Final NYSD Track + Field Report of the 2017 Season!

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There’s been a slight delay in this race report because sometimes they need an edit – a bit of a tweak here and there. Me old pal Dave Fender will be both delighted and relieved that a few minor amendments have been made…

Last Tuesday saw the grand finale of the summer NYSD Athletics series at Middlesbrough. Katie Abel, Vicky Meaby, Kate Butterworth and Lucy Owens were the Striders ladies competing. First timers Gavin Morley and Andy Hayes, together with Andrew Laverwick, Dave Fender and myself, the gents.

Kate and Vicky were at the Stadium early doors – which suggested a throwing event would be opening proceedings. A somewhat protracted hammer competition ensued – Kate, again, showing a real talent for the event, throwing a 19.15 metre pb and winning the woman’s senior category. Nice one Kate.

800 metres was next, with Lucy, Gavin and Dave competing. Lucy recorded an excellent 3.00 minutes – that’s a tidy sub 19 min 5k pace – and a pb I think. Dave posted 2.26 mins – that’s sub 5 mins per mile pace – speedy work from the King of the Barrage!

The 100 metres followed. Gavin (19.6 secs), Dave (14.2), Lucy (17.7) and myself (13.5) competing. There was also a good performance from a certain Ian Howse (15.6). You all know Ian – he coaches at Striders. It’s just that there was something wrong with his running vest. He must have left a biro in the washing machine because his vest looked more blue than green…

Dave (3.42 metres), Andy H (4.50) and myself (4.91) only managed to get one attempt in the long jump before a mad dash to the start of the 5000 metres, where we joined Katie and Andrew L. We all set off together in one giant heat with Katie (21.29 minutes), Andrew L (20.45), Andy H (19.23), Dave (18.55) and myself (18.23) all running well.

Final event of the night was the shot put. Men’s senior winner was Ian (8.49 metres) in his strange blue vest. For the “Striders”, Kate (6.40), Vicky (6.35), Katie (4.98) and Gavin (5.82) put everything into putting the put.

I didn’t really know Gavin before Tuesday. We got chatting and I’ve asked his permission to relay the story behind him competing. Gavin has overcome a serious bone related condition in the past – something that would have retired most of us from any form of physical activity. Now he’s doing Athletics, road running and triathlons – a testament to what hard work, determination and a passion for sport can achieve. Hats off to Gavin and all the other club members who have overcome similar hurdles in order to enjoy their running.

That’s it then. Thanks to everyone who took part in any of the six meetings – I hope you enjoyed it. Special thanks to Katie Abel for captaining the ladies and the club for paying for the whole shebang. Hopefully some of us will still be around when it all starts again in 2018.

Paul J

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