Gold for Molly in Northern champs

Derby Athletic Club U20 distance runner Molly Hudson was delighted to win gold in her 800m race at the Northern Athletics Championships over the weekend of 1-2 June.

The open event, for U20 and senior athletes, was held at Sport City in Manchester. Victory in the Derbyshire County Championships earlier this month assured competitors of a place at the Manchester event. Molly ran well in a good field to finish in gold medal position with a time of 2:13.43.

In the sprints, Lauren Blakey (U20) and her sister Ella (senior) competed for DAC alongside U20 athlete Florence Beedie. The competition was tough and Florence came fourth in her heat of the 100m, in a strong time of 12.57, but not making the final.

Lauren came sixth in her 200m heat, running 26.74, while Ella came second in her 100m heat in a PB of 12.11, then coming fifth in a strong field in the final. In the 200m final she came fourth in 24.91, after setting a PB of 24.90 in the heat.

The meeting was also memorable for DAC volunteer Bemigho Etuwewe, who, after two days’ hard work as a Field Judge at the event, has gained his Level 2 Officiating Qualification.

• There was a great result for Derby Athletic Club runner Ben Connor, who finished an impressive fourth in the London Vitality 10k in 29.07. The event, on Bank Holiday Monday, was won by one Mo Farah in 28.15, with Andy Butchart and Nick Goolab in second and third place.  Ben has followed up that impressive result by getting selected to run for Great Britain in the European Cup 10k in London on July 6.