Happy New Year everyone! We hope you had a lovely break over Christmas and are ready for another year of Beagles adventures? Whilst the club may have taken a break, many of our athletes were still out competing so it’s a bumper first edition of the news for 2024!
Crown to Crown
A number of our Beagles made most of Boxing Day at the Pitsea Running Club Crown to Crown 5K event. A thoroughly entertaining but challenging run!
Huge congratulations to Max Sanderson who finished as first male U18 and fourth overall in 17:44 and to Olivia Forrest who was the first female finisher in 18:41. Olivia was closely followed home by Dean Savery (10th) in 18:43. Summer Smith was the second female back in 18:56 and taking honours in the Smith household with Robin Smith (12th) losing out on the final hill to finish in 19:02. Evie Warn (21st) battled hard with a strong performance of 20:13. Mattie Delea (25th) had a good run in 20:23 and Ollie Johnson (26th) finished with his best crown to crown time of the season despite a muddier more challenging course – 20:36. Isabel Forrest (34th) was pleased with her run of 21:20, as was Stuart Crowther (36th) who kept in touch with her on 21:36. Missy Tiller (43rd) made her course debut and ran well to finish in 22:05 and Marc Delea (133rd) also did a brilliant job to come home in 28:48.
With 226 runners taking part today, the Beagles really did brilliantly and enjoyed themselves immensely. We are already looking forward to the next event on Good Friday!
Revesby 5 Mile / 2 Mile
Congratulations to Olivia Forrest on a brilliant trail 5 mile run on December 27th at the Trident Sports Revesby Christmas run. Making the most of some time visiting relatives, Olivia took the opportunity to do a different sort of race and make her debut over 5 miles. She was surprised to finish first overall in 35:18 in what was an adventurous muddy course on an extremely windy day. Isabel Forrest also finished as first female in the event’s two mile trail run – 13:56.
Serpentine 5K
A blustery lunchtime in Hyde Park did not deter our Beagles from gathering to run at this month’s Serpentine Running Club 5km event held on the last Friday of December.
Once again demonstrating absolute enthusiasm and determination to do well – Team Beagles were a strong presence at the event with all nine athletes finishing under 22 minutes.
First home in a fantastic 7th place was Max Sanderson with a new 5K PB of 16:02. Also scoring a new PB with his 16th place was Preston Taylor – 16:46. Olivia Forrest was the first female finisher at the event with her strong run of 16:57.
Evie Warn once again demonstrated resilience when suffering but still raced to the finish line in 19.07 and held off Louis King who finished right behind in 19:08. Ollie Johnson had a brilliant sprint finish to end just outside his PB in 19:31. Isabel Forrest ran with commitment and pushed to the line in 20:16. Picking up a massive PB, Daniel Smith had a great run of 21:26 and finished just ahead of Laura Durn who also ran a new PB of 21:27.
New Year’s Day Open, Lee Valley
Some of the Beagles Sprint squad celebrated the start of 2024 with a bang! Thank you to Mark Smith for the report, photos and coaching!
Competing at the New Year’s Day Lee Valley indoor (short track) open, first out of the blocks for Beagles was Tobias Maitland (u17) making his 60m debut and establishing a great PB of 7.83. Stuart Carter (v45) showed great form breaking his recent PB with a new one of 8.44, and Honey Peck (u15) just outside her best with 8.68.
Stephanie Smith (u15) was next up, turning out her 4th successive 300m indoor PB with 44.32.
Beagles rounded the afternoon off in style with the 200m. Lee Boka (u17) running a new PB of 24.29. Ava Carter (u15) also beating her recently established indoor PB with a new best of 27.81.
A great way to start 2024 and sound preparation for those due to compete at the indoor Southern Counties Champs on 13/14 January, and England Indoor Championships on February 10/11.
Serpentine 10K
Also on New Year’s Day Olivia Forrest was making her 10km debut at the Serpentine Running Club New Year event held with ATW in Hyde Park. Once again demonstrating her strength, running maturity and amazing range, Olivia was a convincing winner of the female event with a brilliant debut PB time of 35:55. Congratulations! Well done too to Isabel Forrest finishing as second female in the 3km event.
