Three of Chiltern Harriers young middle distance runners took part in this high standard event with athletes competing from 13 counties in the South of England. Michael Goddard, currently ranked in the top 10 in the UK, was competing in the A string 1500m race and Dan Barraclough, also ranked in the top 10 in the UK at 1500m, was competing in the A string 800m. Jack Dutton was taking part in the 800m non-scoring race. They were all looking to gain from the experience and the opportunity to improve their personal best performances and chance of a prestigious finish in the first 3. Weather conditions were perfect maybe even a bit warm.
Dan Barraclough was first to compete in a very fast 800m finishing strongly in 6th place in a new personal best time of 2mins 21.13 secs. Michael Goddard, a first year in the age group and the number one 11-year-old in the UK, set off in his 1500m race and quickly settled in the leading group of 3. During the final lap the two older athletes, both ranked in the top 5, just proved too strong for Michael but he battled home to take 3rd place in 4 mins 47.16 secs close to his personal best. Jack Dutton finished 2nd in his 800m race in 2 mins 27.98 secs missing out on a new Pb by just 0.1 of a second. His time would have placed him 4th in the B string championship race.
Gary Howells
Coach
Chiltern Harriers AC