Lee Valley Athletics Centre will be hosting a variety of Open and London Indoor Games events over the winter months.  Please follow the links below for applications/information:-
14th Jan 2012 - U13 and U15 Indoor Open - CLICK HERE
28/29th Jan 2012 - Seniors and U20's London Indoor Games - CLICK HERE
25th March 2012 - Indoor Open Pentathlon - CLICK HERE4th Feb 2012 - U15 and U17 - London Indoor Games - CLICK HERE

Four teenagers from CATs represented  Essex in the South of England Inter School Cross Country at Basildon on Saturday. 15year old Jordon Rowe running in the Inter Boys 5,600mets race had his best run to date  to finish a excellent 4th in 20min 22secs 1st - Essex scorer, Joe Alexdener also 15years old showed up well with a fine 10th in 20min 44secs - 2nd Essex scorer.  Dean Frost came home in a worthy 53rd in  22mins 13 secs with James Thompson working hard in 67th spot 22mins 38secs, The Essex boys team came 3rd.

Sunday 15th January saw two under 20's compete in the south of England indoor championships held at Lee Valley. Lisa Crowhurst, in her first outing at 800m Run a exellent race to finish 3rd and collected the bronze medal in 2:28 in a race full of seasoned middle distance athletes. Plenty more to come from the former sprinter in 2012. Michael Porter also stepping up to the under 20's ran well in the 400m finishing just off his pb in his first race of the indoor season.

In the final Essex League Cross Country event in the series of 5 at Epping on Saturday 14th January 2012 Colchester and Tendring U17 Mens squad finishing  the season on a high coming 2nd to maintain their 2nd overall in the League, led by the inform Dean Frost  who had his best race to date to finish 6th in 22m.58s. excellent team packing by Joe Gibbon  9th – 23m.35s; George Jones 10th – 23m. 36s.; James Thompson 12th – 24m. and Ollie Gifford 13th 24m.08s.      Joe Alexander though not competing in this race was overall 2nd in his age group.   In the majority of races on the day numbers were once again down overall;  in the U13 Girls Jess Riches did well 8th in 10m55s. with the reliable Georgie Sturgeon 17th –11m28s.     U13 Boys Evan Chess 11th – 11m.58s.      U15 Girls Kate Frost 30th – 15m.56s.    Senior Women Diane Woolar 54th – 32m.14s.    Senior Men Tom Gifford 5lst – 30m36s., Gary Riches 62nd – 31m.12s and Kevin Frost 90th – 33m.50s.   This Saturday morning sees a number of CAT’s athletes involved in the Essex Schools Cross Country Championships at Hyland Park Chelmsford.  Report and Picture by John Hyland.

Please click pictures for larger images (Photos provided by Warren Page). 

Colchester and Tendring Athlete Club members competed in the 4th race in the 53-12 Cross Country League hosted by Hadliegh Hares. David Gibbon was the first to show for the black vests. Gibbon ran a very determined race round the very tough five mile hilly course to finish in an excellent 2nd place while Kevin Frost finished 99th.  In the ladies race Sian Gifford had a good run to finish 15th and Diane Wooller was 42nd. There were some excellent performances from the younger CATs in the much shorter junior race. William Page had a good run to come 3rd in the U13 Boys race, Ami Fosker was 2nd for the U17 Girls and Georgina Spurgeon 3rd in the U13 Girls. Fine runs also came from nine year olds Molly Buizer and Esme Sheldrake both running their first Cross Country.
Report by John Hyland
Photos by Warren Page
PLEASE CLICK ON PICTURES TO VIEW LARGER IMAGES

Due to the current weather conditions the Garrison Track is still considered unsafe for training purposes.  Training will therefore NOT take place at the Garrison track this Wednesday, 8th February. 

