After the unbelieveably good Summer to date we reverted to type today for day 1 of the National Track and Field Championships at rain swept Morton Stadium. The club`s field eventers were at the business end of proceedings throughout the day with the throwers in particular shining in the wet conditions. Luke Mangan took gold in the U/23 35lbs. for height with a best of 5.50m and then took bronze in the senior shot putt with 14.22m. Silver in that event went to Tomas Rauktys (15.35m) who continues his excellent form this season. Silver also in the high jump for Marcin Klinkzow who was joint 2nd with 1.95m. Clonliffe`s first ladies medal of the 2010 championships came courtesy of javelin thrower Denise Byrne taking bronze with a throw of 36.56m. So a good start 5 medals: 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
On the track in today`s finals Leah Moore was just out of the medals ,4th in the 200m (24.79). Sergiu Ciobanu was also in that unlucky position in the 10,000 (30:11.47). Ailish McDermott had a good run in the 5,000m 9th in 18:25.73.
Safely through to tomorrow`s mens 1500m final after a good run today is Aidan Bailey, however, Brett Paine and Mark McDonald were eliminated. Unfortunately the same fate was to befall both Stephen Harkness and Graham Mahon in the 800.
Meanwhile at the British Grand Prix in Gateshead this evening Alistair Cragg was 13th in a world class 5,000m in a time of 13:21.66. Alistair is due on the 5,000 start line in Morton tomorrow, hope he makes that plane!!