Simon Achurch.

British Masters gold for Nene Valley Harrier Claire as husband Julian also bags bronze

By Barry Warne

Nene Valley Harriers sprinter Claire Smith won gold and silver at the British Masters Track and Field Championships staged in Birmingham over the weekend – while husband Julian also appeared on the podium with 400m bronze.

Claire Smith won her gold in the over-40s 400m with a 62.74secs clocking, and also picked up bronze over 200m in a time of 27.56secs.

Julian Smith crossed the line in 55.35secs for his over-50 400m bronze.

There were other medals for Nene Valley’s all conquering veterans, with Simon Achurch winning three of them – all silver.

Achurch finished as runner-up in the weighted throw, javelin and hammer, which he threw 42.47m.

Pole vaulter Richard Phelan went over the bar at a season’s best equalling 3.00m to win over-55 bronze, while John Spriggs secured an over-65 triple jump bronze with a distance of 7.86m which he followed up with third in the long jump.

p Nene Valley’s Alex Hampson clocked a season’s best 3.58.05mins to win his 1,500m race in a British Milers Club meeting at Trafford.

Two other Nene Valley athletes were in action and Archie Rainbow had a fine run, setting a new fastest time of 1.54.69mins when finishing third over 800m.

Fellow Harrier Aaron Hunt clocked 4.05.64mins in the 1,500m.

  • Long distance running legend and unsung sporting hero Keith Hall passed away last week.

In addition to being chairman and founder member of Thorney Running Club, Hall played a major role in establishing the local running scene as it is now.

He was also a founder member of Peterborough Athletic Club when Crowland Athletic Club and Peterborough Harriers merged.

His funeral will take place at Thorney Abbey on August 28 (11am).

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