Track + Field Race Report

A balmy Tuesday evening in Middlesbrough saw round 4 of the summer track and field series. Some of the usual suspects were there – namely Katie Abel, Emily Chaytor, Vicky Meaby, Kate Butterworth and myself. I’m pleased to say that Michelle Hart, Teagan Monty, Andrew Laverick and Tom Day decided to give it a go too, and all did great. We started with the age old lack of safety pins problem – but didn’t let it spoil the mood.

First field event was the Hammer throw. Kate and Vicky entered – with Kate’s superb 17.23 metre throw winning the woman’s senior category. A really fantastic effort considering she had little or no experience of the event before.
Next up was the 400 metres with Katie, Michelle, Andrew, Tom and myself taking part. Katie and Michelle took second and third in the women’s senior category with Katie running 78.3 s. For the gents, I managed to edge Tom with a time of 61.7 s.

A short trip to long jump pit followed. Ideal conditions saw pb’s for Kate and myself with jumps of 3.94 and 5.02 metres respectively – notching 2nd and 3rd spots in our categories. Teagan (2.82metres) and Emily (2.62metres) also put in solid performances.
Tucked away from the throng, the Shot Put was next on the agenda with Katie, Michelle and Vicky involved. An excellent ‘put’ of 6.63 metres saw Vicky claim 3rd place in the women’s senior event – Katie and Michelle ‘putting’ around the 5 metre mark.

All 9 Striders then decided to enter the 100 metres. In a nice touch all 6 Striders ladies entered the same heat and a very close race ensued. Kate edged it with a time of 15.5 s, followed by Emily (16.4) and Katie (16.7). Kate achieved 2nd in the seniors category with her effort. For the gents Andrew, Tom and myself got times of 16.3, 14.3 and 13.3 respectively.

You have to hand it to Tom. After all his hard work in the 100 and 400metres he was the only Strider willing and able to enter the final event of the night – the small matter of 3000 metres. He ran brilliantly to record a time of 10.29 minutes.

Thanks to all who took part – and I hope the Striders doing this for the first time enjoyed themselves. Round 5 will be a return to Darlington.

Paul J