Essex XC Championships
Our Beagles had a brilliant day on Saturday at the Essex County Athletics Association Cross Country Championships. With a new approach taken by the organisers this year including hay bale jumps and a marquee to run through, the Beagles relished the opportunity to take on the hills at one of their favourite courses, despite the incredibly muddy conditions!
The day started with a competitive U13 girls race over 3.1km. An amazing run by Summer Smith saw her grow her lead over the competition throughout to finish as Essex Champion in 12:19. Esme Thomas had a really strong race to finish 11th (14:00) with Aria Sabado and Sophie Bickerstaff finishing in quick succession in 16th and 17th (14:26, 14:32). Eliza Hobden also ran well to finish 32nd (16:26). Huge congratulations to our U13 girls as their effort as a team saw them finish in third place in Essex!
The U13 boys ran over the same distance and we saw a brave attempt at a run from Ollie Johnson who sadly wasn’t well and unfortunately had to drop out. Daniel Smith had a good debut at the event and ran with enthusiasm to finish 34th (13:50).
The U15’s ran over 4.3km and in the girls race we once again showed dominance with a super win by Olivia Forrest who finished 40 seconds ahead of the next runner in 17:01. Congratulations also go to Evie Warn who battled brilliantly and pushed herself to her limit, despite ongoing issues, to finish in fourth place (17:51). Isabel Forrest also had a good run, and enjoyed the mud, to finish 12th (19:12). Well done too to Mattie Delea who had a positive return to running in the boys event, finishing 20th (18:13).
The U17 women’s race over 5.2k, saw some brilliant Beagles battling with Jemimah Knightbridge leading team mate Mara Thomas in the first lap before Mara moved ahead in the second to take 12th place (24:45) with Jemimah 13th (25:14).
The U17 men’s race of 6.1k, was one of the most competitive of the day with Preston Taylor having his best run to date to finish 4th in 22:35. Max Sanderson also ran strongly to finish 7th in 23:05 and Louis King showing his commitment to finish 27th (26:01).
Laura Durn had a strong run in the senior women’s race over 8k – more distance and an extra hill! Brilliant composure and a confident performance to finish 25th out of the 87 entrants (39:38).
Finally the senior men’s race over 12k saw three laps of the course and the hills! Elliot Worth enjoyed the first two laps but less so the third but still finished well in 120th (56:35). Stuart Crowther also enjoyed his time in the mud and still managed a sprint finish to come in at 137 (59.05).
Extra congratulations to Summer, Olivia, Evie, Isabel, Jude, Preston and Max who picked up Essex vests today for the English intercounties in March.
A big thank you to @coach66flix for the XC photos. He covered just under 16k whilst photographing our athletes!
BFTTA
In contrast to the mud of the Essex Cross Country Championships the previous day, some Beagles made their way to the indoor warmth of Lee Valley for the BFTTA open meeting on Sunday.
During the morning session Madison Kindler (u13) established a new indoor 800m PB with 2min 26.60. Nicole Hawkins (u15) also set a new indoor PB of 2min 30.72.
The 60m event at BFTTA consists of 2 rounds with a reseeding of athletes for round 2 making interesting viewing and higher chances of PBs.
Katie Lowe (u15) made her indoor debut with an impressive 8.67 (PB). Next up Ava Carter showed great consistency with 8.34 being only one one-hundredth of second outside of her PB set 7 days ago. Stuart Carter (v45) completed the 1st round of 60m for Beagles with a new best of 8.39.
In the second round Katie showed great consistency with 8.70. Stuart improving on his 1st round PB with a new best of 8.34. Ava opted not to compete in the 2nd round focusing on her later 200m.
During the 60m we witnessed Dwain Chambers competing in the 60m setting a new World Record of 6.81 for the masters v45 age group.
