Claybury, Woodford
LIAM DEE, brother of Jamie Dee, who won the previous Met League senior race in February, went away from Flurry Grierson and Roger Poolman, after the second of two laps of three. Dee who had run two sub-4 minute miles indoors in the ‘States’ and son of ex-International Billy Dee, who advises him
Alastair Aitken reports Dee, who works for an Independent Running shop, in various capacities, said “The hills are so steep at Claybury you are not recovering going down them. I kept my effort at an even pace as possible and not overcooking myself on the hills” He ran a 13.46/5000back in 2021 but felt he could do even better when in shape. He has been doing more road running than track recently. Flurry Grierson, who was second made some interesting comments.” I was an orienteer before I took up athletics and, I was surprised to eventually come 3rd in the Senior National this year as, I had never run in a National cross country before.”
Highgate Harriers are favorites to win the League for the 14th year in succession but cannot take that for granted as, Victoria Park &Tower Hamlets are close behind and, in the Women’s’ section have an even better chance of possibly overhauling London Heathside, after winning at Claybury with their’ B’ team in 3rd place overall.
In the Men’s race it is worth noting that the oldest runner Richard Bloom at 80 was 402 of 410 finishers. It was good to see Paul Martelletti as the first ‘over 45’ in 35th place, as he won or placed in the Met League several times, a few years ago.
Ciara Boyd-Squires Long, who came from Australia just over a year ago, was a comfortable winner of the women’s race, She ran 2:45 for the Berlin Marathon and is a PE Teacher, and on around 90 miles week. Doing a lot of her running in Victoria Park. 10th or 165 finishers was Holly Wilkinson the first W45.
The oldest woman was ‘ Home international’ Sabina Russell, First W60 in 46th off the 165 finishers.
Two clear junior winners were Sonnie Allen in the 15-17s’ and Arjuna Pflug in the junior equivalent. He had only been doing 3 weeks training. after injuries but, under the coaching of Chris Rainsord and Hannah Viner, had been winning all his Under 15 age group races and now, looks forward after the confidence of his win in the Met League for the London Youth Games cross-counties. .
Another future prospect is Joshua Maiden (12) who won the Under 13 Boys, leading for the last part of the race. and he had won the Herts 800/1500 & Herts Schools cross-countries.
Regarding the leading junior teams Shaftesbury Barnet and Woodford Green & Essex Ladies, Woodford Green coach John Stow told me several of his youngsters had already run in two races in the week of the Met League, which blunted them but he was particularly pleased with Jessie Gellar who won the Under 11’s race and still feels confident of Wodford winning by the end of the season.