PAC News 36, 11th September 2018

Millie achieves another bronze – in New York!

Melissa Courtney, daughter of endurance coach Mark and coached by Mark Pauley, ran in the elite section of the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile in New York on Sunday. In wet conditions, she finished in third place, the best of the overseas runners. Her time was 4:20.19 and 3,595 women finished. Jenny Simpson (USA) won in 4:18.8 (this added to her excellent bronze in the Commonwealth Games on Gold Coast in April.) GB athlete Jake Wightman won the Mens’ race, ahead of more than 4100 runners.

Jack wins the Mens’ Long Jump in the City Games.

Jack Roach, son of High Jump coach Mark, featured in the BBC televised Great North City Games in Newcastle last Saturday. Just three invited male jumpers, all limited to only four attempts took part on the elevated runway, very close to the many spectators.

Multiple champion Greg Rutherford, having announced his retirement, was jumping in his farewell competition. By the end, only 3 cm covered all three athletes. Jack enhanced his reputation and justified his invitation by winning with 7.41m. He was followed by James Lelliott (BAC) with 7.39m and then Greg Rutherford with 7.38m. The attention was understandably on Greg and for him, it was a happy and emotional time. Anyway, well done Jack!