Junior Section Annual Report for 2021
As COVID-19 continued to dictate the early part of 2021 with an ongoing lockdown in place, many of our Juniors defied to be beaten and carried on running one way or another, which was pleasing to see. As restrictions thankfully started to ease, March saw the return of the Monday and Wednesday night Junior training sessions at the Cricket Club, and over the latter half of the year we witnessed a steady increase in attendance particularly at the Monday sessions, which allowed us to divide the group in to three, based on ability, with Lucas Willson continuing to lead one, as part of his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Going forward this year, we hope to be able to actively recruit new Junior members through various advertising campaigns.
During the first half of the year, we saw a number of Juniors competing in some of the virtual events organised by the Club, including the Grand Prix 1 and 2 mile, plus the 5K races, and all achieving some excellent times. In July the Harriers hosted the Staffs Knot 5 Mile race, which saw 3 juniors participating, and September the 5K Time Trial made a return, with four Juniors competing against the seniors. Well done to all who participated in these various events.
In October we had two teams of four running in the 4 x 1 Mile Relays at Rowley Park, all putting in some great performances and times, and for some, this was the first event where they had run competitively. A big well done to all and thanks to everyone that helped out at this event.
2021 also saw our older Juniors make the transition to the adult training sessions as well as begin to participate in senior races, and on behalf of the Junior Coaches, I would like to thank our senior members for the welcome, support and encouragement they have provided to these young adults.
The autumn saw the return of the darker nights and the Club kindly provided funding for the purchase of two high power battery operated LED work lights and stands, which provided greatly improved lighting conditions on the grass, particularly when floodlighting from the nearby football club was not in use. These lights are currently being used on the Monday and Wednesday sessions.
The Club has been fortunate to receive some funding from Together Active, some of which has been allocated for use with Juniors, primarily those who have been affected by COVID in some way, and some thought has been given as to how this money will be spent, for example, the purchase of training kit, cross country spikes and advertising.
Fun Runs
We are aware of our Juniors competing in just one Fun Run last year in September, that being the Stafford Half Marathon Fun Run, the 1 mile event around the town centre. Abe Langford ran with his dad Al, and Male Team Captain Ed Smith also ran with his granddaughters, and I understand the adults were well and truly beaten – so well done all!
Park Runs
July saw the return of the Park Runs with Mazie Harper, Finley Summers, Ben Green, Matthew Hilsdon, Lucas and Reuben Willson and Shauna and Murphy Hamilton all actively running in these weekly events, putting in some fantastic performances, and many achieving PB’s, which set them up nicely for the Cross Country season.
Pete Hodgett’s Memorial Handicap Races
The Club was able to put on three of the Pete Hodgett’s Memorial Handicap events during 2021, and for each one, we saw a Junior winning the race – in June Matthew Hilsdon, September Reuben Willson and December Jack Dawson. A big well done to all three who ran in this race, as always, providing some stiff competition for the adults.
Cross Country Races
Last year the four North Staffs Cross Country Races made a return, and we were able to provide a good contingent of Juniors to represent the Harriers. Held at Betley Court Farm, Stafford Common and Park Hall we saw typically 13 or 14 running across the various age categories. A big well done to all that ran in these races as the quality and calibre of runners from other Clubs is often high.
Finally, after what has been another different and tricky year, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the Juniors who have continued to support and run with the Club, as well as to the Junior Coaches for their continued dedication, hard work, support and encouragement, without whom, we would not have a Junior Section.
Junior Section Report for December 2021
Sunday, 12th December
Harriers Handicap
We had five Juniors running in this festive event, as follows:
| Name | Position | Net Time |
| Jack Dawson | 1 | 28:50 |
| Lucas Willson | 2 | 24:20 |
| Jack Heath | 9 | 28:02 |
| Ben Green | 19 | 30:39 |
| Reuben Willson | 20 | 33:10 |
Congratulations to Jack Dawson for winning the race who collected his prize and trophy back at the Cricket Club afterwards.
Saturday, 18th December
North Staffs Cross Country League – Betley Court Farm
We had fourteen Juniors running in this final North Staffs event, as follows. Results taken from the AV Timing Website – unfortunately only showing for teams of 3 or more.
