TRACK & FIELD SECTION

Track & Field Review 2010

Sat 24^th April – Wigan

The first Track & Field meeting was represented by one Wesham runner due to other events going on the same weekend. Peter Gleaves turned up planning to run the usual three distances of 800m, 1500m and 3000m.

The first event of the day was at 1:00pm with the 800m which Peter completed the two laps in 2:31.6 for 10^th place. That was 2.3 seconds faster than the previous week at the Northern Vets meeting in Cleckheaton.

In the 1500m Peter ran a strong 5:19.8 for 7^th place which was a personal best. He was planning on running the 3000m but due to the amount of time to get through the 200m heats, had to leave before.

Sat 22^nd May – Hyndburn

The second Mid-Lancs got underway in glorious summer weather. Alex Rowe took part in the 800m finishing 6^th in a respectable time of 2:21.9 and Peter Gleaves running in with a new best time of 2:30.7 for 8^th. Joanna Goorney was 4^th in the senior women's race running a solid 2:40.8 after a fast start.

In the 1500m Alex Rowe ran better than he did earlier running a creditable 4:43.4 for 4^th position and once again Peter Gleaves ran another best time with 5:19.4 and 6^th place. Joanna Goorney was 3^rd in her race with 5:43.3. Having missed the chance to take part in the long jump, Joanna decided to compete in the 400m recording 73.9 for 3^rd.

In the final event of the day for Wesham, Alex ran in the 3000m leading the race for 6 laps before dropping to 2^nd finishing 0.4 seconds adrift of the winner clocking 10:06.2.

Sat 26^th June – Litherland

Litherland was met with glorious hot weather which made it difficult to get out and take part. It is one of the main tracks to run on as it’s only about 3 years old though it is very open to the elements, as witnessed at previous meetings. Only two Wesham runners turned out for this meeting with the support from Captain Karl Lee who was struggling with a niggle and decided not to take part. The regulars taking part were, once again, Alex and Peter who both took part in the usual three distances though past times looked to be affected with the hot weather soaring down on them. First off again was the 800m and Alex got round in a very strong race with 2:21.3 for 9^th and Peter ran a very respectable 12^th in 2:32.5. The 1500m seemed to be hotter but didn’t stop Wesham as Alex clocked 4:44.8 for 6^th and Peter 5:25.8 for 11^th. Peter Gleaves made his debut in the 3000m and, although he struggled with the higher risk of getting lapped, kept going and completed the race in a superb 11:43.7 for 8^th place. Alex had a decent run considering his efforts earlier in the afternoon and was 3^rd with 10:01.1.

Sat 24^th July – Hyndburn

Due to struggling to find a venue for this month, Hyndburn was to be the location for the second time this season. It was affected by blustery conditions. Starting with the 800m, Peter Gleaves was the only representative in the men's race getting round with a very solid run of 2:31.6 finishing in 6^th position. Joanna Goorney won her race in the senior women's with a fine 2:34.1, and she followed that up with another victory in the 1500m, clocking 5:18.9 to make it a perfect afternoon for her. In the men's 1500m, Nigel Shepard marked his debut on the track and he didn't have it easy at all as on the final straight to the finish, he had Peter Gleaves breathing down his neck all the way but Nigel managed to just stay in front by 0.8 seconds finishing 6^th and 7^th with times of 2:20.8 and 2:21.6 respectively. Joanna also took part in the long jump with her best jump recorded at 3.81 for 5^th place.

Sat 7^th August – Lancaster

Lancaster is a change of venue for the Mid-Lancs as it hasn't been used for these meetings for a while so it was a nice change for some athletes to run on a different track. Only two Wesham members made it to this meeting, though Peter Gleaves had difficulty arriving in Lancaster due to severe traffic through the city but he managed to arrive just in time to make the 800m which was first off. Peter got round in 2:33.4 and 8^th position. Joanna Goorney, also an ever present this season finished 3^rd in her race for 2:37.1. Both of them taken on the 1500m a couple of hours later with Peter clocking a very creditable 5:29.1 finishing 3^rd, whilst Joanna was 2^nd in the female race in 5:23.1. She also finished the day off by competing in the 3000m finishing 2^nd in 11:15.7. Peter decided to have a go at the shot putt throwing a 5.75 for 8^th place.

Sun 29^th August – Blackpool

The last meeting of the season was hosted by Blackpool which is where you race for medals. Each year Blackpool alternate with Wigan to host the medal meeting, though to qualify for them the athletes must have competed in at least any two of the previous meetings. Joanna Goorney went away with two gold medals as she won the 800m and 1500m on the track recording 2:49.8 and 5:38.2 respectively. Peter Gleaves mis-timed his arrival for his 800m which meant he was straight on the track to go without any preparation. This resulted in a disappointing time recording 2:40.8 for 6^th. In the 1500m he ran better this time running round in 5:37.9 once again for 6^th place. Unfortunately this was out of the medal positions. Peter finished off with the shot put recording his best throw yet with a 6.28m and 9^th place. Joanna has taken the long jump on recording 3.83m for 5^th.

I would like to thank everyone who helped and participated throughout the season. I hope to see you next season, hopefully with some new faces to bolster the squad.

Written By; Karl Lee - Track & Field Captain,

Submitted: 20^th October 2010

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor