Somer Athletic Club recently held its yearly presentation evening at the Centurion Hotel. Members of the club were able to forgo their running gear and ‘dress up’ for a change, as they were treated to a three-course meal, followed by a disco to burn off the extra calories consumed earlier that evening!

A raffle was held, with proceeds donated to Alzeimer’s Research UK, Somer’s charity for the year 2020. This charity is close to Somer’s heart, as one of our Somer family of runners is living with this condition. The charity also has strong links with the parkrun movement. (Somer will be raising money for this charity as well by donating some of the monies received from the entry fee charged for their ‘Jack and Jill’ 10k multi-terrain, which takes place from the Que Club, Haydon, on Sunday, 10th May).

At the presentation evening, a variety of prizes were awarded to club members.

The Club Championship Shield saw strong competition this year with club members awarded points for their ‘age graded’ finishing positions in selected races throughout the year. The winners are the male and female who gain most points. This year, both winners won by just one point!

The winner of the Men’s trophy was Peter Green, with Paul Newman in second place and Dave Keogh, third. Peter’s win was even more spectacular, as he was not able to take part in races in the latter part of the year due to illness.

The winner of the Ladies trophy was Teresa Lovern, with Victoria Ratcliffe second and Claire Fennell third. This was a fitting win for Teresa, who has just been selected to run for England at the Fleet Half Marathon!

Other award winners – Chairman’s Trophy (Ladies): Kim Keogh, Chairman’s Trophy (Male): Jason Nash, Athlete of the Year (Ladies): Beth Merrick, Athlete of the Year (Male): Dave Keogh, Dedication Award: Duncan Davison, Most Improved: Pauline Wheeler, Odd couple: Scott and Joe, Cheerleader of the Year: Des Rabbitts, Good Sport prize: Jeremy Smart.

Previously, Somer AC juniors held their own awards presentation, with

the following awards being given. The Somer AC Ambassador Prize (for the person who demonstrates attributes such as being happy and enthusiastic, being kind, trying hard and getting involved with athletics outside of club), went to Eddie Wall and Jessica Smart.

Athlete of the Year (Female): Eloise Crump, Athlete of the Year (Male): Isaac Davis, Best Newcomers: Serenna Broderick and Sonny Green, Most im- proved 800m: Amy King and Isaac Davies, Most improved Bleep Test Level: Emily Hildrew and Liam Skidmore.

Somer AC meet at Norton Hill School on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For further details, see: www.somerac.org.uk