This month's performance round up

There has been lots of action indoors and on the roads for our England athletes this month. From our Age Group Indoor Combined Events and Junior Para Championships to the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km, there are lots of successes to celebrate.

Our Age Group Indoor Combined Events and Junior Para Championships completed the domestic indoor season with close competition and changing leaders throughout the events. After two days of action, the men’s U17 heptathlon came down to the final event, the 1000m, where a quick time secured the gold medal for Ruben Stovell (City of Sheffield and Dearne, John Lane). The U20 Para Championships saw superb performances and fine margins to secure the titles.

On the road

The England 5k Championships were once again incorporated in the Sportshoes.com Podium Festival, bringing the drama of lightning fast races and live entertainment. The women’s race saw a new course record set by an Ethiopian athlete with Abbie Donnelly (Lincoln Wellington, Rob Lewis) finishing with a PB in 4th to secure the English 5k title, adding to her very successful cross country season. The English title in the men’s race was claimed by Will Barnicoat (Aldershot, Farnham & District). This year also saw the exciting addition of the 1km time trial, as athletes raced against the clock.

A team of eight athletes took on the challenge of the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100k. Learn more about the athletes, their training and the ultra-running experience here. The women’s team dominated the race to secure the gold medal, including a European record for Sarah Webster (Northern IOM). Despite injury struggles, the men’s team secured silver.

Cross Country

Bethan Morley (Leeds City, Bill Foster) brought the team home to take bronze in the World Cross Country Championships mixed team relay. In the individual events, Innes FitzGerald (Exeter, Gavin Pavey), Jess Bailey (Leven Valley, Matthew Long) and Abbie Donnelly all impressed to finish in the top 20 in their respective races.

This month athletes on the endurance talent pathway were hosted at our Leeds Talent Hub for a weekend of top class training and workshops.