Phoenix Flyer

Phoenix Flyer.

Hundreds of runners filled the streets of Dawley on Wednesday for the 30th running of the Phoenix Flyer, on a new course around the streets of Dawley. The Phoenix Flyer is the second race in the Up and Running Sexarathon Series which involves six midweek races from April to September. The new 5 kilometre course started and finished in Dawley High Street, closed to traffic for the race, and involved 3 equal laps, giving the throngs of High Street spectators plenty of opportunity to cheer on the runners.re grateful to the support from The race created a great atmosphere in Dawley, and race organisers Telford AC are grateful to the support from Dawley Town Council to promote this event.

MP David Wright got the race underway as 276 runners charged down Dawley High Street. After the three laps, local man Paul Ward, from Wrekin Road Runners, the six time overall Sexarathon Series Champion, and county cross country champion, continued his winning ways as he crossed the line first in 15.58 setting a new course record, with Shrewsbury AC's Joe Brocklehurst, the reigning sexarathon champion second in 16.18. Shrewsbury based Michael James, making a promising comeback to competitive racing, was 3rd a further six seconds adrift. Robin Sedman Smith, sexarathon champion in 2006 from Newport Running Club was 4th in 16.35, whilst Wellington's Telford AC man Ryan Heath was 5th in 16.38.

Claire Martin from Aqueduct, the 8 time Sexarathon Champion, won the ladies race in 17.40, almost a minute ahead of second placed Telford AC team mate Michelle Clarke the 2009 and 2010 champion. Julie Kirby 3rd in 19.59 and Rachel Coupe 4th in 20.24 gave Telford AC a clean sweep the top 4 ladies places.

The next race in this years 32nd Up and Running Sexarathon Series is The Shropshire 4 mile race based at the Shropshire Golf Centre in Muxton, starting at 7.30 pm. The race is a multi terrain event using the roads and paths of Granville Country Park. Runners of all abilities over 16 are welcome to take part and enter on the night. Further details and full Phoenix Flyer results available on line at www.telford athleticclub.co.uk

Paul Sanderson

Masters Relays

British Masters Road Relay Championships.

Telford Athletic Club came away from the British Masters Road Relay Championships in Sutton Park, Birmingham with fantastic bronze medals in the over 35 section and Claire Martin was equal fastest of any runner on the day. Amanda Davies ran the opening leg in 19.03 finishing 13th before handing over to Michelle Clarke who moved up 8 places in 18.12, which was the second fastest time on her leg. Lucie Tait Harris making her relay debut for the club ran 20.51 before handing over to Claire Martin who scorched round in 17.09, the joint fastest of the day, moving the team up 8 places to clinch the bronze medals 5 seconds ahead of Charnwood. The relay was won by Stroud, with Heanor from the North East second. The club B team were 18th, just one place behind the Wolverhampton and Bilston A team with Sharon Clayton on leg 1 in 23.48, Rachel Coupe on leg 2 running 20.16, Lisa Blagden on leg 3 ran 22.07 and Jane Clarke on the anchor leg running 21.44.

The over 45 ladies team finished a superb 5th place behind Denby, Bristol, Dulwich and Halesowen. Nellie Sanders ran the opening leg in 20.33, before Juliet Hoad ran the second leg in 21.35 before Julie Kirby ran a very fast 19.28 on the third and final leg.

The mens over 45 team finished 7th behind winners Leicester. John Sanders ran the opening leg in 16.43 bringing the team home 8th., John Garmson ran the second leg in 17.38, Paul Coupe the 3rd leg in 17.46, before Paul Ward ran the fourth and final leg in 15.27, the 4th fastest of anyone on the day.

Paul Sanderson

Phoenix Flyer 5KM Wednesday 21st May

Phoenix Flyer 5KM Wednesday 21st May

This race will be chip timed.
Series entrants must collect their corresponding series numbered chip on the night of the race.
'Race Series Numbers' and Chips must be worn.
Non series entrants will be allocated a chip along with their ‘on the night’ number.
Please arrive in good time to allow for any delays collecting chips.

Registration & Chip collection will be at:Phoenix Academy
Duce Drive
Dawley
TELFORD
TF4 3JS