Track Mile 2024 QEII Track Donkey Lane Wednesday 17th July 2024 Race Report

We gathered at the Donkey Lane track in virtually perfect running conditions for the annual extravaganza that is the Track Mile. The conditions were enhanced by the recent refurbishments which have recently taken place and we were taking the opportunity to celebrate. Councillor Ruby Sampson, who has been instrumental in getting this work undertaken, joined us to support the racing and present the trophies at the end of the evening.

The races kicked off with the youngest Juniors taking on the two-lap 800m and they all did a great job with Lawrence Greenwood coming out on top. The one disappointment of the night was that entries for paces at the bottom end of the range were very low meaning that we had to consolidate entries for races 2, 3, 4 and 5 into a single race with just 6 runners, won by Chas Taylor. The races that followed this were as scheduled with race 6 being won in storming style by Ian Ellis. Colin Hawkes worked his way through the field to win race 7.

Races rolled on after that getting faster as the evening progressed with Edwin Coutts chasing down Junior Lucas Hill in race 8. In race 9 we had an outstanding run by Junior Dylan Hanks who finished in 5.04.72 and would have probably gone quicker if he was challenged. Dylan was followed home by Kat Alpe who finished up as leading Senior lady for the night. Race 10 was won by Andy Naylor who sprinted down the final straight. A little bit further down the field came Jagna Falkowska (5.27.48) and Isabella Marriott (5.44.87) who were the top 2 Junior girls for the night. In the final race of the evening, we had an amazingly strong field with all 7 Seniors going sub 5 minutes and the 2 Juniors, Robin Greenwood (5.01.91) and Adam Falkowski (5.03.17) just over. This made Robin the top Junior boy for the evening. At the front of the field, Will Douglas led from the start but was closely followed by Ethan Jackson until the last lap. Will’s amazing time of 4.26.43 meant that he set a new Club record eclipsing the 4.32.89 set by Nick Sturge 10 years ago at the same event.

The event was rounded off with the presentation of trophies to Will, Kat, Robin and Jagna by Ruby Sampson. Interestingly 3 of those winners won last year and it was the first time for Robin taking Junior title from Ethan who is no longer a Junior. From the evening we can see the strength and commitment of our Juniors. We also need to find a way of attracting runners at the less pacey end of the spectrum. I’m sure they would have loved the experience over the shorter distance than normal and the superb support every single runner gets from all of the supporters. It will also be nice to have this track to use moving forward. One thing is clear this is a great event that we have to continue to run annually.

Before I stop my rambling I must thank all of the help. We had a great team supporting Scott and I in putting this on. Peter Ley was brilliant as starter. The Brennan clan of Paul, Andrea and Aishling together with Andrew Dench on the finish results. Poppy and Vici managed the registration and James Joy was his usual wizard with the technology. Finally, Alessio Ferrari took my camera while I was running and then kept it for the rest of the evening but I have to admit he took some great photos.

Chas