SAL #2, Schools County champs, Dashing Deer & Last Friday 5K’s
Southern Athletics League #2, Finsbury Park 21st June
Team Captains Lily and Richard have sent a combined report for their respective teams from the 2nd SAL fixture of the season, held at Finsbury Park, culminating in an overall 2nd place at this meeting (out of 5 teams )
“ Another great day out for London Heathside at Finsbury Park on Sunday. Both the men's and women's teams put in a really committed shift, and we came away with an excellent 2nd place finish on 241 points in our match grouping (we're paired with Thames Valley Harriers, who we only compete directly against in Round 1). It was actually a really comfortable 2nd place — well clear of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets (197), Newbury (189) and City of Norwich (183), with Woking (266) the only side ahead of us, and Thames Valley Harriers topping the overall scoresheet on 317.
A massive thank you up front to everyone behind the scenes who made this fixture actually happen. It was relocated to Finsbury Park at very short notice, and pulling that together was no small feat. Particular thanks to Dave Walton and Simon Baker for doing the heavy lifting on the logistics, and a big shout out to all our officials, with Tony Killilea leading across the events, ably supported by Mark Jefford, Peter Gould, Genevieve Weston, Ely-Angel De Silva, Molly Harrison and others. Without that effort, none of the rest of this happens.
Men's standout performances
A really good spread of performances across the programme, with three event wins on the men's side:
Montana Dennis made it back-to-back A string wins in the 110m hurdles, taking it in 15.47 into a stiff -1.5 headwind. Class again.
Sam Turner stormed the A 2000m steeplechase, winning in 6:19.48. A brilliant front-running performance from him as an U18.
Wayne Morley completed the steeplechase double for us, winning the B 2000m steeplechase in 6:47.24, and also smashing out a PB in the B 400m hurdles (4th, 66.89). Big workload, big points, and a brilliant personal milestone in there too.
James Hurrell and Andy Barnes delivered a brilliant 3000m double, with James 2nd in the A race in 9:05.96 and Andy mirroring it with 2nd in the B race in 9:11.28. Two seriously strong runs from the M40s, absolutely critical points on the day.
David Baah-Okyere ran a superb A 800m for 4th in 1:58.19, breaking the 2-minute barrier for the first time. A massive milestone, and a brilliant way to do it in a league race.
Ifeoluwa Yusuff ran a slick B 100m to take 2nd in 11.15.
Jake Evans ran a smart A 1500m for 3rd in 4:09.09, with Tom Aldred backing it up with 3rd in the B 1500m (4:11.90). Solid middle-distance scoring.
Okiki Olugunna showed exactly why it's so valuable having a specialist triple jumper on the team, picking up a big 2nd place in the A Triple Jump with 12.50m. Easy points when you've got a specialist in an event most clubs are scrabbling to fill.
Good to see Carlos Mingoes back in a Heathside vest too after his recent family break, and straight into the action with a solid 4th in the A 100m (11.26). Welcome back, Carlos.
Robin Hardy held down the throws across three events, picking up 2nd in the B Shot (8.09m), 3rd in the B Discus (23.53m) and 4th in the A Hammer (22.29m). Worth noting Robin threw over 8m in the shot using the senior 7.26kg implement — as an M60 he'd normally compete with the 5kg shot, so that's a 2.26kg differential. Outstanding effort.
Versatility and stepping in where needed
A massive thank you to the guys who filled events at short notice — exactly the kind of contributions that turn a decent finish into a competitive one:
Mark Jefford literally jumped in at the last minute to cover both the A High Jump and A Long Jump, on top of his officiating duties. Two completely different events, no prep, just got on with it.
Taha Abdullah stepped in late for the A 400m hurdles (4th, 67.49) and then went out about an hour later and PB'd in the A 400m flat (53.78). Three events on the day in total, with the B Triple Jump too (3rd, 10.00m). Brilliant performance.
Charalambos Pittordis made his debut in the javelin, throwing 22.11m in the B competition after a five-minute crash-course coaching session from Ivan on the runway. A genuinely impressive distance for a first-ever attempt at the event, and he also picked up 2nd in the B Hammer (18.48m). Top effort.
Stephen Booth deserves a special mention — on top of everything else he was doing across pole vault (2nd, 2.80m), shot and discus, he also stepped in at the last minute to cover the B 110m hurdles. Huge day's work from him across multiple disciplines, and the kind of all-round effort that makes a real difference to the scoreline.
