Another trip to Germany for Holly Bradshaw at the Iternationales Sparkassen Stabhochsprung-Meeting
Hof, Altstadt, (RESULTS) at the weekend on Saturday July 20th and another win – successive wins in the last two weeks. Holly cleared 4.42m to take the win from Imogen Ayris in 2nd also clearing 4.42m – on to the Paris Olympics now, and we wish her well from everyone at Blackburn Harriers as she approaches her fourth Olympics in a row placing 6th in 2012 in London; 5th in Rio 2016; 3rd and the Bronze Medal in Tokyo 2020. Qualifying for just one Olympics is massive, given what it takes to get there – getting to four Olympics in a row and winning a medal as well, is enormous. Congratulations to Holly, no matter what happens in Paris –  What an incredible record.

Holly & Paul Bradshaw (not sure who will be drinking this!)

On to a completely different terrain at the weekend where there were two hundred and sixty finishers in this years Pete Bland Kentmere Horseshoe run on Sunday July 21st – run over 12.3 miles with over a 1000m of climbing. (RESULTS). Oliver Perratt (Mercia) was the race winner in 1hr 34.22 followed by Sean Leckey (Ambleside) in 2nd (1hr 38.20) and Jack Agnew (Mercia) in 3rd place (1hr 42.31). Blackburn Harriers Josh Holgate had a great run to finish in 6th place with a time of 1hr 44. 34.

Also out on the Fells was Helen Leigh at the International Snowdon Race on Saturday July 20th described on the race website thus “The main  International Snowdon Race”, now it’s 48th year, is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best racers in Europe. For the 47 years its been organized by the local community and all voluntary members of the organization committee. That’s dedication for you.” Helen had been targetting the race and commented on her social media after the race that she was “Super chuffed with tenth spot and a 5 min pb this weekend. Solid block of training behind me and felt really good, epic battles on the way down. 14th to the top and 7th fastest descender. Still in one piece for an 11 miler this morning . Epic catch ups, sunshine and rainstorms, top weekend “.

Helen Leigh (170)

The third Fell Race of the weekend saw Louisa Powell-Smith taking on the 6.5 miles with 370m of climbing last Friday night – July 19th – at the Resevoir View Fell Race which was won by Rossendale’s Joseph Waller in 45.31. Louisa won the Women’s race running 51.38 and was 4th overall as well as being 1st Woman. (RESULTS)

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Sunday July 21st was the date, Witton Park Arena was the venue and the weather stayed rain free as the final match in this years UKYDL took place with a lot to play for as far as Blackburn Harriers were concerned. Would the team stay up in the Division or would they be relegated. A fine performance, taking into account a number of athletes missing for holidays and injuries, meant that the team finished 4th on the day, securing their place in the Division for 2025. During the course of the day, our young athletes, some of them doing events for the first time, some competing for the first time, produced 15 individual wins, 18 second and 12 third places as well as outscoring all the other teams in the Relays. In addition they produced 18 new PB’s – Jack Thompson U15B 200 (25.3); Tom Falkencki U15B 800m (2.16.6); Theo Robinson U15 B 1500m (4.50.4); James MCaulay U15B Discus (22.09m); Liam Bennison U15B Javelin (16.36m); Imogen Boardman U15G 200m (28.4); Agatha Taylor U15G 300m (42.9);  Bella McCredie U15G 800m (2.34.2) & U15G Discus (11.37m); Mille Jordan U15G 1500 (4.45.5); Grace iLunga U15G Long Jump (4.57m); Noah Baah U13B 75m (10.7); Charlie Collins U13B 75m (10.9) & U13B 150m (21.6); Lucas Pickens U13B 800m (2.46.9); Morgan Watson U13B 1200m (4.01.7) & U13B Discus (16.02m); Seren Gooden U13G 150m (21.6).

Imogen Boardman (11)

Once again, many thanks to the Officials who continually turn out for the Club : Lindsay Davies; Kevin Hogan; Alison Heywood; Steve Brindle; John iLunga; Krista Camara; John Chaplin; Sabrina Dewhurst and Alison Hulme who does a fabulous job in organising the Officials for the Club.

(ALL PHOTOS ON BLACKBURN HARRIERS FACEBOOK PAGE)

L-R Jack Thompson – Ava Shannon – Seren Gooden – Amelia Pacelli – Tomi Birch – Darcie Belshaw – Imogen Boardman – Isabella Finn – Dana Juma

L-R Tom Falencki – Theo Robinson – Jack Thompson – Tomi Birch

Ryker Hanson (1) – Morgan Watson (11)

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