SUCCESS IN NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR DRONFIELD RC

Dronfield Running Club have qualified for Round 2 of the England Athletics Virtual Road Relays.

The relays, held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, attracted a total of 2,455 competitors, making up qualifying submissions from 128 clubs. Athletes were invited to submit 5 mile race efforts ‘virtually’ with the fastest 4 male and female times making up a clubs overall eight leg score. The fastest 50 clubs across the country would qualify for Round 2.

Dronfield’s place in round two was confirmed with an overall time of 3:54:28 – finishing in 15th place nationally.

Having been formed in in the spring of 2020, and achieving affiliation with England Athletics later that year, this is the first club competition of any form that Dronfield RC has had opportunity to take part in.

Commenting on the success, Club Chairman, Liam Turner said:

“These relays, in their traditional format, are a big fixture in the racing calendar and attract some very fast athletes from some well-established and highly decorated athletics clubs. Our aim was simply to qualify for round two, so to finish 15th is a fantastic achievement!"

Dronfield’s 15th placed finish was supported by a raft of impressive times from across the local region with Steel City Striders (33rd) and Totley AC (49th) also qualifying for Round 2. Strong submissions were also made by Sheffield RC, North Derbyshire RC, Hillsborough & Rivelin RC and Wingerworth Wobblers.

The full and final results from Round 1 can be found here

Round 2 is to be held 12th-15th February and the overall winners will then be invited to represent England against the winning equivalents from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.