At the Essex Cross Country Championships at Basildon on Saturday the CAT’s youngsters had a reasonably good turn out though in general there were depleted teams in the majority of the younger sections right across the County which is a concern for the future of the sport, a star run for the Colchester and Tendring came in the U15 Boys where Jordon Rowe produced a superb run to win a Silver Medal  2nd in 15m.22s, William Deasey was a fine 17th in 17m.09s; Under 13 Boys – Max Williams gained valuable experience finishing 15th – 15m.54s. with good support coming from Jack Mabbutt 21st – 17m.08m .     The U15 Girls CAT’s had the satisfaction of having a full team led by the consistent Ami Fosker 24th – 20m.04s followed by Charlotte Kew 36th – 20m49s,  Sian Hicks 39th – 21m.18s. Katie Frost 45th – 21m.34s and Hannah Banks 5lst – 22m.22s. The team finished 8th. Under 13 Girls there were promising runs from Jessica Richards 20th – 16m.05 and Georgioa Sturgeon 25th – 16m.39s.    U17 Women – Lisa Crowhurst dug deep 22nd – 23m.17s., whilst in the U17 Men Dean Frost gave an excellent account of himself 8th – 17m.53s. good support coming from George Jones 11th – 18m.18s and Joe Gibbon 23rd – 19m.51s.    Senior Men – Gary Riches being the only CAT’s Senior 89th – 48m10s.
CLICK ON PICTURES TO VIEW LARGER IMAGES 

As we enter an exciting year of 2012, TSFA is pleased to announce 4th edition of Newham Classic 10K Run 2012.
Entry is now open for Newham Classic 10K Run 2012 which will be held on 15th April at West Ham Park, Stratford, London at 9:00am.
Mark the date in your calendar and start running today. If getting fit and healthy is one of your new year's resolution then Newham Classic 10K run is the perfect event for you.

We as a club are surprised that Colchester Harriers continue to wholly blame our club for the collapse of any merger talks, may we remind them that it was them that pulled out of these talks not us.

As with any merger talks, there will be many obstacles to overcome and some can take longer than others to reach an agreement, there was never any set time to conclude these talks or though many hoped it could be finalised by the start of the athletic season in April of that year.

Our club decided, when informed about a merger, to put the future of the club in the hands of an elected party, this party it was agreed, wouldn’t include anyone on the then current committee or chairperson at that time. Unfortunately there remained discussions outside of these meetings and when these issues came to light, our club stated that these had not been agreed within the elected party for our club.

Colchester & Tendring pass no blame on any individual from either club for the demise of these talks as we all were trying to gain the best deal for our respective clubs and any blame from the Harriers on individuals is totally unjustified and inappropriate. We would clarify that it was the Harriers that walked away from the table not us.

Over the past year I have personally tried to contact the Harriers to re-open talks but until recently no answer came my way. In December the two clubs had agreed to work closer together in the future to try to overcome any animosity that may still exist.

Our club's decision to enter the Southern Athletics League was made purely an athletic one as it would benefit our members and allow them to compete at a higher level. In the past we have had a combined men’s team, although very few of Colchester & Tendring athletes took part in these meetings, we hadn’t stated that we would not continue with this league. Upon hearing of the Harriers anger that we tried to better ourselves we offered them the opportunity to jointly enter a Colchester team in this new league, an offer that was immediately turned down.

I look forward to the two clubs working together in the future in whatever means is possible and I would ask that there be no more said about meetings in the past and that we can put this saga behind us and look to the future. This matter is now closed.

As always, this Committee and it's members are committed to the development and success of athletes in the Colchester and Tendring area and will always endeavour to do so. I would however, like to wish Colchester Harriers well in all their endeavours in the future.

