GB CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – SEASON 106 OFFICIAL PREVIEW

By Justin Lane, Chief Athletics Correspondent

The showpiece event of the British athletics calendar is almost upon us. On Wednesday evening, Palm Face Park will host the Season 106 Club National Championships, where the nation's leading clubs will battle across 48 individual disciplines for the most prestigious team title in the game.

As the entry deadline approaches, the picture is beginning to emerge. Ten clubs have already declared full line-ups, several others appear settled on selective squads, while a handful of traditional powerhouses are yet to reveal their intentions. The result is a fascinating championship that could yet take several twists before the first starting gun fires.

HACKSAWS CHASING HISTORY

All eyes inevitably turn towards Hacksaws. The reigning champions have won the last three Club National Championships and are seeking a remarkable fourth consecutive crown. Their recent dominance has established them as the benchmark club in British athletics, and although they are yet to declare their squad, few believe they will miss the opportunity to defend their title.

Hacksaws are notorious for late entries and occasionally deploy athletes in events outside their usual specialisms. A thrower may appear in a different throwing discipline, a jumper may switch events, and sprint talent is often used creatively. Until entries are published it is impossible to know their exact plans, but history suggests a strong squad should eventually appear.

Cesar Paixao of the Hacksaws in the 100m

THE CHALLENGERS ARE FORMING

If Hacksaws remain favourites, they are unlikely to have things their own way.

Weymouth Bay Sharks have already entered a complete squad and possess one of the strongest recent championship records in the country. Between Seasons 95 and 102 they lifted five CNC titles and remain the most successful challenger to the current Hacksaws dynasty.

Iron Road Runners have quietly emerged as perhaps the most significant development of the current entry list. Champions in Seasons 98 and 100, they have now declared a full team and arrive with the highest average form among the leading clubs. Many observers will see them as the biggest threat to Hacksaws should the defending champions fail to produce their strongest line-up.

Bumble Bees AC, champions in Season 96, have also submitted a complete squad and boast strength across multiple disciplines. Alongside BRC, Risca Harriers AAC, Caledonian, Kubes, Leeds United AC, Kings Park Harriers and Heworth Harriers, they form a substantial group of clubs capable of disrupting the established order.

Victoria Lambert of Weymouth Bay Sharks grabs a drink mid Marathon

THE GREAT UNKNOWN: QUEMERFORD HARRIERS

No club carries a more intriguing storyline than Quemerford Harriers.

Despite their reputation and resources, Quemerford have never won the Club National Championships. More unusually, they have often treated the competition as a development opportunity, using the event to expose younger athletes to elite competition rather than pursuing outright victory.

Whether Season 106 follows that familiar pattern remains to be seen. The club has yet to reveal its plans, and until entries appear, the biggest question of the championship remains unanswered: will Quemerford finally launch a genuine title challenge?

Antonio Smith, Darren Wooderson, Libby Maxwell, and Sarah Roxburgh look to relax whilst others get ready for the CNC

ATHLETES TO WATCH

Although entries are not yet complete, several athletes already stand out among the declared squads.

Sprint Events

Spencer Easton (Bumble Bees AC)
One of the most recognisable names currently entered and a proven performer on the biggest stages. If Bumble Bees are to challenge for the title, Easton is likely to play a significant role.

Middle Distance

Lewis Alan (Caledonian)
Caledonian's squad contains several promising endurance athletes, but Lewis arrives as one of the club's leading hopes in the middle-distance programme.

Long Distance

Craig Robson (BRC)
BRC's distance contingent looks particularly strong, and Robson could be one of the athletes capable of delivering crucial championship points.

Race Walks

Taylor Money (Bumble Bees AC)
The walking events often provide vital team points and Money enters as one of the standout names currently visible in the declarations.

Jumps

Mariano Bidegain (BRC)
Pole vault remains one of the headline field events, and Bidegain's entry immediately catches the eye.

Throws

Grant Houston (Bumble Bees AC)
The throwing programme could prove decisive in the overall standings, with Houston among the leading names currently entered.

Combined Events

Craig Rougvie (Bumble Bees AC)
The combined events frequently shape the final team standings, and Rougvie looks set to play a major role.

Alan Lewis of Caledonian, one of the stand out 1500m runners

WHO HAS SHOWN THEIR HAND?

At the time of writing, full line-ups have been submitted by:

  • BRC
  • Bumble Bees AC
  • Caledonian
  • Heworth Harriers
  • Iron Road Runners
  • Kings Park Harriers
  • Kubes
  • Leeds United AC
  • Risca Harriers AAC
  • Weymouth Bay Sharks

Selective squads have been declared by:

  • Pineapple AC
  • Newcastle Athletic Club
  • Kingstonians
  • Reading Palm Faces
  • Olympians
  • Yellerbellies

Meanwhile Belfast Blitz, E-LDN Surge, Filham Excelsior, Hacksaws, Quemerford Harriers, Springburn Harriers, The Titans and Wacky Racers are among those still capable of dramatically altering the competitive landscape before entries close.

FINAL WORD

The Club National Championships rarely disappoint, and Season 106 appears no exception. The defending champions are chasing history, former winners are assembling strong squads, and several clubs remain hidden behind the curtain waiting to reveal their intentions.

Whether Hacksaws complete a fourth straight triumph, whether Weymouth Bay Sharks or Iron Road Runners can reclaim the crown, or whether an outsider emerges from the pack, one thing is certain: British athletics' biggest night is fast approaching.

Bethan Hutchinson of Weymouth Bat Sharks comes face to face with Hacksaw rival Birgitta Krafft, but who will come out on top when the 2 clubs do battle in the GB CNC

Weather Forecast – Wendy Gust

Clear skies and sunshine are expected over Palm Face Park, providing ideal conditions for athletes and spectators alike as Britain's finest clubs compete for CNC glory.