Due to losing the track to redevelopment and subsequently Covid striking, BRAT last held a licenced athletics open event on June 26th 2013, so the Field Fest on 11th September was quite a momentous occasion for the club.
65 athletes (including 41 BRATs) from 17 different clubs took part in the 12 field events which were laid on, resulting in 107 entries overall on the day. Athletes had travelled from as far afield as Aberdare, Windsor and Trafford to take part!
The U11’s took part in a triathlon which comprised of Long Jump, Howler and Speedbounce (and medals), while the U13’s – U20’s could do up to three events which consisted of Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin, Discus, Hammer and Shot.
Although the day started with a deep set autumnal mist, the weather held and it was a pleasant temperature. The coffee van was early and the ice-cream van got lost, but the day itself ran very smoothly thanks to the behind the scenes organisation of Richard Carney.
There were an astounding 51 PBs on the day, and some athletes competed in events for the first time which is great. Taking part in a friendly atmosphere on home turf is an ideal way to start an athletics journey.
We’re extremely grateful to all the officials from other clubs (Wolves, Leamington and Birchfield) and for the use of their EDM machine and 500g javelins, because without them the event could not have taken place. In addition, thank you to all who volunteered throughout the day, the parents for registering and bringing the athletes, and to the athletes themselves who competed.
We would love to hold more open events next season, but as Colin keeps banging on, we need more officials – please let him know if you’re interested. BRAT are back on the map as serious contenders in the HoE and Senior League, let’s get back on the map as a great place to come for Open Meets!!
