Club sends pair to British Championships

STRATFORD had two athletes competing in the British Championships which attracted more than 800 competitors to the Manchester Regional Arena – all hopeful of securing a place at this year’s World Championships in Budapest.

There was no Andrew Pozzi due to injury, but Jack Sumners raced in the 110m hurdles. Based in Iowa, America, where he is studying at university, Jack was one of the youngest taking part and arrived back in the UK following a hugely successful indoor and outdoor season.

With limited preparation, he lined up in the first heat and finished third behind the eventual champion Tade Ojora and GB international Miguel Perrera. His time was a respectable 14.15s but not quick enough for a place in the final.

Sumners said: “It’s a very strong competitive group at the moment and I’m happy with the time. I pushed a bit hard as I haven’t run in a while, but not bad and I’ll be back next year”.

High jumper Emily Madden-Forman wore the Trafford AC vest while she’s studying in Manchester and this season she has consolidated her status as one of the top female high jumpers in the UK. After a nip and tuck competition with two others battling for second place, she finished the championships with a best height of 1.81m to secure the silver medal behind 13-time UK champion Morgan Lake.

On a more local level, July’s Shakespeare race took place in Bidford over a slightly longer and often undulating course.

Jamie Hall was the overall winner in a time of 39.36, with Richard Liggatt (40.49) finishing second and Seb Wolsoncroft (43.24) third. Kate Wright was first lady and eighth overall with a time of 44.34.