Mansfield Harriers shine at Nuneaton and Swansea
The Midland Counties Under 17 and Under 15 age group championships took place last weekend at the Pingles Stadium, Nuneaton.
The small but highly talented group of Mansfield athletes competed in large fields against the best the region has to offer and they all came away with a podium placing.
Leading the way Amelia Arbon retained her title in the Under 17 1500 steeplechase recording a massive personal best time of 5.25.91 as she dominated the event from gun to tape. Sophie Peet continues her rich vein of form taking the Under 15 girls Javelin with an impressive throw of 26.51 metres.
After a season wrecked by injury Maya Bonser has bounced back superbly in 2025 and put a terrific series of leaps in the Under 15 girls Long Jump and came away with a best of 4.71 metres to take silver. Also taking silver Charley Whysall recorded a rapid 10.14.93 in the Under 15 girls 3000 metres.
Thomas Harding took a bronze in the Under 17 100 metres recording 11.38 in the final which was his fourth race of the weekend. He also placed 5th in the 200 metres final after recording a new best time of 22.52 in his heat. Florence Kenney took a bronze in the Under 17 800, after a slow first lap a sprint from 350 metres out saw Florence take the bronze 2.18.61. Isla Millns is another who is having a superb year and her fine form continues as she took the bronze in the Under 15 girls 3000 metres with 10.51.32
After a series of qualifying races, Mansfield Harriers had five athletes representing England Masters against Wales Masters and the UK Armed Forces at the Swansea Half Marathon. The previous days rain disappeared and the athletes were greeted with glorious sunshine in the fierce competition.
Carolyn Hay has been outstanding throughout the year and her superb run of form continued with an age group win in the F50 category recording a stunning personal best of 1.21.07. Making his England debut Mike Blair was impressive in the M45 category as he came away with 3rd place with 1.13.32. Chris Patterson had an excellent run in the M40 category crossing the finish line in 1.11.40 to also take a 3rd place.
Jan Bailey also competed in the M45 age group recording 1.15.58. Barbara Stevens was going well in the W65 age group but had the misfortune of pulling her calf at 6 miles which forced her first did not finish in over 40 years of competition. Also competing was M70 athlete Malcolm Goodall who ran strongly throughout to record 1.55.23