On 26 July, Miles and Owen Edwardes, Sam Walkington and Toby Metzgen travelled to Bedford to compete in the England Athletics Age Group Championships and Junior Para Championships.
Conditions on the day were hot, sunny and windy, the latter having a significant impact on the 200m race as the +2.3 wind speed meant results were not legal in this race. Athletes also had to battle the wind in the 800m race, which affected their chances of achieving a Personal Best (PB).
Their results were as follows:
|
Wheelchair racing |
100m |
200m |
800m |
|
O. Edwardes T34 |
19.30s |
36.83s (PB) (+2.3w) |
N/A |
|
Metzgen T34 |
18.93s |
34.27s (+2.3w) |
2:20.37 |
|
Walkington T34 |
19.23s (PB) |
36.03s (+2.3w) |
2:37.9 |
|
100m |
Shot 4k |
Javelin 600 |
|
|
M. Edwardes T38 |
13.88s (PB) |
7.87m (PB) |
20.11m (PB) |
This competition marked the first use of the new U18 and U16 age groups in an English championship.
Speaking about the new age groups, Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said: “Many of the athletes competing in Glasgow would have enjoyed participation in our age group champs on route to senior success”.
The day proved especially successful for Miles Edwardes, who achieved a PB in the 100m race, shot 4k and Javelin 600.
In May, a significant resurfacing project was completed at the Bedford International Athletic Stadium, allowing the venue to facilitate sporting competitions once again.
Kirsty Fardell, the Club Support Manager at England Athletics, said: "The facility provides a safe place for athletes to train on which is absolutely fantastic for the club, and it's great to be able to support the clubs in the area at facilities like this."
Now that England Athletics are allowed to host competitions at the Stadium, several championships will be held this summer, including junior and senior para championships. Details for this event are yet to be announced.
Further results for the England Athletics Age Group Championships and Junior Para Championships can be found here: https://meets.rosterathletics.com/public/competitions/details/schedule?id=28644&meId=396428