HAC’s young athletes have been thrilled to watch their GB hero’s at the world championships in Beijing over the past few days. The junior endurance group were so inspired by their hero Mo Farah’s stunning performances over 10k and 5k on the track that they performed brilliantly on the final day of the Essex County Championships held on Sat 29th Aug 2015 at Southend AC.

The U15 boys team of; Lewis Harknett, twin brother Owen Harknett and Sam Collins had been relishing the chance to pit themselves against the county’s best middle distance athletes in the 3x800m relay event.

Cross country specialist Lewis ran the first leg to come home in first place in a time of 2.15. The second leg was run by debutant Sam Collins who drifted to 3rd place after lap one but bravely battled against Southend AC and Ilford AC to come home in 2nd place in a time of 2.24. The final leg was run by 800m specialist Owen Harknett in a new PB of 2.10, who sprinted really hard to out kick Southend AC and have a photo finish with Ilford AC. There was a very nervous wait for the results and we were told that Ilford AC had actually been disqualified upon a complaint from Southend AC due to an ‘obstruction infringement’ during the race. It was high drama at the athletics stadium as Harlow AC’s U15 boys team were crowned county champions for 2015, with Southend AC taking the silver and Chelmsford AC the bronze.

As a coach, I’m so proud of these boys, they train very hard, race even harder but most importantly of all work together as a team embodying what Harlow AC is all about. When they compete for us, they are proud the wear the name of their home town on their vests. Their hard work, friendship and teamwork has really paid off and they deserve this county title. To go head-to-head with premier league clubs and prevail is great for our boys. I’m pretty sure their time is also a new club record, so really well done to them!

There was an added for bonus at the event for HAC’s year 4 Henry Moore student Rafferty Groat, as he competed in the U11’s 600m race in a new PB time of 2.09 to gain the title of Essex County Champion for 2015!!!!! HAC’s U11 athlete Analese Hassanally also competed well in the 75m and 150m sprints.

There are great things happening at HAC at the moment and all our young athletes are inspired by the international athletes the club has, who’s names read like a ‘roll-call’ of talent, with the likes of; Andrew Osagie, Richard Chissario, Dawn Jones, Naomi Harryman and Will Marklew to name but a few. We have great support for all our coaches, volunteers and parent helpers and we are privileged to work in partnership with Mark Hall Sports Centre.