Concluding the Beagles afternoon saw Katie in her first indoor 200m with 28.97 another PB. Ava significantly improving her indoor best and just outside of her outdoor best with 27.19. Finally, Stephanie Smith also setting a new indoor PB of 28.33.
Thanks Mark Smith for the report and photos.
BMC Indoor Grand Prix, Sheffield
Olivia Forrest took the rare opportunity to run an indoors 3000m with the British Milers’ Club at the English Institute of Sports in Sheffield on Sunday. 15 laps of the track may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Olivia loves a challenge! Running amongst a group of older women, Olivia held her own and finished strongly to take an indoor PB of 9:42.22.
Christmas and New Year Parkrun and Junior parkun round up
A big thank you to Elliot Worth who writes our parkrun / junior parkrun round up each week and who has done a brilliant job of tracking everyone’s efforts over the festive period! As ever – please help him out by adding Brentwood Beagles to your parkrun profile so we can easily pick you up in the results!! If you don’t know how to do this – just ask.
Saturday, December 23: On a vibrant morning Brentwood Beagles AC fielded 24 dedicated members across various parkruns, leaving their mark with exceptional performances and unwavering team spirit.
The day commenced at Hackney Marshes, where Madison Kindler displayed her prowess, clinching 1st position among female runners and an impressive 5th overall with a time of 00:18:27, also securing the JW10 record by over 2 minutes! At a bustling Poole parkrun, the Beagles showcased their mettle. Olivia Forrest claimed 3rd position amongst the female runners and a commendable 18th overall in 00:17:08 (PB). Meanwhile, Isabel Forrest demonstrated resilience, securing a time of 00:20:43 (PB).
Raphael parkrun witnessed a Beagle takeover. Among a competitive field, Evie Warn (2nd female, 12th overall in 00:19:15), Laura Durn (6th female, 44th overall in 00:21:53 PB), and Daniel Smith (66th overall in 00:23:58). At Billericay parkrun, Elliot Worth finished 7th overall in 00:19:35. The female category saw strong performances from Sophie Bickerstaff (2nd female, 24th overall in 00:22:07) and Nadia Price (3rd female, 26th overall in 00:22:18) running with Phil Price (27th overall, same time).
In the heart of Barking, the Johnson duo left an impression. Ollie Johnson (16th overall in 00:20:23), Paul Johnson (17th overall in 00:20:49). At Chelmsford, amidst a vast field, Lianne Esterhuysen exhibited her determination, securing the 18th female position with a time of 00:23:10. Daniel Esterhuysen finished 145th in 00:23:13, while Dylan Hussain showcased his prowess, finishing 159th overall in 00:24:39. At Harrow Lodge, Robin Smith was 3rd (19:14) and Jude Hearn impressed, finishing 5th overall in 00:20:32 (PB).
In their home parkrun, Brentwood Beagles AC dominated. Max Sanderson led the pack, securing 1st position overall with a time of 00:17:35. Other notable performances included Mattie Delea (5th overall in 00:20:57), Daniel Jaycock (12th overall in 00:21:20), Stuart Crowther (13th overall in 00:22:07), while Ellie Gray showcased resilience, finishing 5th female in 00:25:36.
At Centennial parkrun all the way down in Australia, Frankie Edwards displayed determination, finishing 61st overall in 00:22:32. Back closer to home, Wickford Memorial parkrun witnessed outstanding performances. Alex Young showcased his speed, securing 1st position overall with a time of 00:18:15. Cameron Young and Izzy Young claimed 15th and 17th positions overall with times of 00:22:01 and 00:22:57, respectively. Finally, the Beagles also made a mark at Chalkwell Beach parkrun with Emily Brewington (11th female, 74th overall in 00:24:33) and Freya Brewington (88th overall in 00:31:26) demonstrating commendable efforts.
There was a junior event on 24th at Harrow Lodge where there was a good representation from the blues & reds. Coming in 1st place with an impressive time of 00:06:54 was Summer Smith, just 8 seconds outside her PB. Not far behind was Missy Tiller in 2nd (00:07:13), while Ollie Johnson came 4th (00:07:40), Oliver Trevor 7th (00:08:48), Blossom Smith 8th (00:08:54) and Ezra-Zion Gooch 18th in 00:10:34. Harry Collier (00:10:09 PB) finished 13th with brother Jack Collier (00:10:31) just behind in 17th.
