Athletics
Much to savour as athletes battle hard in the cold

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THE THIRD round of the Midland Women's Cross Country League was held at Baggeridge Country Park in Dudley on January 14 and it certainly proved a challenge for the ladies of Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club as they braved the frost and freezing temperatures.

The 6.5km course was one of the most challenging of the season as they battled the steep climbs and ascents through woodland and high exposed trails.

The massive field of over 200 runners was led home by Telford Athletic Club's Claire Martin in a time of 24:24 and first to complete the course for B&R was Sally Hogan in 25th place (27:33), followed by team-mates Mel Hepke (30:32) in 78th position and Charlotte Ball in 110th (32:33).

Meanwhile, B&R junior athletes got the track and field season off to an early start at the Birmingham Open, held on January 14/15 at the Alexander Stadium.

Despite the cold weather the athletes produced some great performances as personal bests were set by the throwers and sprinters.

Candy Lockett came fourth with a PB of 19.36m in the U15 girls discus and then recorded another PB in the U15 girls shot in which she also finished fourth with 6.67m - a good start after going up an age group throwing heavier implements. Lockett also took part in the long jump and came sixth with 4.01m.

Izzy Billau set a new PB in the U20 women's triple jump with 11.01m as she came fourth and then went on to get second place in the javelin with a throw of 28.68m.

Jo Frost set a new PB in the women's 60m sprint to come second with a run of 7.91secs, before finishing second in the women's long jump with a leap of 5.08m.

Dewi Hammond finished second in the U20 men's 60m sprint with a run of 7.03secs and Thomas Russell came third in the senior men's 60m sprint with a run of 7.52secs, having clocked a PB of 7.48secs in the first heat.

All in all, this was a fantastic start to the season for the club.

The B&R women's team of Charlotte Ball, Mel Hepke and Sally Hogan and Sally Hogan (67) tackling one of the steep ascents. (s)