29 Jul Isla excels on the track during busy SDAC weekend
South Devon athlete Isla Perry underlined her status in the UK’s top ten with an outstanding weekend at the English Athletics Championships in Birmingham, writes Steve Carr.
She was one of a number of athletes from Paignton-based South Devon Athletic Club to represent the club at various levels.
Under-15 racer Isla (Pictured above) was competing in the 200m and 300m events at the Alexander Stadium. After negotiating her way to the 300m final with a personal best time, Isla had a great run and finished seventh overall. In the 200m she qualified for the semi-finals and gave her all, but couldn’t quite make the final cut.
This is Isla’s first year at under-15 level, and her achievements have been outstanding. She is now ranked within the UK top ten for her age in the 300m.
Henry Gardiner and Lauren Carr – picture by Steve Carr
At the Southwest Championships and Inter Counties competition held at Exeter Arena, South Devon AC fielded two athletes, Henry Gardiner and Lauren Carr.
Henry ran a strong under-13 800m. He was just pipped to third place and a medal but was delighted with a new personal best time. In the 200m, against a competitive field, Henry ran a fast bend to finish seventh 7th overall.
Lauren Carr – picture by Steve Carr
Under-20 athlete Lauren Carr ran in the 100m hurdles, finishing first and taking the title of South West Champion.
The club’s seniors, meanwhile, took to the undulating trails of the Haldon Forest Flyer, organised by the Haldon Trail Runners and taking in five miles of forest tracks, paths and fire roads.
From left at the Forest Flyer are Shaun Kirk, Antony Waters, Dani Waters, Mark Holman, Roger Webb, Vince Langdon and Ray Tedstone
Ray Tedstone was the first SDAC racer home in 58m 29s, thirty seconds ahead of first club lady Dani Waters. The rest of the yellow contingent was Shaun Kirk (39m 06s), Antony Waters (41m 37s), Vince Langdon (46m 46s), Mark Holman (51m 24s) and Roger Webb (53m 43s).
Shaun Kirk now leads the men’s standings in the club’s annual Grand Prix competition, with George Holman second and Neil Jordain third.
Dani Waters is the women’s front-runner from Kerry Bell and Cherry Powell.