Meanwhile, over at a blustery Lake Meadows, Isobel Larner (00:08:27) finished 7th, just a few seconds outside her PB while Liam Worth (00:10:39) came 31st. Finally at Hutton Rec, we had 7 runners taking part. Nora Heidemans finishing 11th in (00:10:23), Daniel Smith (12th, 00:10:31), Jessica Thomson (16th, 00:11:37), Camilla Nash (20th, 00:11:57), Bailee Abrahams (23rd, 00:12:26), Ethan Wilson (35th 00:17:45) and Max Wilson (37th 00:17:49).
Finally, at Enfield Town, Madison Kindler was breaking records again, finishing 2nd overall and 1st female in a time of 00:07:04, a new JW10 best by 40 seconds!
On Christmas morning, we had plenty of runners out at various local events. At Barking, Dean Savery took 1st place in a time of 00:17:12, a parkrun PB! Not far behind in 3rd was Olivia Forrest (00:17:28 PB), breaking the JW15-17 record by 27 seconds. Mattie Delea also ran strongly to finish 8th in 00:18:46. Over at Billericay, Elliot Worth was the lone Beagle, finishing in 7th with a time of 00:19:44.
There was also a Christmas Day Junior parkrun event at Harrow Lodge where there was a clean sweep with the top 6 finishers all Beagles. Isabel Forrest led the team in finishing 1st in 00:08:00, while in 2nd was Ollie Trevor (00:08:39). 3rd went to Emily Brewington (00:08:46), 4th Aria Sabdado (00:08:53), 5th Blossom Smith (00:08:56) and 6th Madison Kindler (00:09:14). Harry Collier (00:10:09) was 13th with brother Jack Collier (00:10:31) not far behind in 17th.
December 30th Parkruns
At Raphael, Emily Brewington completed the run in 00:23:18, securing the 56th position, while Dylan Hussain ran the course for the first time, finishing in 00:25:01.
Meanwhile at Billericay parkrun, Elliot Worth claimed 2nd position with a time of 00:19:44, and Sophie Bickerstaff finished in 00:22:51, securing the 28th spot & 5th female. At Chelmsford Central Phil Price and Nadia Price ran together finishing in 00:21:59 & 00:21:58 respectively.
Over at Harrow Lodge, Preston Taylor ran well to finish 2nd in a time of 00:18:30, Lianne Esterhuysen finished at 00:23:40, securing 17th position and 2nd female. Daniel Esterhuysen was not far behind Lianne, finishing 19th in 00:24:02 (PB), while Daisy Middlemiss also ran well to finish in 34th with a new PB of 00:25:56.
At Brentwood Robert Barke claimed 13th spot with a time of 00:23:34, Max Massarella finished in 00:25:25, securing 32nd, closely followed by Lorraine Massarella (00:26:26). Lola Massarella completed the run in 00:37:24, securing 83rd spot, and finally Laura Durn finished in 00:44:37, securing 99th position.
We had several Beagles using the holidays to do some parkrun touring; at Rushmoor in Hampshire, Stuart Crowther securing 18th position at 00:20:38, while at Seaford Beach parkrun in East Sussex Mattie Delea ran strongly to finish in 00:20:15 (PB), securing 8th spot, while Erin Delea finished at 00:29:20, securing the 106th position. Finally, on the Germany/Swiss border at Dreiländergarten, Madison Kindler secured 4th place in 00:19:30 and took JW10 record by over 5 minutes!
Heavy overnight rain meant a damp morning for our junior parkrunners on New Year’s Eve. At Harrow Lodge, plenty of our female Beagles were out with the top 3 finishers all from the club. Summer Smith (00:07:14) ran a strong time with Missy Tiller (00:07:23) not far behind in 2nd. Isabel Forrest (00:08:01) also ran well finishing 3rd. Slightly further back, Emily Brewington came 6th (00:08:48), Blossom Smith 7th (00:09:03), Harry Collier 19th(00:10:55) and Freya Brewington 29th (00:13:03). At Lake Meadows, Sophie Bickerstaff (00:08:42) was in attendance running well to finish 5th and 1st female.