Ivan Ross was at it again, covering three field events and picking up a brilliant 2nd in the B Pole Vault (2.05m), plus contributions in the B High Jump and A Javelin. The man does it all.
A nod also to Mikel Alexander for a strong 4th in the A 200m (22.79) and Tam Mergia for stepping into the B 400m.
Women's standout performances
The women's team had a fantastic day. The stand out events were the 400m and two event wins in the sprint hurdles:
Asia Emanuel was outstanding, winning the A 100m hurdles in 15.44 and adding a 3rd in the A 100m (13.00). Real quality.
Magdeline Paitoo completed the hurdles double for us, winning the B 100m hurdles in 17.34, and adding a 3rd in the B 400m hurdles.
It was double silver in the 400m! Rebecca Quirke ran a really strong B 400m for 2nd in 60.72 knocking SEVEN SECONDS off her PB (incredible), and Rachel McDonald picked up 3rd in the A 400m (59.98). Strong one-lap scoring. Noelle O'Reagan opened her season winning the non-scorer race comfortably in a snappy 62.71.
Lily Woolcock was again right in the mix at the front of the A 1500m, taking 2nd in 4:50.56, and then doubling back for 3rd in the B 1500m steeplechase. Properly tough day's work.
Samiyah Wilson doubled up in the sprints, 2nd in the B 100m (13.33) and Leysa Forrest stepping up to the A 200m.
Francesca Stocco had a brilliant run, finishing 4th in 10:55.66 — worth noting this race was actually run as a 3000m rather than the 5000m on the card, which skewed the handicap scoring in our favour, but it was still a quality performance.
Helena Flippance backed her up superbly in the B race (also run as a 3000m), finishing 3rd in 11:28.45 making her SAL debut! Definitely loads more to come from this athlete.
Noelle O'Regan delivered another reliable performance in the throws, 3rd in the A Discus (27.25m).
Versatility and stepping in where needed
Hester Hill was the women's team multi-eventer, covering three very different events: 4th in the A 1500m debut steeplechase (5:46.79), 3rd in the A High Jump (1.45m), and 4th in the A Pole Vault. That's exactly the kind of contribution that keeps us competitive.
Ivy Paitoo deserves a massive shout for doing loads of throws bagging points. Backed up by teammate Nicole Stewart who dabbled in her first throws while recovering from an injury.
Genevieve Weston once again stepped in for the B triple jump, B Hammer and B Javelin to make sure we filled the field card, on top of her officiating role. Genevie managed to trow over 11m in the javelin bettering her PB by 2m! She was joined by fellow SAL legend Molly Harrison who showed up straight off her flight back from holiday to fill gaps in the triple jump and officiating squad!
Sarah Hair for having an incredible first pole vault attempt and coming 3rd in the B string (so much more to come from Sarah in this event) as well as continuing to dabble in the long jump!
Big thanks too to Sian Adeyemi in the LJ, Amelie Randall and Lila Blustin for racing across the programme and contributing valuable points throughout.
The relay teams also got us solid points, with 4th in the women's 4x100m (54.00) and 5th in the mixed 4x400m B.
Next match
Sunday 19 July — Little Marlow, SL7 3RS
Round 3 takes us out to Little Marlow. Coach details to follow shortly. With Round 1 at 2nd and Round 2 also a comfortable 2nd, we're set up nicely heading into the second half of the season — let's keep this momentum going.
Thanks again to everyone who turned out, competed, stepped in, officiated and supported on the day. Really proud of the effort. “
Team Results-
Our Match ; 1st Woking 266 pts ; 2nd London Heathside 241 pts ; 3rd Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets 197 pts ; 4th Newbury 189 pts ; 5th City of Norwich 183 pts .