Regards

Ian Kelly
Chair
Colchester & Tendring ac

The sad news that John Cooke died over the Christmas period came as a big surprise to many, John who was a Life Member of the CAT’s joined the Club in the early 1990’s after his retirement from his place of work, once in the sport of Athletics John quickly made his mark qualifying as a Track Field Official he set about attending meetings in Essex and North East Essex and was eager to learn as much as a could about his new found hobby, in his capacity of Field Official his enthusiasm was there for all to see helping youngsters also encouraging parents and ex athletes to take up the role of Officials.   In recent years he even tried his hand as an Announcer at Track and Field Meetings  making sure the athletes got to their events on time and reading out results.   He was an excellent organiser jostling up people to help out at the Senior Mens and Womens League Fixture events, worked hard to support the August Colchester and Tendring Open Meeting and would regularly turn out for School Meetings in whatever capacity needed.   He just loved being involved.  John was a stickler for doing the job right and called a spade a spade but he gained respect from his colleagues because he set high standards and was always consistent. John also served on the CAT’s  Committee for a number of years, was an excellent Treasurer and his input into Committee Meetings was valued. Before his ill health John used to turn up at the track on a Monday and Wednesday evening in all weather conditions collecting Entry Fees at the Garrison Gate greeting many youngsters and parents.  John was a loyal and reliable member of the Colchester and Tendring Club but was quite happy to help any Club needing his services, he put much into the sport of athletics  but admitted he received alot of happiness from it – so that’s all one can ask for.  He will be sadly missed by the CAT’s Committee Members, Coaches, Officials,  athletes, parents and undoubtedly other Clubs and Organisations he helped. Our condolences goes at this sad time to all his family.
A 1 minute silence will be held during training Wednesday Evening at 7pm.

At the Essex Cross Country Championships at Basildon on Saturday the CAT’s youngsters had a reasonably good turn out though in general there were depleted teams in the majority of the younger sections right across the County which is a concern for the future of the sport, a star run for the Colchester and Tendring came in the U15 Boys where Jordon Rowe produced a superb run to win a Silver Medal  2nd in 15m.22s, William Deasey was a fine 17th in 17m.09s; Under 13 Boys – Max Williams gained valuable experience finishing 15th – 15m.54s. with good support coming from Jack Mabbutt 21st – 17m.08m .     The U15 Girls CAT’s had the satisfaction of having a full team led by the consistent Ami Fosker 24th – 20m.04s followed by Charlotte Kew 36th – 20m49s,  Sian Hicks 39th – 21m.18s. Katie Frost 45th – 21m.34s and Hannah Banks 5lst – 22m.22s. The team finished 8th. Under 13 Girls there were promising runs from Jessica Richards 20th – 16m.05 and Georgioa Sturgeon 25th – 16m.39s.    U17 Women – Lisa Crowhurst dug deep 22nd – 23m.17s., whilst in the U17 Men Dean Frost gave an excellent account of himself 8th – 17m.53s. good support coming from George Jones 11th – 18m.18s and Joe Gibbon 23rd – 19m.51s.    Senior Men – Gary Riches being the only CAT’s Senior 89th – 48m10s.   Pictures and report by John Hyland

We have received information for several SEAA champs meets.  Please click the links below for information and applications.

SEAA Indoor Champs 2012 - CLICK HERE
SEAA Masters XC Champs 10.12.11 - CLICK HERE
SEAA XC Champs 28.01.12 - CLICK HERE 

A pair of Blue Trainers and navy joggers were handed in following the recent XC at Hilly Fields.  Please see Stephen Cartwright on training nights to reclaim.

To Bob Kimber and all the volunteers who helped on the 17th December in the rotten weather at the Hilly Fields run.

Over the past months many things have been miss-stated regarding our proposed merger with the colchester harriers and i have not wished to make a statement while there were many things in the balance.As most of you are aware at the beginning of 2011 we were in discussions with the harriers to a proposed merger of the clubs.This had been voted for by our club members along with those of the harriers.After some solid discussions the process was moving in the right direction when the harriers pulled out of talks stating that some individuals at this club caused a problem, an allegation which was not the case.

As our members wished the original merge to proceed, i felt it was right for us to continue along these lines.Over the following few months i personally have contacted the harriers on many occasions but received little or no response.Recently after another contact from myself, we met up with two representatives from the harriers and agreed that this current merge would not happen soon.Despite this,we agreed to work closer together in the future with different events to help us bring the clubs closer.An offer of a joint male and female team for the southern athletic league was rejected without reason.

