Saturday saw a large BRAT turnout in Sutton Park for the Midland 6 and 12 Stage Road Relays and Junior 5km Road Champs. Ages ranged from under 13’s to over-65’s showcasing the range of membership we have.
The spring weather was at it’s liveliest with four seasons in one day but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of everyone taking part.
First up were the Junior 5km races which score on a cross country basis from the first three athletes across the line in each age group. BRAT were well represented across the age groups bagging silverware in the U13 boys –
Ollie Knight 3rd Individual and backed up by Ben Eden and Jospeh Baker scooped the team silver medal as well. They actually missed the gold medal by one point on count-back. Further success was added by the U15 boys – Elliot Dawlatly 1st Individual and backed up by Joshua Taylor and Evan Tomlinson also secured the team gold.
Next up came the senior relay races with 6 stages for the women and 12 stages for the men.
BRAT ladies put on a strong showing with the A-team finishing in a very creditable 14th position, but equally impressive was that we finished three complete teams (one of only three clubs to do so) thanks to all of the hard work behind the scenes before the event.
Not to be outdone the men also completed three complete teams, again one of only three clubs to do so. The C-Team finished in 50th place with the B-team securing qualification for the National final in two weeks in 25th place. But the high drama was taking place at the front. After a very tightly fought race all of the way, the BRAT A-team was sitting in 4th place after 10 legs but over 2minutes behind Notts AC in 3rd. Some superb running on leg 11 by Adam Hill saw the deficit reduced to 40seconds and Charlie Davis ran a blistering 15:06 on the final leg (2nd fastest overall from all clubs on the day) to ease us into the bronze medal position over a minute clear of Notts and also comfortably securing a place in the National final.
Mention must also go to Joseph Tuffin who powered to a 25:48 long leg (on leg 4) which was the fastest long stage of the day.
Thanks to Sandeep, Helen Pike and Chris Davy for providing “lead bike” services and Chris also managed to fit in a run leg to complete the C-Team.
Event photos here thanks to Toby Gosnall
https://www.flickr.com/photos/birmingham_rowheath_ac/albums/72177720315672377/with/53611331513