In 2014, British Athletics launched the Club: Connect initiative, with the objective of recognising and rewarding significant contributions made by clubs in supporting athletes through all levels of their athletics journey.
In recognition of our relay teams success this season, Club: Connect invited seven Sale Harriers relay teams to the Muller International Diamond League competition in Birmingham on Sunday 18th August 2019. Unfortunately, it conflicted with the Northern Championship and resulted in the club only being able to enter four teams. Competing against some of the fastest junior relay teams in the country, there was a lot of pressure on our young athletes; especially as the winning teams would each receive £250 for their club.
The U13 girls were first up and included Setira Reed, Thea Brown, Tia Grover and Holly Garner. Our first runner was Setira, who despite being given lane six stormed round the bend and handed over to Thea in first place, Thea then powered down the back straight to handover to Tia with a 10m lead. Tia maintained the lead around the bend and handed to fourth runner, Holly, who sprinted through the finish line in a time of 51.80 seconds, which was 1.44 seconds ahead of the other teams. Not only did the U13 girls convincingly win the race, they smashed their own club record for the second time this season and won £250 for the club.
Next up were the U13 boys who consisted of Joshua Eme, Theo May, Tolu Adeyemi and Prince Mendes. It was a great start with Joshua and Theo powering the team to second place. Despite Tolu gaining on the team in the lead, it all went wrong on the final handover and resulted in Sale Harriers sadly finishing last.
Our U17 boys were next up to race and included Sam Worthington, Lazarus Benjamin, Joseph Herbert and Ben Basten. Despite Lazarus and Joseph being first years, the lads ran a season best of 44.46 seconds, which is faster than any other Sale Harriers U17 boys squad since 2014.
Finally, it was the turn of the U20 women’s team, consisting of Bria Bullard, Ruka Shonibare, Amy Mollard and Charlotte Mairs. Despite a valiant effort from all four ladies, they finished a respectable third, in a time of 50.31 seconds.
For the rest of the day, the athletes were able to relax and get inspired watching international athletes break world records. It will be a day they will all remember for the rest of their lives.
Congratulations to all athletes who competed.
Carl Worthington (Team Manager)