On Tuesday evening, when many were training at Deer Park, James Widdowson and Dorian Matts were competing in ideal conditions at Blackridge track, home of Gloucester AC. James was competing in his favourite track event, the Mile, whilst Dorian was doing the long jump and the non-standard 150m, mainly to try and beat the MV65 club records of Swindon Harriers (SH), for whom he is second claim.
The weather was perfect for all competitors, as it was sunny and warm for the earlier sprinting, jumping and throwing events, and cooler later on for the longer distance events. It was a very low key event, being at the end of season with fewer athletes and a friendly and helpful group of officials, led by Gloucester Sports’ “Sensible Steve”; most of us knowing him from the XC events.
James ran in his great looking Soar kit; unfortunately due to running in a mixed age race, Dorian didn’t get any photos, due to him competing with some youngsters. James was very close to his Club age group record, finishing in 6:20.9, despite not having focused his training on the event. James stated, ”once again I took part in a track meeting and felt very welcome amongst athletes of all ages and abilities. My mile started with a good lap but it soon took its toll, though I had more of a sprint left for the last 100m! All in all a consistent time. I’ve now run 3 mile races and all results sit within a spread of only 3 seconds! I’m going to keep plugging away at this fun variation to the norm.“ Well done, James.
Dorian, however, was competing with records in mind. He knew he was having a good night when he hit the long jump board hard and sailed miles beyond his previous wind-assisted PB (3.25) on his first attempt:- 3:57m, beating the previous 2014 SH MV65 record by 20cm! He followed this up with two slight (1-2cm) fouls due to “really going for it”; then reined it back in for a 3.37 and 3.50m jumps before calling it a day to save his legs for the 150m.
He was racing against an old LV60 adversary from Forest of Dean (he has raced a few times and they’re about equal in wins) and a bunch of younger runners. It’s one of the interesting aspects of many of the track and field meetings that you compete with athletes of all ages, from those Under 11s just starting out, through to other “veterans”. He managed to jump further than one of the U11s but the best senior jumpers were nearly double his distance, but one cannot help but learn much from observing the really good athletes in action.
Bouyed by his long jump record, Dorian started well and didn't tire, not only beating his lady vet rival but also breaking the Swindon 150m record set by an ex-work colleague last year. Following that he watched Jame's mile and ex-Cirencester AC 1500m and 5000m record holder, Marc Fallows, run a 3k. A great evening of athletics.
Mile race 2 results
Chloe Powell (Swindon Harriers) 5:19.2
12. James Widdowson 6:20.0
Long Jump results:
Joel Townley (Gloucester AC) 6.75m (!)
8. Dorian Matts 3.57m
150m heat 4
Isabel Fernandez (Gloucester AC) 21.5s
4. Dorian Matts 24.2s
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