Ekiden Junior Virtual Relays Success
With the loss of many fixtures the Ekiden being one, Ipswich Jaffa launched the Ekiden Virtual Relays to be held 10-12th July.
Colchester Harriers juniors entered 4 teams, under 11 mixed team, 12B boys team and 2x 12G girls teams.
The first time in on Saturday was Isla Widdowson, running solo, clocking 6.09 for the 11 and under mixed team.
Sunday brought several of the juniors together using the footpaths of Abbey fields, they were set off in small groups to meet with current guidelines of no more than 6 running together at one time.
First in was Lyla Belshaw clocking 5.13 for the Mile circuit, this fast time was closely followed by Finley Greenleaf finishing like a rocket to clock an impressive 5.26, next to finish was Harrison Leek 5.40, closely followed by Theo Gardiner 5.42. Then Lizzie Wellsted 5.52 and Amelia Green 6.08 both clocking great times for the 12G Girls team.
The second group was led home by Emily Swan 6.11, followed by Emily Henderson 6.22, and Emily McGill 6.27. The two younger team members had their own battle with Ella Licence 6.31 just pipping Eva Butler 6.34, these were closely followed by Rachel Sale 6:37 a late addition to the team.
With just three results due the teams were looking strong, Caleb Lee clocking 6.48 to complete the 12B boys team, his time was followed by Maisy Woods racing on her own along the esplanade she clocked a fast 6.06. Unfortunately Hayden Preston the youngest athlete of the team had a problem during his effort with dogs causing him to veer off the course after 1300m, with a short break he returned to complete a 2nd mile of the day clocking 6.40.
There were 73 junior teams entered some coming from the large clubs of Ipswich Harriers, City of Norwich and the strong junior team entered by St Edmunds Pacers the club finished with a fantastic result.
U11 mixed 2nd
Over12B – 7th
Over12G – 1st and 3rd teams
Winners Certificate for Over12 Girls team
Lyla won the fastest time for a girl with Lizzie Wellsted 4th fastest. What’s amazing is that several of these young athletes will be in the age group for several years to come.
Lyla Belshaw placed 3rd in the junior girl English Schools AA Virtual Championships. On Saturday Lyla completed her first race of the weekend clocking 2.24 for the 800, this time placed her 3rd on the junior girls results, considering Lyla is year 7 this was a great effort racing against year 8 & 9’s, and both athletes ahead of Lyla were year 9 Juniors.