January is often considered a month of doom and gloom in many circles yet in the world of Athletics, our season really starts to wind up. With a New Year comes new Fell and Indoor Season’s along with the build-up of the Cross-Country calendar and it’s safe to say that our Island Athletes have really kicked 2020 off with a bang!
In his first year as an Under 17 (and his first ever competitive 400m), Ben Sinclair left spectators gob smacked with an eye wateringly fast 50.64 to cruise past his competition and claim the Scottish Indoor Title and obliterate the existing IOM Under 17 record in the process. Very excited as we look forward to Ben’s progression in to the 2020 Season.
January also seen record numbers of competitors at IOM Cross Country Champs in what was the first season to see over 200 competitors at each event. Senior titles went to Alan Corlett and Carly Craig with some fine competition in the lower ages, the ongoing inch by inch battle between Corrin Leeming and Ieuan Owen is one contest that I will be sure to keep an eye one with often a matter of seconds splitting the duo.
Our strength and increasing competition on island appear to be paying dividends as we continue to punch above our weight on the other side of the water. Manx Harriers Ladies secured their 7th successive Lancs Cross-Country Title with a number of impressive runs whilst the Manx Fell Runners also made a rare outing away from the Moors, backed up with a team victory in the Island Champs, could this be the emergence of a new force in the world of “running up and around challenging muddy places fast?”
Talking of “running up and around challenging muddy places fast” London based Manxie, Sarah Astin, has been rewarded for a string of excellent National Cross-Country performances with her second England representation Vest at this weekend’s Belgium Cross Cup, we will keep you posted on how the pocket rocket goes!
And finally, in this supposedly dull month, we tip our (Fireman’s) hat to Rachael Franklin and Ollie Lockley who both smashed their own Fireman’s Run records to open their accounts for 2020. Having been in that race and getting lapped by both Rachael and Ollie and I can confirm that yes, they were both moving really, really fast!
If you want to take them on, then February’s Fireman’s is this Thursday at 7pm with sign on from 6:15. Plus there is complimentary, delicious cake and tea afterwards.
n.b. I have no idea if Rach and Ollie are actually running this week but give it a try anyway.
This is merely a monthly highlight reel of events with lots going unsaid (for now) but credit must go to each and every organiser, volunteer, time keeper and tea maker that allows these events to go ahead, without you our sport simply would not exist, so THANK YOU. If you would like to volunteer some time or want to give back in to our awesome community then drop me an email: athleticsdevelopmentiom@gmail.com No prerequisite skills required, just a willing attitude and smile is all we ask for!
Mikey Haslett
Athletics Development Officer