PB-tastic Weekend in Milton Keynes

Fourteen junior endurance athletes travelled to the UK this weekend to compete in the British Milers Club meet at Milton Keynes.

There were some spectacular performances across the day with 11 new personal bests set – a great example to how off-island competition is so valuable to our athletes.

The day began with the mixed 1500m.  Isla Hall (U13) put in a great effort despite racing athletes far older, whilst Libby Atkinson (U17) achieved a new personal best of 5:00.33, an impressive benchmark and only 2 seconds off the women’s Island Games standard.  George Carney (U15) finished in 4:52.27, a 3 second improvement on his previous best performance and also came home to take 3rd place.

Will Rigby (U15), Matt Geddes (u17), Isaac Thompson (U15) and Bradley Andrews-Callec (U15) also raced in 1500m events over the afternoon, where all 4 of them were successful in achieving new personal bests.  Will Rigby finished an outstanding 3rd place, but special mention must go to Isaac Thompson, who on top of a 5 second improvement recorded the 26th fastest time in the U.K. this year for his age group and Bradley Andrews-Callec, who finished 2nd in his race with a stunning 15 second improvement on his personal best, showing he is returning well from injury.

Attention then turned to the 3000m races.  Casper Whitewood (U17) performed strongly running 9:48.09, comfortably breaking the 10 minute barrier and his previous PB of 10:15.  Hollie Masefield and Ella Hughes both had a successful race and gained valuable experience competing at a National level.

The final events of the day were the 800m races. First up was Jem Gurner (U20) who came 1st in his race, beating his PB of 2:06.07 to run 2:00.26 and obtain the Island Games standard. Lucci Baker also put in a spectacular performance, achieving the respective women’s standard, a new PB of 2:20.59 and a 3rd place finish.

The final 800 consisted of 2 Jersey athletes – Eva Hall (U15) and Belle Duffell (U15).  Eva crossed the line an outstanding 3rd place with a new PB of 2:29.73, whilst Belle gained a new PB of 2:33.66.

All athletes rose to the challenge of National competition and the support they gave each other during the races was immense.

A massive thank you must go to the parents and coaches – Judy, Gary and Annabel – as without them the athletes would not have had the opportunity to compete.

(Race Report by Jem Gurner)

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