Under 11 Girls – 2K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Shauna Hamilton | Not published | Not published |
| Sharna Burbridge | Not published | Not published |
Under 11 Boys – 2K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Bran Fraser | Not published | Not published |
Under 13 Girls – 2K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Maizie Harper | 19 | 7:54 |
| Willow Heath | 30 | 9:15 |
| Asha Willson | 31 | 9:26 |
Finishing Team Position: 7th
Under 13 Boys – 3.5K
Team Position: 7
| Name | Position | Time |
| Jack Dawson | 10 | 12:18 |
| Trek Vaughan | 26 | 13:49 |
| Finley Summers | 31 | 15:51 |
Finishing Team Position: 5th
Under 15 Boys – 4.5K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | Not published | Not published |
| Reuben Willson | Not published | Not published |
Under 17 Boys – 5K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 13 | 19:51 |
| Jack Heath | 17 | 22:42 |
| Ben Green | 19 | 23:56 |
Finishing Team Position: 4th
Well done to everyone who ran in this event.
Some of our Juniors have continued to compete in the local Park Runs with Lucas Willson beating his previous month’s PB, achieving an excellent time of 18:55 – well done Lucas!
Finally, after what has been another challenging year, the Junior Coaches would like to thank all of the Juniors for their fantastic efforts, hard work and achievements during 2021, whether that has been training with the Club, on your own, participating in virtual races from home or even entering real ones, and we wish them all and their parents the very best for 2022, hoping next year sees the return to some form of normality, and of course some real races.
Junior Section Report for November 2021
November has been a quiet month generally for the Juniors, with little or no races to report on.
Some of our Juniors have continued to participate in the local Park Runs, all putting in some great times and performances. On the 13th November at Marquis Drive, Finley Summers ran his first Park Run on his own, without his Dad by his side, and managed to achieve a PB in a time of 25:30 – well-done Fin! The following week Lucas Willson ran a PB also at Marquis Drive, in an excellent time of 18:57 – well done Lucas!
The Monday night training sessions have continued to attract a consistent attendance of typically between 20 and 25, and are split into several groups based on their ability. As part of his Silver Duke of Edinburgh scheme, Lucas Willson has started to take a session for a small number of Juniors, which is proving to be popular.
The Club has provided funding for the purchase of two high power battery operated LED work lights and stands, which provides greatly improved lighting conditions on the grass, particularly when floodlighting from the footballers is not in use. These are being used on the Monday and Wednesday sessions.
Junior Section Report for October 2021
Saturday, 2nd October
4 x 1 Mile Relays, Rowley Park
We had two teams of four running in this event, all putting in some great performances and times, and for some this was the first event where they had run competitively. A big well done to all and thanks to everyone that helped out at this event.
Saturday, 16th October
2nd North Staffs Cross Country Race, Stafford Common
We had 14 Juniors running on home ground, on what turned out to be a sunny autumnal afternoon, as follows:-
Under 11 Girls
| Name | Position | Time |
| Shauna Hamilton | 5 | 5:49 |
| Evie Doris Dawson | 21 | 6:56 |
| Sharna Burbridge | 24 | 7:21 |
Total number of finishers: 25 U11 Girls Current Position: 5th
Under 13 Girls
| Name | Position | Time |
| Mazie Harper | 14 | 6:16 |
| Willow Heath | 21 | 6:54 |
| Asha Willson | 23 | 7:19 |
Total number of finishers: 26 U13 Girls Current Position: 5th
Under 13 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Jack Dawson | 9 | 10:39 |
| Trek Vaughan | 22 | 11:36 |
| Finley Summers | 29 | 13:02 |
Total number of finishers: 30 U13 Boys Current Position: 4th
Under 15 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | 12 | 15:41 |
| Reuben Willson | 20 | 19:13 |
Total number of finishers: 21
Under 17 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 7 | 20:02 |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 15 | 21:04 |
| Ben Green | 21 | 24:26 |
Total number of finishers: 21 U17 Boys Current Position: 4th
Saturday, 30th October
3rd North Staffs Cross Country Race, Park Hall
We had 13 Juniors running in this event, on what turned out to be once again a sunny autumnal afternoon, as follows:-