1st Overall : Thames Valley Harriers 317pts
Individual results ( provided by Simon )
Men
100m
Carlos MINGOES 11.26 A 4th
Ifeoluwa YUSUFF (U23M) 11.15 B 2nd
Zain MITHA 11.77 ns
Abraham OREKAN 11.90 ns
Alex DANIEL 12.10 ns
John Wilkie 11.88 ns
Momoh rahman FOFANA 12.06 ns
James POTHALINGAM 12.19
Robert SHIN 12.23 ns
Mikel ALEXANDER (U18M) 11.27 ns
Montana DENNIS (U20M) 11.34 ns
Ike Lionel 11.70 ns
Malachi OLUWASHINA (U18M) 11.79 ns
200m
Mikel ALEXANDER (U18M) 22.79 A 4th
Zain MITHA 23.75 B 5th
Malachi OLUWASHINA (U18M) 24.22
Ifeoluwa YUSUFF (U23M) 22.95 ns
Abraham OREKAN 23.35 ns
Momoh Rahman FOFANA 24.81 ns
John Wilkie 24.35 ns
Robert SHIN 25.57 ns
400m
Taha ABDULLAH (U23M) 53.78 A 5th
Tam MERGIA (U18M) 57.33 B 5th
800m
David BAAH-OKYERE (U20M) 1:58.19 A 4th
Richard MACAULAY (V40) 2:07.72 B 6th
Mark JEFFORD (V60) 2:31.09 ns
Fabio ESPIRITO SANTO 3:04.41 ns
1500m
Jake EVANS 4:09.09 A 3rd
Tom ALDRED (V45) 4:11.90 B 3rd
Etienne DARIES 4:28.49 ns
Denden Hadgu 4:35.98 ns
Harry OWRID 4:38.07 ns
3000m
James HURRELL (V40) 9:05.96 A 2nd
Andy BARNES (V40) 9:11.28 B 2nd
Victor TANGUY 10:06.91 ns
110mH
Montana DENNIS (U20M) 15.47 A 1st
Stephen BOOTH (V50) 22.52 B 3rd
400mH
Taha ABDULLAH (U23M) 67.49 A 4th
Wayne MORLEY (V40) 66.89 B 4th
2000m Steeplechase
Sam TURNER (U18M) 6:19.48 A 1st
Wayne MORLEY (V40) 6:47.24 B 1st
High Jump
Mark JEFFORD (V60) 1.28m A 5th
Ivan ROSS (V50) 1.23m B 4th
Pole Vault
Stephen BOOTH (V50) 2.80m A 2nd
Ivan ROSS (V50) 2.05m B 2nd
Long Jump
Mark JEFFORD (V60) 2.74m A 6th
Triple Jump
Okiki OLUGUNNA 12.50m A 2nd
Taha ABDULLAH (U23) 10.00m B 3rd
Shot Putt
Stephen BOOTH (V50) 8.66m A 5th
Robin HARDY (V60) 8.09m B 2nd
Discus
Stephen BOOTH (V50) 27.22m A 4th
Robin HARDY (V60) 23.53m B 3rd
Hammer
Robin HARDY (V60) 22.29m A 4th
Charalambos PITTORDIS 18.48m B 2nd
Javelin
Ivan ROSS (V50) 25.78m A 5th
Charalambos PITTORDIS 22.11m B 5th
4x100m
DQ London Heathside
Mixed
4x400m
A Race:- 6th London Heathside 3:59.55
B Race:- 5th London Heathside 4:11.86
Women
100m
Asia EMANUEL (U20W) 13.00 A 3rd
Samiyah WILSON (U18W) 13.33 B 2nd
Naiara MORAES (VW35) 18.63 ns
Leysa FORREST 13.58 ns
Gaelle ELISHA 13.69 ns
Myla Miller (U16G) 13.06 ns
Cara BROWN 13.62 ns
Bobbi ROBINSON (U18W) 13.77 ns
Kesia ADJEI (U18W) 15.11 ns
200m
Samiyah WILSON (U18W) 28.03 A 6th
Leysa FORREST 28.18 A 4th
Noelle O'REGAN (VW35) 28.29 ns
Rebecca QUIRKE 27.08 ns
400m
Rachel MCDONALD 59.98 A 3rd
Rebecca QUIRKE 60.72 B 2nd
Noelle O'REGAN (VW35) 62.71 ns
800m
Lila BLUSTIN (U18W) 2:35.47 A 5th
Amelie RANDALL (U18W) 2:33.68 B 4th
1500m
Lily WOOLCOCK 4:50.56 A 2nd
3000m
Francesca STOCCO 10:55.66 A 4th
Helena FLIPPANCE 11:28.45 B 3rd
100mH
Asia EMANUEL (U20W) 15.44 A 1st
Magdeline PAITOO (U20W) 17.34 B 1st
400mH
Magdeline PAITOO ((U20W) 72.24 A 5th
Lily WOOLCOCK 81.94 B 3rd
1500m Steeplechase
Hester HILL 5:46.79 A 4th
Lily WOOLCOCK 6:37.58 B 3rd
High Jump
Hester HILL 1.45 m A 3rd
Kesia ADJEI (U18W) 1.20m B 5th
Pole Vault
Hester HILL 1.75m A 3rd
Sarah Hair 1.10m B 3rd
Long Jump
Sian ADEYEMI 4.51m A 5th
Sarah HAIR 4.03m B 4th
Triple Jump
Molly HARRISON 7.64m A 5th
Genevieve WESTON 6.59m B 6th
Shot Putt
Ivy PAITOO (U18W) 8.82m A 4th
Nicole STEWART (U18W) 7.37m B 4th
Discus
Noelle O'REGAN 27.25m A 3rd
Ivy PAITOO (U18W) 11.01m B 5th
Hammer
Ivy PAITOO (U18W) 20.41m A 6th
Genevieve WESTON 4.74m B 6th
Javelin
Nicole Stewart (U18W) 14.49m A 5th
Genevieve WESTON 11.80m B 5th
4x100m
4th London Heathside 5
Schools County Championships
Simon Baker reports from 2 County Schools champs events ;
“ In a sad reflection of the state of School sport in our local Boroughs only a few Young Athletes took part in the County Schools Championships. However there were some great performances with Myla Miller (IG 100m) and Charlie Nicolson (IB 3000m) Middlesex Champions and Filip Kounoupas Prastalo London JB 1500m Champion.
