St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, celebrated its 175 anniversary commemoration with an Athletics Meet last week, which was hosted in partnership with the British Milers Club (BMC). Held at the Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track, the event saw over 170 athletes from across the UK, with 105 personal bests achieved in middle-distance races ranging from 800m to 3000m.
The evening began with local primary schools competing, and students received medals from international athletes, and Olympians including Adelle Tracey, Steph Twell, Andrew Osagie, Andy Vernon and Jack Rowe. Senior races began at 7pm, where 19 races took place, organised in partnership with the BMC, the premier club for middle-distance running in the UK.
Cash prizes were awarded to women’s and men’s 800m and 1500m A races, provided by the generous sponsorships of More Space, Athlete Mannies and Nannies, and Purdue Performance.
St Mary’s Endurance Performance Centre (EPC), an England Athletics Talent Hub, was strongly represented, where Joe Wigfield broke Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track record and won the overall time bonus and several athletes achieving podium finishes.
- Men’s 1500m A – Joe Wigfield, 1st
- Men’s 1500m A – Sam Charig, 2nd
- Women’s 3000m A – Mia Waldmann, 1st
- Women’s 1500m B – Millie Jordan-Lee, 1st
- Men’s 3000m B – Samuel Stevens, 1st
- Men’s 3000m C – Semi Mokenen, 1st
- Men's 3000m C - Caleb O'Neill, 2nd
- Women’s 1500m C – Orla Gregor, 3rd
- Women’s 800m C – Hannah Clark, 1st
- Men’s 800m F – Luca Hamblen, 1st
- Men’s 800m E – Oliver Emment, 2nd
The event was open to the public, and saw strong community support, including alumni and Olympians Dave Bedford and Ross Murray who were also in attendance. The support the event received highlights St Mary’s University and the EPC’s contribution to GB distance running.
Andrew Reid-Smith, Head of Sport at St Mary’s University said: “This was a special part of our 175th anniversary that involved athletes from playground to podium. The St Mary’s track looked stunning, and the athletes and the crowd inspired each other, to provide an exciting atmosphere and quick times.”
Craig Winrow, EPACC and Performance Coach at St Mary’s University said: “Thank you to all athletes, spectators and staff for an amazing night of athletics. There where so many great races and PB’s being run all being cheered on from our current and past Olympians. This was a night to remember, and we look forward to this event becoming even bigger next year.”
Tim Brennan, Co-Chairman and race organiser of the BMC, added: “It was wonderful to have a BMC meeting at St Mary’s and it must be said that everything came together brilliantly thanks to the organisation of the University and the wonderful weather we were blessed with. The result was a lot of happy athletes, with over 60% running personal bests. The quality was fantastic, a highlight being ten men breaking the 3:40 barrier. A huge thanks to St Mary’s and the event sponsors.”
Full results.