed well, taking 30th and 9th female.
Also touring, albeit closer to home, was Keith Thornton (21:47) who took on the Jersey Farm course, finishing 26th. At Alice Holt, Stuart Crowther (26:50) finished 95th.
Closer to home, at Raphael, Paul Johnson (20:41) finished 23rd and at Chelmsford, Oliver Weston-Stokes (20:23) finished 26th. Finally, at Brentwood, Camilla Nash (30:23) took on the hills running well to finished 13th female.
Just 3 runners at Harrow Lodge on Sunday but it was a decisive 1-2 for Blossom Smith (08:10) and Willow Smith (08:24 PB). Finley Smith* (09:52) also ran well. At Hutton Rec., Robert Barke (08:31) was the first Beagle home taking 2nd, with Liam Worth (08:55) not far behind in 5th. Jessica Thomson* (09:27) was 7th, Chloe Thomson* (09:27) 8th, Camilla Nash (09:49) 10th, Elise Gosling (10:08) 14th, Bailee Abrahams (10:17) 16th, Joshua Thomson* (10:29 PB) 18th, Joshua Barke (10:35) 21st and Nadia Price (16:24) 49th.
Our 5k male age-graded performer of the week was Keith Thornton (73.60%), while Leanne Esterhuysen achieved a 71.44% rating for her run. Our 2k performer of the week went to Willow Smith (80.89%). An explanation of age grades can be found here.
Parkrun & junior parkrun roundup (19/20 Apr)
There was plenty of action & a host impressive runs over the Easter weekend as our runners were out & about in numbers at a variety of events across the country.
We start in Norwich, where Robin Smith (16:54) took on a high-quality event, his sub-17 minute time “only” seeing him place 11th. Further North, Emma Dyos (30:15) took on Widnes parkrun while in Marlow, Camilla Nash (26:30) ran at Higginson, finishing 26th female. On the South coast at Chalkwell Beach, Nadia Price (24:33)ran well finishing 17th female, along with Phil Price (same time).
Meanwhile in Cambridge, Heidi Woodley (17:20) was in superb form on her debut at the Storeys Field course, finishing 14th overall in a competitive field and comfortably 1st female (by well over a minute). Heidi’s performance was also the 5th fastest by any female parkrunner on Saturday, a superb achievement! Also touring, this time at Wimpole Estate, was Adam Armour (21:00 PB), finishing 17th in a new course best.
Closer to home, we had plenty of runners taking on local events. At Ingrebourne Hill, Paul Johnson (20:43)continued his progressive return with a strong run, taking 5th place overall. At Wickford they were celebrating their 200th event attracting a record attendance of 410 runners. Elliot Worth (20:30) took 13th just ahead of Keith Thornton (21:08 PB) in 19th.
At Brentwood, Jude Hearn (19:53) finished 4th, Callum Goodey (21:20) 11th and Matt Earing* (25:45) 45th, all running well over the tough ‘Beast’ course. At a flatter Chelmsford, we had 4 runners who were led home by Cameron Young (22:22) in 112th, 5 places ahead of Isabelle Young (22:32) who in turn was 5 places in front of Tamar Barclay (22:38). Emily Young (28:53) also ran well in a large field of over 900! Finally, at Billericay, Scott Brooks (17:59) finished 4th with Isobel Larner (21:32 PB) 29th (2nd female) and Matt Norris (23:22) in 73rd.
On Easter Sunday, our juniors were also out and about taking on their 2k runs. Up in Norwich at Eaton, Blossom Smith (08:19 PB) finished 8th in a new course best, along with Willow Smith (08:47 PB) who finished 14th.
At Harrow Lodge, Emily Brewington (07:55 PB) ran well to take 2nd place and another 4 seconds off her course best while Finley Smith* (09:31) took 21st and Freya Brewington (10:37) taking 37th. At Hutton Rec, we had 5 runners, lead home by Liam Worth (09:01) in 13th, just ahead of Alexandra Johnston (09:05). Joshua Barke (09:39) was 16th, Camilla Nash (09:42) 17th and Bailee Abrahams (10:29) 21st.
Our 5k male age-graded performer of the week was Robin Smith (81.95%), while Heidi Woodley achieved a superb 92.12% rating for her run. Our 2k performer of the week for the 2nd week in a row was Willow Smith (77.36%). An explanation of age grades can be found here.
Parkrun & junior parkrun roundup (26/27 Apr)
The weekend was dominated by the Mini & main London marathon but we still had Beagle representation around a number of 5 & 2k parkruns.
At Raphel, another impressive run from Simon Knightbridge (17:39) who was just 5 seconds outside his PB in finishing 3rd. Far from resting ahead of running 26.2 miles the following day, Keith Thornton (20:00 PB) collected a course best by 11 seconds, congratulations Keith! Emma Dyos (59:37) was on tail-walking duties.
At Chelmsford, a crowded event of nearly 850 people meant patient running was required but Liam Worth (24:59) ran confidently to finish just outside the to 200, with Elliot Worth (25:02) 4 places further back.
At Harrow Lodge, Daisy Middlemiss (23:02 PB) ran well and collected a 32 second course best while at Brentwood, Dylan Hussain (25:14) also put a good shift in to finish 32nd. Finally, more impressive performances at Wickford as Ollie Johnson (19:19) took 6th and Paul Johnson (20:16) 9th on their debuts at the course.
On Sunday, the sunshine continued for our junior runners. At Harrow Lodge, Missy Tiller (07:30) ran well to take 2nd with Adam Armour (07:40) just behind in 3rd and Blossom Smith (08:02) next Beagle in 6th. Jack Collier (08:52) also did well to finish 8th.
At Hutton Rec., a 2nd birthday celebration was capped by a record-breaking time of 6:21! Our Beagles were also running well with a good turnout. They were led home by Liam Worth (08:50) who took 4th and was just 2 seconds outside his PB. Not far behind in 6th was Joshua Barke (09:19 PB) who collected his course best, just ahead of Jessica Thomson* (09:24), who in turn just beat sister Chloe Thomson* (09:26) into 8th. Elise Gosling (09:38 PB) achieved her best time finishing 9th, while Joshua Thomson* (10:52) took 22nd.
Our 5k male age-graded performer of the week was Simon Knightbridge (84.23%), while Daisy Middlemiss achieved a 68.23% rating for her run. Our 2k performer of the week was Blossom Smith (76.89%). Well done everyone!
Well done to all our representatives at parkrun. Can we please remind you that we can only pick up your results in the parkun club report if you register yourself as being part of the club in your parkrun profile. Unfortunately, the automatic club report only works on the Saturday parkruns so we are unable to spot performances at junior parkruns beyond the local ones we monitor (Harrow Lodge, Hutton Rec., Chelmsford, Lake Meadows, Great Notley and Northlands). Feel free to contact us if you need help setting up your profile or if you want to tell us about your runs further afield.
Coming up
May is going to be another exciting month – we have the Essex Championships with over 50 Beagles taking part it’s going to be a very busy weekend! Good luck to everyone competing at that event, or at any of the other track and field opens taking place. We also have athletes at the Bannister Miles, Twilight 5Ks and our schools athletes will be competing in district trials to qualify for the Essex Schools Championships in June. We can’t wait to see how you get on!