Many Young Athletes will be awaiting to hear if they've been picked for the English Schools Championships “.
Middlesex Schools Championships, Watford, 13.6.26
100m (IG)
H2 1st Myla Miller 12.72s
Final 1st Myler Miller 12.65s
800m (JB)
Final 8th Dylan Lewis 2:25.81
3000m (IB)
1st Charlie Nicolson 8:58.19
3rd Alex Kirk 9:24.64
Hammer (IB)
1st Leonard Hewings 26.20m
Discus (SG)
1st Elkie Baker 41.99m
London Schools Championships, Sutcliffe Park, 13.6.26
100m (IG)
H3 2nd Edith Waites 13.26s
Final 8th Edith Waites 13.46s
300m (IB)
8th Alex Rankin 45.12s
1500m (JG)
10th Edith Deakin 5:30.73
1500m (JB)
1st Filip Kounoupas Prastalo 4:21.43
Shot Put (IG)
2nd Ivy Paitoo 10.65m
Essex Schools Championships, Chelmsford, 13.6.26
No results but Gabriel Edwards finished 3rd in the IB 80mH.
Sri Chinmoy Dashing Dear 5K Battersea Park 23 Jun
A number of Heathsiders braved the hot conditions this Monday to participate in the Battersea Park 5K, with Francesca Stocco and James Haynes achieving Top 10 positions
7 James Haynes 16:15
14 Isaac Edwards 16:35
16 Sammy Keenan 16:47
22 Robert Hickman 17:03
28 Jack Goody 17:23
29 Jose Sabroso 17:19
34 Chris Cox 17:26
52 Nick Gibson 18:12
64 Laurens Price – Nowak 18:29
76 Francesca Stocco 18:45 3rd F
77 Harry Owrid 18:48
108 Liam Hazelton 19:50
122 Paul Mercer 20:25
144 Stephen Topp 21:15
150 Leo Pemberton 21:36
151 Philip Hogg 21:43
172 Magnus Hallin 22:39
182 Daniel Wrapson 23:48
194 Rebecca Marshall 26:04
Serpentine Last Friday 5K Hyde Park 19 Jun
Mark Jefford sends in this report from a very warm Hyde Park ;
“ The Serpentine last Friday 5k was a week early than usual in June due to festival set up in Hyde park. It was either this, or the 29+ degree heat, that meant the overall entry was much smaller than usual with just 73 finishers and just two Heathsiders in attendance. “
19th. Mark Jefford. 19:33. 80.9% age grade.
50th. Pete Crockford 23:09. 74.0% age grade.
Finsbury Park Half Marathon 21 Jun
And a 1-2 result from the Finsbury Park Half Marathon ;
1 Alexander Carr 1:24:37
2 Kazuyo Saito 1:25:37
Park Runs
The results of the 78 club members who participated in last week’s Parkruns can be found here :
Including 1st place finishes for Tanya Addison ( Lordship Rec ), Connor Brown ( Lullingstone ), Andrew Baldock ( Wakefield ), and Brendan Barclay ( Flint Castle ) ; and 2nd for Jonny Forsyth, Katie Belkin, Julia Kelk, Emily Reichert, Danny O’Reilly, & Benjamin Caldecott
Compiled by Mark George, with thanks to commentary and results from SAL from Lily, Richard, & Simon, + Last Friday report from Mark J