At a waterlogged and slippery Hutton Rec, the club was strongly represented led in by Colm Forrest (00:08:45) with Daniel Smith (00:09:03) 2nd. Ethan Wilson finished 4th (00:10:00), Joshua Barke (00:10:45) 5th, Chloe Thomson 11th(00:11:12), Jessica Thomson 13th (00:11:48), Liam Worth (00:11:55) 14th, Max Wilson 16th (00:12:26) and Joshua Thomson* 18th (00:12:45).
New Year’s Day brought calmer conditions for a 4th 5k parkrun event in just 9 days for some particularly intrepid runners! At Harrow Lodge, Preston Taylor (00:19:10)ran well again, finishing 2nd with Robin Smith not too far behind him in 3rd (19:33). Also performing strongly was Summer Smith (00:21:33), finishing 5th overall and 1st female. In Devon, Ollie Trevor bagged himself a new 5k PB at Cranbrook Country Park parkrun (22:57).
At Billericay, recent regulars Elliot Worth and Sophie Bickerstaff took advantage of the change to a fully paved, 5-lap, course to post strong times. Elliot finishing 2nd by a whisker (00:18:57) and Sophie coming in 2nd female in 23rd (00:22:17), just 20 seconds outside her course PB. Meanwhile, at Chelmsford, Daniel Jaycock (00:40:19) and Harriet Ward (00:49:11) enjoyed their first runs of the year. Continuing his Hampshire parkrun touring, Stuart Crowther attended Alice Holt, finishing 15th overall (00:21:42).
Over at Raphael, Missy Tiller took on the course for the first time, finishing 8th overall and 1st female in an impressive time of 00:19:17. Nadia Price (00:21:47) and Phil Price (00:21:48) finished 28th & 29th respectively while sisters Emily Brewington (00:24:19) and Freya Brewington (00:38:15) also ran well.
Saturday 6th January saw lower numbers due to the Essex XC Championships and some waterlogged courses in the region. We did have runners out and about however starting at Raphael with Phil Price (00:18:04 PB) finishing 5th and Zac Thomas running well to finish 13th with a time of 00:19:52. Lianne Esterhuysen finished 2nd female overall and picked up a new PB with a time of 00:22:14. Emily Brewington (00:24:29) ran well too finishing in the top 100.
At Harrow Lodge, Ollie Trevor (00:26:55) finished 32nd while over at Thurrock, Orsett Heath, Erin Delea made the top 50 with a time of 00:27:51. Finally, Harriet Ward (00:35:55) took on Wickford Memorial for the first time.
On Sunday, with more waterlogged courses there were fewer options locally for our junior Beagles but there was a good turnout at Lake Meadows with a winter course change to a more undulating, route. Finishing 4th was Sophie Bickerstaff (00:08:47), closely followed by Nadia Price (00:08:57 PB). In 9th was Isobel Larner with a time of 00:09:02, next in was Magnus Wilks (00:11:12), and Liam Worth (00:11:32).
At Harrow Lodge, Ollie Trevor finished 6th in 00:08:02, with Blossom Smith (00:09:15) not far behind in 7th and 1st female. Ezra-Zion Gooch ran well too to finish in 00:10:30. The Chelmsford course was also open and Emily Brewington (00:08:53) ran her course best by a comfortable margin to finish 9th, with Freya Brewington making her debut finishing 41st in 00:12:29.
Remember to let is know if you need help adding your club details to your parkrun profile.
Coming up
This weekend sees the SEAA indoor championships for U13/15/17 at Lee Valley – good luck to all of the Beagles competing – we know you will be giving your best. We also have several of our Beagles heading off to Glasgow for the third round of the British Cross Challenge Event – good luck to them too!
