By Barry Warne
Nene Valley Harriers sprinter Claire Smith won gold and silver at the British Masters Track and Field Championships staged in Birmingham over the weekend – while husband Julian also appeared on the podium with 400m bronze.
Claire Smith won her gold in the over-40s 400m with a 62.74secs clocking, and also picked up bronze over 200m in a time of 27.56secs.
Julian Smith crossed the line in 55.35secs for his over-50 400m bronze.
There were other medals for Nene Valley’s all conquering veterans, with Simon Achurch winning three of them – all silver.
Achurch finished as runner-up in the weighted throw, javelin and hammer, which he threw 42.47m.
Pole vaulter Richard Phelan went over the bar at a season’s best equalling 3.00m to win over-55 bronze, while John Spriggs secured an over-65 triple jump bronze with a distance of 7.86m which he followed up with third in the long jump.
p Nene Valley’s Alex Hampson clocked a season’s best 3.58.05mins to win his 1,500m race in a British Milers Club meeting at Trafford.
Two other Nene Valley athletes were in action and Archie Rainbow had a fine run, setting a new fastest time of 1.54.69mins when finishing third over 800m.
Fellow Harrier Aaron Hunt clocked 4.05.64mins in the 1,500m.
- Long distance running legend and unsung sporting hero Keith Hall passed away last week.
In addition to being chairman and founder member of Thorney Running Club, Hall played a major role in establishing the local running scene as it is now.
He was also a founder member of Peterborough Athletic Club when Crowland Athletic Club and Peterborough Harriers merged.
His funeral will take place at Thorney Abbey on August 28 (11am).