Under 11 Girls
| Name | Position | Time |
| Shauna Hamilton | 8 | 9:10 |
| Sharna Burbridge | 25 | 10:49 |
Total number of finishers: 28
Under 11 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Bran Fraser | 16 | 10:58 |
Total number of finishers: 27
Under 13 Girls
| Name | Position | Time |
| Mazie Harper | 11 | 10:07 |
| Asha Willson | 26 | 13:07 |
Total number of finishers: 28
Under 13 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Jack Dawson | 8 | 10:15 |
| Trek Vaughan | 26 | 11:38 |
| Finley Summers | 35 | 18:22 |
Total number of finishers: 35 U13 Boys Current Position: 5th
Under 15 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | 7 | 10:31 |
| Reuben Willson | 19 | 13:17 |
Total number of finishers: 20
Under 17 Boys
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 12 | 23:22 |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 16 | 24:07 |
| Ben Green | 22 | 27:40 |
Total number of finishers: 24 U17 Boys Current Position: 5th
Despite the darker nights, attendance at the Monday and Wednesday night training sessions at the Cricket Club has been good – on Monday nights which is the busier of the two, we have recently split the youngsters in to two groups, based on their ability, which allows for more focussed and individual coaching. Some of our older Juniors Matthew Hilsdon, Lucas Willson and Ben Green, have now transitioned up to the Tuesday night Speed sessions, running with the adults, which has been very encouraging to see. Well done all and keep up the hard work!
Outside of the Harriers we have seen continued participation at the local Park Runs, by some of the Juniors, all putting in excellent performances and times, and some have ran in the Schools Cross-Country events – well done all!
Junior Section Report for September 2021
Wednesday, 1st September
Staffs Knot 5 Mile
Matthew Hilsdon, Ben Green and Lucas Willson all ran in this event, organised and put on by Stafford Harriers, this being the first one in two years, and the first time the three of them had ran in the senior race.
| Name | Position | Time |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 54 | 34:58 |
| Lucas Willson | 55 | 35:03 |
| Ben Green | 110 | 39:28 |
A big well done to all who took part, achieving some excellent times and positions.
Wednesday, 15th September
Harriers 5K Time Trial
After almost two years, the 5K Time Trial was back at Castlefields, which took place as previously, along the disused railway track. This time we had four Juniors running.
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 3 | 19:49 |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 4 | 19:52 |
| Ben Green | 11 | 22:38 |
| Reuben Willson | 14 | 24:55 |
It was very pleasing to see none of the Juniors had lost their speed, in fact the opposite, all producing some fantastic times!
Saturday, 18th September
North Staffs Cross Country League – Betley Court Farm
With the return of the NSCCL this year, there was a new venue – Betley Court Farm, a lovely rural course, on what turned out to be a warm sunny afternoon. We had seven Juniors running as follows.
Under 11 Boys – 2K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Bran Fraser | 14 | 7:26 |
Under 13 Girls – 2K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Maizie Harper | 9 | 6:57 |
Under 13 Boys – 3.5K
Team Position: 7
| Name | Position | Time |
| Jack Dawson | 8 | 11:39 |
| Finley Summers | 33 | 14:50 |
| Trek Vaughan | 34 | 14:53 |
Under 17 Boys – 5K
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 9 | 19:31 |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 11 | 19:44 |
Well done to everyone who ran in this event, for some this was their first time running against others outside of the Harriers.
Sunday, 19th September
Stafford Half Fun Run
Abe Langford ran with his dad Al, in this 1 mile event around the town centre, and Male Team Captain Ed Smith ran with his granddaughters, and I understand Lexi beat her grandad – well done all!
Thursday, 30th September
Harriers Handicap
On what turned out to be a dark and wet night, we had three Juniors running as follows:
| Name | Position | Net Time |
| Reuben Willson | 1 | 31:07 |
| Lucas Willson | 2 | 23:38 |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 4 | 25:33 |
Congratulations to Reuben for winning the race and being just one second (by gross time) in front of his older brother Lucas, and well done to Matthew as well for finishing in fourth place.