With all that has gone on in the past, i feel it is time to move on and continue the progress of our club and that of its athletes.I would like to thank everyone for their support in this matter and look forward to many more successes in the future.
Chair

Colchester and Tendering athletes bagged a handful of medals when competing at the Eastern Cross Country Championships on Sunday held at at the picturesque Royal Hospital School grounds at Holbrook, winning individual and team medals.  In the U-15 boys 4,000m race Jordon Rowe produced an impressive run to win a gold medal in 13m 38s.  The U-17 men’s CATS team got the better of their arch rivals Southend for the first time this season to win team gold competing over a 6,000m course the black vests were led home by 15-year-old Joe Alexander 19m 35s who dug deep to finish a gallant third to win the individual bronze medal; George Jones had his best run to date to finish 6th in 20m 16s; Dean Frost showed excellent team spirit,having played football in the morning, he still produced an excellent run finishing 8th in 20m 32s.  Good team packing came from James Thompson 17th 21m 10s and Michael Porter 18th 21m 52s.  In the U-13 boys over a 3,000m course also showed they are developing into a strong team when winning the gold medal team award in their section, led by Max Williams who finished in style in 3rd place 11m 0s, Jack Mabbutt showed promise in 9th 12m 14s, with the vastly improved William Page 10th 12m 18s, and Thomas Hughes 13th 14m 08s.  The first three teams were 1st CATS, 2nd Ipswich, 3rd Havering.  In the U-20 men Tom Gifford was 7th with a solid run from Kevin Frost finishing in the top half of the field.  In the U-17 girls Lisa Crowhurst continued to improve finishing 6th in her 6,000m race 26m 07s, with a fine run coming from Sian Gifford 1st over 35 26m 36s.  The U-15 girls Ami Fosker came a worthy 13th 16m 24s; a good run came from Charlotte Kew 17th 16m 47s, followed by Sam Hicks 25th 17m 40s, and Katie Frost 27th 18m 08s.  Georgie Spurgeon in the U-13 girls came a gallant 15th in 14m 01s to make it a good day for CATS.  For more photos of the day please CLICK HERE

Tuesday 22nd November saw up to 500 pupils from the ages of 12 to 18 took part in the North East Essex School Sports Association event at Abbey Fields, Colchester.  An incredible amount of organising went into making this a very successful event and special thanks go to the School Staff , officials from Colchester Garrison and our very own John Hyland.

Pupils from 17 local schools, including the Coastal Academy, Clacton County High School, Tendring Technology College and Brightlingsea’s Colne Community School and College, and competed in eight different competitions – boys and girls categories at under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 level. 

Message from Diane Wooller
Hello All
The Essex Cross Country Championships are on the 7th January 2012 at Gloucester Park, Basildon. The Championships are open to all ages from under 13 upwards as per UKA Rules. Please let me have the Full names and Full Addresses, Ages Groups and Dates of Birth of all your Athletes wishing to enter these Championships by Friday 9th December 2011. 
Please CLICK HERE for Distances and times of the Events.
Regards  Diane

