The under 15 Boys secure the bronze medal in a thrilling finish at the South of England Cross Country Relays at Wormwood Scrubs yesterday!!

The first race of the day was the under 17 Womens relay over a 2:5km
Course. The team of Emma Horsey (8:36), Charlotte Vaughan (8:36) and Rachel Pharaoh (8:55) all did themselves proud in their first race of the Cross Country season and finished in 8th place.

Next up the under 17 mens race. Ben Marks led the team off with a superb run to come home in second place with a 10:15 clocking over the 3km course and third fastest time of the day. Handing over to Joshua Taylor who ran solidly to keep the team in contention with a 11:17 leg, Joshua handed over to club Captain Ben Fitzpatrick (10:56) on the final leg. Ben tried his best to get the team into a medal position with a solid run but just missed out. The boys did remarkably well to finish in 5th place.

The under 15 Girls were next to compete. A young and inexperienced team of Bella Wiles (8:08), Catherine Blandford (9:10) and Olivia Mensah (8:43) all did well against very strong opposition in their first taste of competition at this level.

Final race for Walton athletes and by far the most exciting of the day was the under 15 Boys. Jack Gemmell led the team off superbly, always in contention throughout the 2km course, bringing the team home in 4th place with a 6:43 clocking. Handing over to Ross Hurst who showed what potential he has as Ross closed the gap on the leaders and brought the team right into medal contention with a 6:48 leg. Ross handed over to the youngest member of the team Ollie Emment, Ollie showed maturity way beyond his years, and ran his own race. With just under half a mile left four teams were in contention but Ollie ran his socks off to bring the team home in third place with a 6:39 clocking securing the bronze medal. The B team of Joseph Daws-Twilley (7:01), Christopher Vaughan (7:35) and Callum Stewart (9:00) came home in 24th place.

Congratulations to all the Walton athletes who competed yesterday.

Congratulations to George Sudderick who picked up another award last night at the 19th annual Spelthorne Sports Awards held at Shepperton Studios.

George picked up the ‘The Gerry Ceaser Special Recognition Award’ , presented by Spelthorne Sports Council for his outstanding achievements, effort and dedication this year on the track.

Well done to George from everyone at the club.

We are thrilled to announce that our Chairman, Jack Rutherford, has been recognised at the England Athletics South East regional Volunteer Awards. Jack was presented with the “Volunteer of the Year” gong at the awards ceremony last night, and will now be considered for the national awards in Coventry next week.

Jack has served Walton AC in multiple capacities since 1985, first as a cross country athlete, progressing into track and field as a 400m and 800m specialist. Since then, he has served the club as a coach, official, team manager and committee member, and now Club Chairman. His generosity with his time and hospitality needs no introduction to club members, who all know we can rely on a friendly, supportive and calm presence at training, racing and events.

Jack was nominated by members of the club and his coaching group, and recognised by England Athletics for the broad span of his volunteering activities across all ages, abilities and aspects of the sport, but in particular his hard work in the delivery of the Waterside Drive project with maximum benefit for the Club and the Sport as a whole.

Jack, we are so very proud of you!

In the words of the nomination:

“As a coach, chairman, team manager, official (club, county and region) and athlete, since 1985 Jack has given his all to Walton AC, which would undoubtedly have struggled without him. In 2017 he also steered the delivery of a stunning new stadium, balancing club needs with community investment by the council. He coaches a diverse ‘all welcome’ group and is always seen where club athletes compete, team or individuals, near or far. Friendly, positive, approachable; he helps all athletes, no matter their age or ability to reach their full potential, with obvious pride in their achievements, including notable international success by masters women. His hospitality and generosity is second to none, regularly inviting athletes to his home for food after racing.

Jack, a rare gem, deserves recognition for giving his time so generously. He delivers the EA Mission inclusively, welcoming and encouraging a diverse group of athletes and proactively developing the club within the wider athletics community.”