A few of our Juniors have continued to take part in the various Saturday morning Park Runs, achieving some excellent times. For the one that took place on 25th September at the Cannock Chase venue, we had some finishing in the top five and for Lucas Willson, this was his 100th Park Run – that’s amazing Lucas, well done!
We have seen a steady increase in Juniors attending the Monday night training sessions at the Cricket Club, with some new faces coming along, which has been encouraging to see.
NSCCL Race 1
U11 Female
No Harriers ran
U11 Male
| Pos | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Bran Fraser | 7:26 |
U13 Female
| Pos | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Maisie Harper | 6:57 |
U13 Male
| Pos | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Jack Dawson | 11:39 |
| 33 | Finley Summers | 14:50 |
| 34 | Trek Vaughan | 14:53 |
U15 Female
No Harriers ran
U15 Male
No Harriers ran
U17 Female
No Harriers ran
U17 Male
| Pos | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Lucas Willson | 19:31 |
| 10 | Matthew Hilsdon | 19:44 |
time trial 5k
15th September 2021
The following juniors took part.
| First Name | Surname | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lucas | Willson | 19:49 |
| Matthew | Hilsdon | 19:52 |
| Ben | Green | 22:28 |
| Reuben | Willson | 24:55 |
Junior Section Report for August 2021
Covid aside, August is traditionally a quiet month for the Juniors and races, with many people away on holiday, and therefore we are not aware of any participation in virtual or physical events other than some Park Runs.
We have however over the last month continued to witness reasonable attendance at the Monday and Wednesday Junior training sessions held at the Cricket Club, which has been pleasing to see, and we have got some names down for the North Staffs Cross Country races due to start later this month.
Junior Section Report for July 2021
Once again July appears to have been a quiet month for our Juniors, and we are not aware of any competing in races both virtual and physical, however, the Park Run finally made its welcome return and some were eager to participate in these events, which has been encouraging to see. Running with his dad in the Cannock Chase event last Saturday, Jack Heath finished in 9th position, achieving a PB in a time of 19:39. Also running was Mazie Harper who finished in 67th position and in a time of 24:39. In the previous week’s Park Run were Jack Heath and Ben Green, finishing in times of 19:43 and 23:02 respectively. Congratulations to Mazie, Ben and Jack for participating in these recent events, and for representing Stafford Harriers, and please keep up the excellent work!
In terms of attendance over the last month, it has been fairly consistent at the Monday and Wednesday Junior training sessions held at the Cricket Club, although this is expected to drop off during August due to the holiday season, but then pick up once again during September.
Junior Section Report for June 2021
Attendance on the Monday night sessions have steadily risen during June, with last week seeing 26 Juniors down at the Cricket Club, which is pleasing to see. Hopefully this number will continue to climb as further easing of restrictions take place during July.
17th June 2021
Harriers Handicap
On a dry summer’s evening four of our Juniors ran in this event held at Marquis Drive, along with the seniors, with two of them racing home to take first and second place as follows:
| Name | Position | Time |
| Matthew Hilsdon | 1 | 24:16 |
| Ben Green | 2 | 27:54 |
| Jack Heath | 8 | 26:29 |
| Reuben Willson | 14 | 32:31 |
A big well done to Matthew for winning the race and of course to Ben, Jack and Reuben for putting in some fantastic effort and times.
Finlay Summers has been running in the low key un-official Park Run (believed to be the Stafford one) over the last month or so, well done Fin, and keep up the great work!
Junior Section Report for May 2021
May has been a very quiet month for the Juniors in terms of virtual races, in fact, we are not aware of anyone participating in any as such.
The Junior Grand Prix races continue to be available during June, and we would encourage our Juniors to take part in these as they provide some great friendly competition, and we would recommend you give them a try. Please see the website for more details and of course do follow the rules that can also be found on the website. We look forward to seeing how you all get on.
As part of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme, Lucas Willson has continued to help out on Monday night Junior sessions and has shown some excellent coaching skills and is now setting parts of the session. Well done Lucas.