Colchester & Tendring youngsters were once again in sparkling form when competing in the third Essex League Cross Country event held at the tough hilly Hadleigh course on Saturday.   In the combined U17 and Senior Women 6000mtrs race Joe Alexander, running full of confidence after his recent success produced another solid performance adjusting his stride up the hills he finished strongly to finish overall 2nd in 22m.24s.  There was some terrific team packing by CAT’s – Joe Gibbon 9th – 23m42s;  George Jones 10th -23m.49; Dean Frost 11th – 23m.57s; James Thompson 13th – 24m.40s. and Michael Porter 21st – 26m 21s. The team finished an impressive second behind the powerful Southend squad. In the U15 boys 4000mtr race Jordan Rowe in his first race of the season showed excellent pace judgement to finish 2nd in 15mins with William Deasey, just recovering from a cold, a fine 18th. 17m.11s.  The U13 Boys 2500mtr race saw the vastly improved William Max showing good promised as he finished a superb 4th in 11m.47s.In the Senior Mens 8k 18year old Tom Gifford showed up well 53rd, with the reliable Gary Riches 89th.   The Senior Ladies 6000mts Ellie Cumner had her best race to date 18th – 28m.39s.; Sian Gifford was 44th in 32m.05; Lisa Crowhurst 25th in the 17’s,   CAT’s U15 Girls team had a complete team first time this season Ami Fosker gave a good account of herself 18th 19m08s with Sian Hicks a gallant 27th 20m.21s. – good team packing from Charlotte Kew 33rd 20m58s; Kate Frost 37th – 21m.31s. Phillipa Baxter 40th 22m.01 and Sophie Wilkinson 44th 27m39s. U13 Girls 3k – Jessie Riches 16th 13m.55s;  Georgina Spurgeon 18th - 14m01 both displayed determination to make it a good day for CAT’s.   

For more photos provided by John Hyland please CLICK HERE

Stephen Cartwright would like to hear from all CAT's athletes who feel they may have a claim against one of our current club records.  Please CLICK HERE to see the current list.  He would also like to hear from you if you hold a record and have more details that may be useful.  Also, any records not yet recorded would be really useful.

On Saturday 26th November 2011  Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre are hosting the above event. 
Race Times are U11 Girl’s race starts at 11:00am, U11 Boys race starts at 11:20am  (children must be aged 11 on or after the 1st September 2011. minimum age of 8).

There will be medals for the first 3 individuals and certificates for all runners.  CLICK HERE for an application form.

Message from Kevin Wright, Springfield Striders
Dear All
This fixture seems to be jinxed this year.
The race will definitely take place at Hylands Park on 27 November on very similar courses to last year. The junior race will start and finish just beyond the playground that has been built on the top car park and the seniors will start near the entrance to the park and finish the same as the juniors.
The hall we usually go to for refreshments and results has been double booked so at the moment we have nowhere to go. We are working on alternatives and will let you all know before the day.
St John Ambulance will be in attendance even though they too are double booked for the grand all day event that is the switching on of Chelmsford Christmas lights.
I will again run as sweep runner so will be very grateful if the scoring sheets are placed in the red plastic box at the finish ready for me to collect as I stagger over the line.
 
Keep fit
 
Kevin Wright
Springfield Striders
 

 Venue:-  Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2RX
Tel. No. 01473 326200

EVENTS                 DISTANCE                  TIME
Under 13 Girls       3000 Metres              12:00 
Under 13 Boys       3000 Metres              12:15 
Under 15 Girls       4000 Metres              12:30 
Under 15 Boys       4000 Metres              12:50 
Senior Men           12000 Metres             13:10 
Under 20 Men        8000 Metres              13:10 
Under 17 Women    6000 Metres              14:10 
Under 20 Women    6000 Metres              14:10 
Senior Women        6000 Metres              14:10 
Under 17 Men        6000 Metres              14:40 

I am pleased to announce that on the weekend of the 29/30th oct 2011 we had three ladies qualify for their assistant coach award at melbourne park chelmsford.

They are Helen Porter, Annette Bland and Kate Gibson, the club congratulates these ladies on this achievement and welcomes them into our coaching set up.Also we have a new hurdles coach who has just moved to the area having previously coached at Woking A.C in the hurdles discipline we welcome John Climpson_ as well and hope he has a successful time at our club.

Ian Kelly
Chair

CAT's enjoyed a good turnout resulting in a fantastic win for the Juniors finishing with 45 points!  Our seniors were also out in force, results to follow.  For more photos please CLICK HERE

 We are pleased to announce the new Children’s Coach course is being rolled out in the South Area! The first pilot course taking place in Bedford is at the reduced price of £200!!  For more information provided by England Athletics CLICK HERE or speak with Steve Cartwright at the Club.

