Basingstoke ObserverBASINGSTOKE and Mid Hants AC, athletes have been in fine form attending International events around Europe.
Firstly running in the Sollentuna Grand Prix held in Sweden, Ben Pattison lowered the Men’s 800m club record to 1 min 45:16 secs. This was a superb performance and it puts Ben 2nd on the UK rankings this season.
Then three days later taking part in the World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger, held in Marseille, Thomas Staines finished 3rd in a quality 800m field in a time of 1.46:87. Having just returned to the UK from the USA where he lives with his Mother, Linda Keough a star Basingstoke athlete and World Championship medalist of the past and his father Gary Staines a great distance runner. Thomas recorded a good time in his first race of the season over in Europe as he prepares for the UK trials next week. The winner of the race was Alvaro De Arriba of Spain in 1.46.35.
These two performances along with Reece Sharman-Newell who recently ran 1.45:56 mean they occupy 2nd (Ben), 3rd (Thomas) and 6th (Reece) in the National Rankings.
Next weekend all three run the Trials in Manchester and it will be well worth following the three Basingstoke and Mid Hants AC members as they battle it out for places in either the World, Commonwealth or European Championships coming up this Summer.
Other Basingstoke athletes entered next weekend are in the Women’s 800m Gemma Finch and Rebecca Bullock, Women’s 1500m Maddie Deadman, Decathlon Caius Joseph and Tom Chandler also in the Heptathlon Laura Darcey. Good luck everyone.
By Ian Byett