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Junior Section Report for April 2021
Through April we’ve seen a few of our Juniors competing in the Harriers Grand Prix Virtual Races, as follows:
Race 1, 5K (March 29th – 4th April)
| Name | Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | 21:24 |
Well done Murphy for putting in a great performance and time, and for being 14 seconds faster than the Knighton 5K race you ran in!
Race 2, 1 mile (5th – 11th April 2021)
| Name | Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | 6:08 |
| Ben Green | 6:27 |
| Shauna Hamilton | 7:32 |
| Finley Summers | 7:56 |
A massive well done to everyone who put in some excellent times!
With the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night sessions now back up and running at the Cricket Club, we have seen some good attendance by the Juniors, eager to get back to training, with the younger ones on a Monday evening and the older ones starting to attend the faster Tuesday speed sessions. The latter has pushed them a little further and helped to improve their running, training with some of the faster seniors.
As part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, Lucas Willson has started to help coaching the younger juniors on the Monday night sessions. Lucas has already proven to be of help with him taking some of the warm-up and cool down stretches.
grand prix race 4
19th to 25th April 2021
No juniors took part in the 3 mile run.
grand Prix Race 3
12th to 18th April 2021
No juniors took part in the 2 mile run.
grand prix race 2
5th to 11th April 2021
| Name | 1 Mile |
|---|---|
| MURPHY HAMILTON | 6:08 |
| BEN GREEN | 6:27 |
| SHAUNA HAMILTON | 7:32 |
| FINLEY SUMMERS | 7:56 |
Grand Prix Race 1
29th March to 4th April
| Name | 5K Time |
| Murphy Hamilton | 21:24 |
Junior Section Report for March 2021
March, on the whole, has been a quiet month for our Juniors, however, we are aware of some having continued to participate in some of the virtual races, as follows:
Knighton 5K (11th – 16th March)
Murphy Hamilton put in a great performance, finishing in 2nd place, with a time of 21:38. A massive well done to Murphy, and keep up the fantastic work!
Harriers Grand Prix 8 Mile (15th – 21st March)
Lucas Willson stormed home in first place, well ahead of a field that was dominated by seniors, with a time of 1:04:28. Great running Lucas, well done, and keep raising the bar!
Both Murphy and Lucas are fine examples that show by putting in the hard work and continuing to train, week in week out, does pay off with some excellent race times. Well done guys!
With the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night sessions now starting back up during April and beyond, it will hopefully be good to see some of the Juniors down at the Cricket Club, training together once again.
Harriers grand Prix
15th to 21st March 2021
| Name | 8 Mile |
| LUCUS WILLSON | 1:04:28 |
Junior Section Report for February 2021
As far as we are aware, February has seen some of our Juniors participate in just the Harriers Grand Prix 4 mile race, which took place between 8th and 14th February.
| Name | Position | Time |
| Lucas Willson | 7 | 31:16 |
| Ben Green | 11 | 34:28 |
| Reuben Willson | 12 | 36:00 |
A big well done to Lucas, Ben and Reuben for putting in some excellent times. Keep up the good work!
Harriers grand prix
22nd to 28th February 2021
| Name | 6 Mile |
| BEN GREEN | 1:00:41 |
HARRIERS GRAND PRIX RACE 6
8th to 14th February 2021
| Name | 4 Mile |
|---|---|
| LUCAS WILLSON | 31:16 |
| BEN GREEN | 34:28 |
| REUBEN WILLSON | 36:00 |
Harriers Grand Prix Race 4
25th to 31st January 2021
| Name | 5 Km |
|---|---|
| LUCAS WILLSON | 20:55 |
| BEN GREEN | 23:26 |
| REUBEN WILLSON | 27:35 |
Harriers Grand Prix Race 3
18th to 24th January 2021
| Name | 2 Mile |
|---|---|
| FINLAY SUMMERS | 15:56 |
Harriers Grand Prix Race 2
11th to 17th January 2021
| Name | 1 Mile |
|---|---|
| LUCAS WILLSON | 6:26 |
| BEN GREEN | 6:38 |
| MATTHEW HILSDON | 7:05 |
| REUBEN WILLSON | 7:32 |
| FINLAY SUMMERS | 7:34 |