All CAT's athletes, this is an important date for your diaries.  Indoor Champs are a great way to start the new season and for obtaining those all important times/distances and new PB's after putting in all the hours of training over the winter months.  Please CLICK HERE for more information.  We will upload application forms as soon as these become available.

The Eastern Cross Country Championships is on Sunday 27th November 2011 The Venue is the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. Please let me have all the Full Names, Age Groups and Dates of Births of all your Athletes wishing to enter the above championships by Friday 4th November as all entries for the Club have to be sent in on one sheet and they are very strict on the closing date. This Championship is open to all ages from under 13 upwards as per UKA Rules. I have attached a copy of the details which shows Distances and Start Times for each race.
 
Diane Wooller
President for CATs

We have now received nomination papers for the above awards.  If you would like to nominate a CAT's athlete and/or Coach, please click the following links:-
EG Sports Award Nomination Form Side A
EG Sports Award Nomination Form Side B

CAT's U13 & U15 girls' teams competed at the EAL finals at a very busy and buzzing West Suffolk Stadium.  After a day of many successes and end of season PB's the U15 Girls finished 4th overall, with only 7 points between 2nd & 4th position.  The U13 girls  proved themselves strong contenders in many events.  For full report CLICK HERE.  For more photos of the day please CLICK HERE.

15 year old Joe Alexander produced his fourth PB of the season when running a 3000mts at Watford on Wednesday evening with a time of 9m.31s, he has now taken 22seconds off his origianal time for this distance this season .   Well done to Joe and all the other athletes in CATS  who have achieved PB's this season.   
 

CAT's ladies once again proved themselves a force to be reckoned with by adapting well to the changeable weather at the recent meet at Braintree. Team Manager Sian Gifford pulled together another strong team bringing home a match win.......for a full report please CLICK HERE  

Joe Alexander ran a good race in the Southern South of England 3000mts - 9m. 36.1 PB in Oxfordshire recently being congratulated by former Olympic 400mt Gold medal winner David Hemery who used to live in Frinton as a school-boy and attended Ensleigh House School in Colchester.  
 

CATS young athletes produced a number of impressive results and personal bests  at the EYAL track/field event held at Stevenage on Sunday, a good omen for the youngsters forthcoming fixtures over the next three months.

Click here for full results.

Full report and results available here.

Harwich Sprint Triathlon was made up of a 300m pool swim, 24k bike ride and a 5k run.  Conditions were challenging at times with high winds, torrential rain and hail making cycling very difficult.  CATS members put in good times, Peter Gerard 1 hour 19.01 mins, Rodger Alexander in his first tri for 20 years 1.20.07, Kevin Frost in his first tri came in with a time of 1.28.36 just 4 seconds ahead of Catherine Johnson who completed in 1.28.40.

Report by Catherine Johnson

After two weeks of great competition with our youngsters we can safely say we are looking at some stars of the future.  All the children gave their all and really impressed us with their enthusiasm.  Our winners are as follows:

Under 11 Boys: 1st: Levi Williams, 2nd: Finn O'Reilly, Joint 3rd: Luke Bracey & Luke Courtier
Under 13/15 Boys: 1st: Dominic Doherty, 2nd: Thomas Hewes, 3rd: Adam Buckingham
Under 11 Girls: 1st: Izzy Myers, 2nd: Matilda MaCain, 3rd: Sophie Clinch
Under 13/15 Girls: 1st: Caitlin O'Reilly, 2nd: Alexandra Leslie, 3rd: Emily Donohue

For more photos please CLICK HERE.  Full results will be posted shortly.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our teams who turned out on Friday evening.  We produced some strong teams resulting in 1st position and Gold for the U15 girls in the 4x100m and 3rd position and Bronze for the U13 girls 4x100m. 
The evening was rounded off with a silver for the u17mens medley
full list of results will follow shortly.